134 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
of bull-frogs in a neighbouring swamp might lull) 
me to rest, and I looked upon the flocks of 
blackbirds that were assembling as sure com- 
panions in this secluded retreat. I proceeded 
up a little stream to insure the safety of my 
canoe from any sudden storm, when as I gladly 
advanced a beautiful yawl came unexpectedly 
in view. Surprised at such a sight in a part of 
the country then scarcely known, I felt a sudden 
check in the circulation of my blood. My paddle 
dropped from my hands, and fearfully indeed, 
as I picked it up, did I look towards the un- 
known boat. On reaching it, I saw its sides 
marked with stains of blood, and looking with 
anxiety over the gunwale, I perceived to my 
horror two human bodies covered with gore. 
Pirates or hostile Indians I was persuaded had 
perpetrated the foul deed, and my alarm natur- 
ally increased; my heart fluttered, stopped, and 
heaved with unusual tremors, and I looked to- 
~’ wards the setting sun in consternation and despair. 
How long my reveries lasted I cannot tell; I 
can only recollect that I was roused from them 
by the distant groans of one apparently in mortal 
agony. I felt as if refreshed by the cold per- 
spiration that oozed from every pore, and I re- 
flected that though alone, I was well armed, and 
might hope for the protection of the Almighty! 
Humanity whispered to me that, if not surprised 
