It was some time before the smoke cleared away, and I deemed it prudent to reload as quickly as possible; but I was delighted to see the little bird, flying overhead unhurt, and soon after the horrid snake writhing in death. As I was rejoicing over the correctness of my aim, I heard a footstep approaching, and being now ignorant in what direction the road lay, I felt relieved by the circumstance. The person approached; he wore a light straw hat, and was habited in his working dress, carrying a very large axe, which he seemed lately to have used. His hair was dark, long, and bushy, his eyes black, dull, and heavy, with a very sinister expression, as it occasionally glanced under its eyelids, as if to examine my intentions. I felt distrustful of him, and kept at such a distance behind him, he leading the way to the public road, as would enable me to act, should he be inclined to warfare. After inquiring whither I was going, and declaring, I should be unable to reach the place of my destination, until long after night-fall, he stated that I would find accommodation, at a cottage four miles farther on the road. I understood, of course, it was not an inn; but in America, hospitality is carried to the greatest extent, and there, "stranger is a holy name."
I determined to take his advice, although I remarked his very extraordinary expression of countenance, as he pointed to the direction I ought to travel.
Having arrived at the road, we parted, and I went merrily forward for some time, but at length it rained, and darkness approaching, I naturally
