76 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
s 
ently not far off. Atthe same moment the bark. ° 
ing of dogs fell gratefully on their ears in the soli- 
tude. They exchanged a salute, and no sooner 
had they done so than a pine torch glared across 
the gloom. Without any ceremony of question 
ing, the negro boy by whom it was borne enjoined 
the travellers to follow him. The door of a 
dwelling was soon reached, when a tall fine 
looking young fellow desired them to enter. 
Spite the humble dimensions of the cabin, no 
more inviting refuge could be imagined. It had 
evidently only been recently constructed by the 
inmates, a young couple, who with the amiable 
simplicity of wood-doves, had sought this hum- 
ble shelter in which to tell all the happy tale of 
love. It was built of logs of the tulip tree, 
neatly carved, and slabs of wood, white as snow, 
formed the floor. A large spinning-wheel, with 
rolls of cotton, occupied one corner, and sundry 
garments, its produce, testified the ingenious in- 
dustry of the young matron. A small cupboard 
contained a stock of bright new crockery, in 
dishes, plates, and pans. The table and other fuw 
pieces of furniture shone bright as polished wal- 
nut could be. The only bed it contained was of 
domestic manufacture. A fine rifle ornamented 
the mantel-shelf The ready activity and cheer- 
ful unremitting attention shown by the young 
wife towards the strangers proved the sincerity 
