THE CRITICAL MOMENT. 73 
calling his dog to his side, in a few minutes he 
feigned a deep slumber, while awaiting the issue 
of the adventure. In a short time two youths 
entered, bearing a stag on a pole. Having Jaid 
down their burden, they asked for whisky, of 
which they drank freely, all the while increasing 
the ferocity of their gestures. 
The mother then spoke in a low tone concern- 
ing the watch, and a conversation ensued which 
it was easy to interpret. Audubon then gently 
tapped his dog, and beheld with indescribable 
relief the splendid eyes of the faithful animal 
sagaciously raised, as though aware of the im 
pending danger, alternating towards his master 
and the trio in conversation. The looks of the 
young Indian, too, reassured him. 
Yet it needed all his fortitude quietly to ob- 
serve the menacing proceedings, for with sur- 
prise and horror he beheld the wretch, whose 
cupidity had been excited by his possessions, 
take up a large carving knife, and proceed to 
the grindstone to whet its edge. A sickness of 
soul crept over him as he observed her sharpen- 
ing still more and more the deadly instrument, 
with which she was about to take advantage of 
his defenceless condition. 
Approaching him cautiously,‘ she appeared 
contemplating the readiest method of dispatch, 
The moment which might, spite his endca- 
7 
