A SUPPLIANT, 145 
which seems as though stricken into barrennesy 
by some enchantment. The gull and grim raven 
brood among the cliffs. Yet has the power of 
enterprise peopled even these wilds. 
Audubon, while lying at anchor, directed his 
attention one day to the pinnacle of a small 
island, separated only by a narrow channel from 
the main land, and beheld a man with clasped 
hands, bended knees and heavenward gaze, be- 
fore a mount of rough stones, supporting a 
wooden cross. This attitude was unmistakably 
that of prayer, and at once arrested Audubon’s 
attention, awakening that reverential regard 
which cannot fail to impress the soul in the 
presence of another, seeking communion with 
its Creator. In the desolation of these northern 
lands, moreover, it appeared peculiarly affect- 
yng, where human creatures far removed from 
the assistance of their fellow-creatures, in simple 
confidence sought it in the more immediate 
agency of an Almighty hand. Audubon felt 
his curiosity and interest awakened. Landing 
upon the rock, he scrambled to the spot where 
he had observed the man upon his knees, who 
still, on Audubon’s approach, continued his devo- 
tions. On their conclusion Audubon inquired 
his reasons for choosing so dreary a sanctuary. 
“ Because,” answered he, “ the sca lies before 
13 E 
