134 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



of bull-frogs in a neighbouring swamp might lull 

 me to rest, and I looked upon the flocks of 

 blackbirds that were assembling as sure com- 

 panions in this secluded retreat. I proceeded 

 up a little stream to insure the safety of mj 

 canoe from any sudden storm, when as I gladly 

 advanced a beautiful yawl came unexpectedly 

 in view. Surprised at such a sight in a part of 

 the country then scarcely known, I felt a sudden 

 check in the circulation of my blood. M}' paddle 

 dropped from my hands, and fearfully indeed, 

 as I picked it up, did I look towards the un- 

 known boat. On reaching it, I saw its sides 

 marked with stains of blood, and looking with 

 anxiety over the gunwale, I perceived to my 

 horror two human bodies covered with gore. 

 Pirates or hostile Indians I was persuaded had 

 perpetrated the foul deed, and my alarm natur- 

 ally 'increased; my heart fluttered, stopped, and 

 heaved with unusual tremors, and I looked to- 

 wards the setting sun in consternation and despair. 

 How long my reveries lasted I cannot tell : I 

 can only recollect that I was roused from them 

 by the distant groans of one apparently in mortal 

 agony. I felt as if refreshed by the cold per- 

 spiration that oozed from every pore, and I re- 

 flected that though alone, I was well armed, and 

 might hope for the protection of the Almighty ! 

 Humanity whispered to me that, if not surprised 



