102 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
the few possessions of which were neatly and 
carefully disposed. The kindly demeanour of 
the negro, together with the amiable expression 
of his affection for his family, had now com- 
- pletely won Audubon’s confidence. Convinced 
of his host’s good intentions, and the sincerity of 
his hospitality, he did not hesitate to remain be 
neath his roof. While he received every atten- 
tion which could ensure his comfort, the children 
caressed his dog, and after partaking heartily 
of a savoury repast, he eagerly listened to the 
painful recital of the negro’s trials. 
The master to whom he and his family had at 
first belonged, had been obliged, in consequence 
of some heavy losses he had sustained, to offer 
them for sale. The negro was purchased by a 
planter—his wife became the possession of an- 
other, a hundred miles distant, and the children 
.were hurried to different places. The loving 
heart of the slave was overwhelmed with grief 
at the calamity of this great loss. For a time 
entirely prostrated by the misfortune,-he sor- 
rowed in the deepest. dejection, without energy 
or hope. At length the powers of resistance 
awakened. He resolved to act boldly and with- 
out delay. One stormy night, when the fury of 
the hurricane favoured him, by causing every 
one to seek the shelter of his dwelling, he effect- 
ed his escape, his intimate knowledge of the 
