A SUPPLIANT. 145 



which seems as though stricken into barrenness 

 by some enchantment. The gull and grim raven 

 brood among the cliffs. Yet has the power of 

 enterprise peopled even these wilds, 



Audubon, while lying at anchor, directed his 

 attention one day to the pinnacle of a small 

 island, separated only by a narrow channel from 

 the main land, and beheld a man with clasped 

 hands, bended knees and heavenward gaze, be- 

 fore a mount of rough stones, supporting a 

 wooden cross. This attitude was unmistakably 

 that of prayer, and at once arrested Audubon's 

 attention, awakening that reverential regard 

 which cannot fail to impress the soul in the 

 presence of another, seeking communion with 

 its Creator. In the desolation of these northern 

 lands, moreover, it appeared peculiarly affect- 

 ing, where human creatures far removed from 

 the assistance of their fellow-creatures, in simple 

 confidence sought it in the more immediate 

 agency of an Almighty hand. Audubon felt 

 his curiosity and interest awakened. Landing 

 upon the rock, he scrambled to the spot where 

 he had observed the man upon his knees, who 

 still, on Audubon's approach, continued his devo- 

 tions. On their conclusion Audubon inquired 

 his reasons for choosing so dreary a sanctuary. 



" Because," answered he, " the sea U(^ before 



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