100 AUDUBON THE NATUKALIST. 



it proceeded; and instantlj cocked his gun, 

 though unable to perceive the hidden chal- 

 lenger. 



Presently a stout negro emerged from his 

 lurking place, where he had crouched in the 

 brushwood, and repeated his command in a still 

 more threatening tone. 



Audubon perceiving, however, the worthless- 

 ness of the gun which his enemy was about to 

 aim at his breast, forbore to use his own, and 

 only gently tapped his trusty Plato. He had 

 no reason to regret the forbearance, for the ne- 

 gro, instead of endeavouring to take advantage 

 of it, seemed entirely disarmed by such gen- 

 erosity. In answer to Audubon's inquiries, his 

 simple story was soon told, and the energetic de- 

 monstrations of the poor runaway were seemingly 

 fully accounted for by other than guilty motives. 

 In constant apprehension of pursuit, his dread 

 of capture caused him at the least signal of alarm, 

 he said, to stand on the defensive. " Master," 

 he continued, my tale is short and sorrowful. 

 My camp is close by. You cannot reach home 

 to-night. If you will follow me, depend upon 

 my honour that you shall be safe until the morn- 

 ing, when, if you please, I wiU carry your birds 

 for you to the Great Road." As he spoke, the 

 benevolence of his intelligent eyes, with the at- 

 traction of his voice and manner, so assured 



