82 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
Audubon’s ingenuity was put to the test, his 
talents as an artist stood him in good stead 
While on the shores of Upper Canada, his money 
was stolen from him by an adventurer, with all 
the adroitness of a London pickpocket. To cone 
tinue his journey without an increase to his few 
remaining dollars would have been impossible; 
so putting his portfolio under his arm, and a 
few good credentials in his pocket, on reaching 
Meadville, he perambulated the principal streets, 
in the hope that a little pardonable vanity in 
his species, would favor his design, and induce 
many a one to sit for his portrait. Looking to the 
right and the left, he seemed examining the differ- 
ent phiysiognomies with the critical gaze of a pain- 
ter, till at length, meeting with what appeared-a 
likely subject, attitudinizing in a doorway, he 
begged to be allowed to sit down, as he was 
much fatigued. Receiving an assent, he very 
cunningly remained perfectly quiet, with his 
portfolio in a prominent position, till at length, 
the dandy asked “‘ what was in that portfolio ?” 
On exhibiting its contents, he was complimented 
by the young Hollander, his companion, on the 
execution of his drawings of birds and flowers, 
when Audubon, showing -him a very agreeable 
sketch of a friend, asked if he would like such 
a one of himself? 
The Hollander not only assented, but promised 
