THE REGULATORS.

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provisions, the favourite booty. The unscrupulous depravity of these emigrants, the refuse population of other lands, made them willingly retreat to regions on the extreme verge of civilization, where they imagined they could indulge, unmolested, their evil propensities.

Fortunately, a formidable power existed for the punishment of their lawlessness. It was that body of energetic and honourable citizens who-vested with powers suited to the necessities of the occasion-courageously undertook to preserve order on the frontiers, under the name of Regulators. On the commission of an offence by some delinquent, an assembly of them immediately takes place for the purpose of investigation and judgment. Should the offender prove regardless of the first sentence, which is generally simple banishment, his cabin is burnt down, and he receives a severe castigation. On a repetition of great crimes, the delinquent is shot, that the recognition of a comrade's head fixed on a pole may deter others from following his example. Against the notorious Mason, these Regulators engaged. Though, through their watchfulness, many of his haunts were discovered, he yet contrived, by the aid of his numerous spies, to escape. One day, however, having mounted a beautiful Virginian horsehis booty--he was recognized by a guard, who

passed him as if in utter ignorance as to who he was. Mason thus pursued his way at ease till, reaching at dusk his accustomed resort, the lowest part of a ravine, after hobbling his horse, he esconced himself in a hollow log for the night.

He was observed all the while by the Regulator, who, marking the place and hut with his practised eye, galloped off for assistance, and soon the criminal was surprised in his retreat. In desperation, he defended himself with such valour, that the armed band, finding it impossible to secure their victim otherwise, at length struck him down with a rifle ball. His head, stuck on the broken branch of a tree, remained a monument of the affray. The followers of Mason, thus admonished by the fate of their leader, were not only intimidated from the commission of equal crimes, but soon altogether dispersed.

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CHAPTER VI.

N his return from the Mississippi, Audubon

found himself obliged to traverse one of those vast prairies which form a striking characteristic of his country. His dog, his knapsack and his gun were his sole provision and company. Guided by the track of the Indian throughout the day, he wandered, gazing only on the monotony of the vast expanse, unvaried by one glimpse of human shape or habitation, till at length the sun disappeared beneath the horizon.

Then the roar of wild animals in the distance, the flapping of the night birds in their flight, and the buzzing of insects, were the only sounds which greeted his ears. As darkness gradually enshrouded the whole extent of the prairie, his desire increased to reach some hut or woodland, in which to shelter for the night. Suddenly a fire-light in the distance caught his sight, sufficiently near for him to perceive, from its glare, that it proceeded from the hearth of a small log cabin. Before it a tall figure constantly fitted,

as if busied in some domestic occupation. Audubon hastened to the spot, and presenting himself at the door of the dwelling, asked hospitality for the night of the woman whom he had first seen. The answer in the affirmative was calculated rather to scare away an intruder, than invite a guest, from its hoarse, impulsive tone, which caused Audubon involuntarily a chill of repugnance. Her appearance, moreover, might have dismayed any but the stoutest heart. About her tall, gaunt figure, her miserable attire was heedlessly gathered. The roughness of her manner and the audacity of expression were also well suited to the large proportions and muscular limbs of this Meg Merrilies of the woods.

Audubon, taking advantage of her response, however, walked in and seated himself before the fire. The next object which met his view, presented a very different aspect. A young Indian, of the most symmetrical form, leant in an attitude so motionless as scarcely to seem even to breathe. His head rested between his hands, and his elbows were on his knees, as though in suffering or deep thought. A long bow was near him, and some arrows and skins of racoons lay at his feet. Audubon, anxious to learn the cause of his remarkable quietude, and whether or not it proceeded from the apathy of his race,

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addressed him. He answered by raising his head and pointing with his finger to one of his eyes, while with the other he gave a significant glance, explanatory of the action. His face thus revealed, though covered with blood, might be seen, never theless, to be unmistakeably handsome, dis figured as it was by the accident which, an hour before, had impared for ever its singular beauty. While discharging an arrow at a racoon in the top of a tree, the shaft had split upon the cord, and sprung back with such violence in his eye, as utterly to destroy it.

Audubon's attention was directed next to the peculiarly comfortless and barren aspect of his strange abode, without a single bed on which to recruit his weary limbs; some untanned bear and buffalo skins were the only invitation to repose. As he received no voluntary courtesy from his hostess, he was anxious to let her know of the hunger of which he was so painfully sensible himself, and, to propitiate her, drew forth a rich watch from his vest. This told, apparently, with electric force upon her feelings; for he was instantly informed of the existence of cakes, venison, and other dainties, from which to make an excellent repast. But, first, he was compelled again to gratify her curiosity by another sight of the watch which she beheld in wonder. She received with ecstasy the gold chain, which