The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1831-08-31
From .4udubOn's 0rnithological Biography.

A PERlLOUS SITUATION
On my return from the Upper Mississippi,
found myself obliged to cross one of the wide
prairies, which, in that portion of the United
States, vary the appearance of the country
The weather was fine, all around me was as
fresh and blooming as lift had Just issued from
the bosom of nature. My knapsack, my gun,
and my dog, were all had for baggage and
company. The track which followed was
only an old Indian trace, and as darkness over
shaded the prairie, felt some desire to reach
at least copse, in which might lie down to
rest. The night-hawks were skimming
over and around me, attracted by the buzzing
wings of the beetles which form their food. and
the distant bowling of wolves gave me some
hope that should soon arrive at the skirts of
some woodland.
light attracting my eye, l moved towards it.
full of confidence that it proceeded from the
camp of some wandering Indians. was mis-.
taken: discov cred by its glare that it was from
the hearth of a small log cabin, and that tall
figure passed and repassed between it and me.
as if busily engaged in household arrange
ment.
reached the spot, and, presenting myself at
the door, asked the tall figure, which proved to
be woman, if might take shelter under her
roof for the night. Her voice was gruff and
answered in the affirmative. | walked in, took
wooden stool, and quietly seated myself BY
the fire. The next object that attracted nv
notice was fnely-formed young Indian. rest
ing his head between his hands, with his elbows
on his knees. long bow rested against the
I log wall near him, while quantity of arrows
and two or three racoon skins lay at his feet
He moved not; he apparently breathed not.
Accustomed to the habits of the Indians, and
knowing that they pay little attention to the
approach of civilized strangers "a circumstance
which in some countries is considered as evinc-
ing the apathy of their charactcr) addressed
him in French, language not unfrcquently par.
tally known to the people in that neiyhborhood
HI raised his head pointed to one ofhis eyes with
his finger and gave me significant glance with
the other His face was covered with blood
! The fact was, that an hour before this, as he
was in the act of dschargng an arrow at a
racoon in the top of a tree, the arrow had split
upon the cord, and sprung back with such VIC
| lence into his right eye to destroy it for ever
Feeling hungry, inquired what sort Of fare
might expect. Such thing as bed was moi
to be seen, but many large untanned bear anC
buffalo hides lay piled in corner drew a
fine time piece from my breast, and told the
woman that it was late, and that was fatigued
She had espied my watch, the richness of which
seemed 10 operate upon neI IeclnSs with eioc
trio quickness. She told me that there was
plenty of venison and jerkcd buffalo meat, anc
that on removing the ashes should find cake
But my watch had struck her fancy and he
curiosity had TO be gratfied by an immedlat,
sight OF it. / took off the gold chain that SO
} cured it from around my neck, and presented
it TO her. She was all exstacy, spoke of its beau
ty, asked me its value, and put the chain roun'
her brawney neck, saying how happy the pos
session of such watch would make her
Thougbtless, and, as fancied myself in so re
: tired a spot. secure, paid little attention l.
her talk or her movements. helped my do,
to good supper Of venison, and was not lon
in satisfying tho demands Of my own appetite