A MEG MERRILIES OF THE FOREST. 71 
addressed him. He answered by raising his head 
and pointing with his finger to one of his eyes, 
while with the other he gave a significant glance, 
explanatory of the action. His face thus revealed, 
though covered with blood, might be seen, never 
theless, to be unmistakeably handsome, dis 
figured as it was by the accident which, an hour 
before, had impared for ever its singular beauty. 
While discharging an arrow at a racoon in the 
top of a tree, the shaft had split upon the cord, 
and sprung back with such violence in his eye, 
as utterly to destroy it. 
Audubon’s attention was directed next to the 
peculiarly comfortless and barren aspect of his 
strange abode, without a single bed on which to 
recruit his weary limbs; some untanned bear 
and buffalo skins were the only invitation to re- 
pose. As he received no voluntary courtesy 
from his hostess, he was anxious to let her know 
of the hunger of which he was so painfully sen- 
sible himself, and, to propitiate her, drew forth a 
rich watch from his vest. This told, apparently, 
with electric force upon her feelings; for he 
was instantly informed of the existence of cakes, 
venison, and other dainties, from which to make 
an excellent repast. But, first, he was com- 
pelled again to gratify her curiosity by another 
sight of the watch which she beheld in wonder 
She received with ecstasy the gold chain, which 
