THE CRITICAL MOMENT. 73 



calling his dog to his side, in a few minutes he 

 feigned a deep slumber, while awaiting the issue 

 of the adventure. In a short time two youths 

 entered, bearing a stag on a pole. Having laid 

 down their burden, they asked for whisky, of 

 which they drank freely, all the while increasing 

 the ferocity of their gestures. 



The mother then spoke in a low tone concern- 

 ing the watch, and a conversation ensued which 

 it was easy to interpret. Audubon then gently 

 tapped his dog, and beheld with indescribable 

 relief the splendid eyes of the faithful animal 

 sagaciously raised, as though aware of the im- 

 pending danger, alternating towards his master 

 and the trio in conversation. The looks of the 

 young Indian, too, reassured him. 



Yet it needed all his fortitude quietly to ob- 

 serve the menacing proceedings, for with sur- 

 prise and horror he beheld the wretch, whose 

 cupidity had been excited by his possessions, 

 take up a large carving knife, and proceed to 

 the grindstone to whet its edge. A sickness of 

 soul crept over him as he observed her sharpen- 

 ing still more and more the deadly instrument 

 with which she was about to take advantage of 

 his defenceless condition. 



Approaching him cautiously, she appeared 

 contemplating the readiest method of dispatch. 



The moment which might, spite his endea- 

 7 



