100 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
-. it proceeded; and instantly cocked his gun, 
though unable to perceive the hidden chal- 
lenger. 
Presently a stout negro emerged from his 
lurking place, where he had crouched in the 
brushwood, and repeated his command in a still 
more threatening tone. 
Andubon perceiving, however, the worthless- 
ness of the gun which his enemy was about to 
aim at his breast, forbore to use his own, and 
only gently tapped his trusty Plato. He had 
no reason to regret the forbearance, for the ne- 
gro, instead of endeavouring to take advantage 
of it, seemed entirely disarmed by such gen- 
erosity. In answer to Audubon’s inquiries, his 
simple story was soon told, and the energetic de- 
monstrations of the poor runaway were seemingly 
fully accounted for by other than guilty motives. 
In constant apprehension of pursuit, his dread 
of capture caused him at the least signal of alarm, 
he said, to stand on the defensive. ‘ Master,” 
he continued, my tale is short and sorrowful. 
My camp is close by. You cannot reach home 
to-night. If you will follow me, depend upon 
my honour that you shall be safe until the motn- 
ing, when, if you please, I will carry your birds 
for you to the Great Road.” As he spoke, the 
benevolence of his intelligent eyes, with the at- 
traction of his voice and manner, so assured 
