338 LIFE OF AUDUBON. 



the very sight of which might make the hair stand erect on his 

 head ! The thought of being myself placed in such a predica- 

 ment burst upon my mind ; and I hastened' to join my com- 

 panions, beside whom I laid me down and slept, assured that no 

 enemy would approach us without first rousing the dogs, which 

 were growling in fierce dispute over the remains of the cougar. 

 At daybreak we left our camp, the squatter bearing on his 

 shoulders the skin of the late destroyer of his stock, and retraced 

 our steps until we found our horses, which had not strayed far 

 from the place where we left them. These we soon saildled ; 

 and jogging along in a direct course, guided by the sun, con- 

 gratulating each other on the destruction of so formidable a 

 neighbour as the panther had been, we soon arrived at my boat's 

 cabin. The five neighbours partook of such refreshments as the 

 house could afford, and, dispersing, returned to their homes, 

 leaving me to follow my favourite pursuits. 



