a profound silence. Not a living thing in sight--save the black
vultures--a score of which, perched on the dead-woods overhead, and
fetid as their food, were infecting the air with their carrion odour.
Although within easy range of my rifle, the foul birds took no heed of
my movements; but sat still, indolently extending their broad wings to
the sun--now and then one coming, one going, in slow silent flight--
their very shadows seeming to flit lazily among the withered
maize-plants that covered the ground.

I had no desire to appear rude. I already regretted having leaped my
horse over the bars. Even that might be regarded as rather a brusque
method of approach to a private dwelling; but I was in hopes it would
not be noticed: since there appeared to be no one who had witnessed it.
I coughed and made other noises, with like unfruitful result. My
demonstrations were either not heard, or if heard, unheeded.

"Certainly," thought I, "if there be any one in the house, they must not
only hear, but _see me_:" for although there was no window, I could
perceive that the logs were but poorly "chinked;" and from within the
house, the whole clearing must have been in sight. Nay, more, the
interior itself was visible from without--at least the greater part of
it--and, while making this observation, I fancied I could trace the
outlines of a human figure through the interstices of the logs! I
became convinced it was a human figure; and furthermore, the figure of a
man. It was odd he had not heard me! Was he asleep? No: that could
not be--from the attitude in which he was. He appeared to be seated in
a chair, but with his body erect, and his head held aloft. In such
position, he could scarcely be asleep? After making this reflection, I
coughed again--louder than before; but to no better purpose! I thought
the figure moved. I was sure it moved; but as if with no intention of
stirring from the seat! "Cool indifference!" thought I--"what can the
fellow mean?" I grew impatient; and, feeling a little provoked by the
inexplicable somnolency of the owner of the cabin, I determined to try
whether my voice might not rouse him. "Ho! house, there!" I shouted,
though not loudly; "ho!--holloa!--any one within?" Again the figure
moved--but still stirred not from the seat! I repeated both my summons
and query--this time in still a louder and more commanding tone; and
this time I obtained a response.

"Who the hell _air_ you?"