Page:Monthly scrap book, for June.pdf/8

8 under his roof, although privately, I did not particularly relish my situation. He said, there was only one bed in the house, but should have it, and, as I was anxious and ready for my repose, he pointed to the humble couch on which I was to sleep, at the opposite end of the apartment from the fire-place.

"A long sleep to you," said he, and his wife immediately added, "he will sleep long enough and sound enough, I warrant him." "What can these expressions mean," thought I, "surely they do not intend to murder me." The light, occasionally reflected in my face, from the huge axe that lay on the floor. There, too, lay the rattlesnake, and the lamp having been extinguished, the fire, occasionally, lightened the faces of my companion, and then, for a time, sunk into utter darkness.

The woodman and his spouse now began whisper, and, although I shut my eyes, I  sleep had altogether forsaken my pillow. I even hear what they said, but, as it did not concern me, I had nearly fallen into slumber, when suddenly, I heard the husband say, "is he asleep?

"No," replied the female, who had, for time keenly observed me. Again they began whisper, and the words "fowling-piece"  "rattle-snake," frequently reached my ear. In short time he asked again, "is he asleep?" I now feigned myself to be slumbering, and "yes,"  her reply.

The man then arose. He went to a box from thence took a large knife. The hair on