Background of Audubon's youth—Nantes in Revolution—Revolt in La Vendée—Siege of Nantes—Reign of terror under Carrier—Plague robbing the guillotine—Flight of the population—Execution of Charette—The Chouan raid—Citizen Audubon's service—He reenters the navy and takes a prize from the English—His subsequent naval career—His losses in Santo Domingo—His service and rank—Retires on a pension—His death—His character and appearance 73 CHAPTER VI SCHOOL DAYS IN FRANCE Molding of Audubon's character—Factor of environment—Turning failure into success—An indulgent step-mother—The truant—His love of nature—Early drawings and discipline—Experience at Rochefort—Baptized in the Roman Catholic Church 90 CHAPTER VII FIRST VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, AND LIFE AT "MILL GROVE" Audubon is sent to the United States to learn English and enter trade—Taken ill—Befriended by the Quakers—Settles at "Mill Grove" farm—Its history and attractions—Studies of American birds begun—Engagement to Lucy Bakewell—Sports and festivities 98 CHAPTER VIII DACOSTA AND THE "MILL GROVE" MINE Advent of a new agent at "Mill Grove"—Dacosta becomes guardian to young Audubon and exploits a neglected lead mine on the farm—Correspondence of Lieutenant Audubon and Dacosta—Quarrel with Dacosta—Audubon's return to France 113 CHAPTER IX AUDUBON'S LAST VISIT TO HIS HOME IN FRANCE Life at Couëron—Friendship of D'Orbigny—Drawings of French birds—D'Orbigny's troubles—Marriage of Rosa Audubon—The Du Puigaudeaus—Partnership with Ferdinand Rozier—Their Articles of Association—They sail from Nantes, are overhauled by British privateers, but land safely at New York—Settle at "Mill Grove" 127 CHAPTER X "LA GERBETIÈRE" OF YESTERDAY AND TODAY Home of Audubon's youth at Couëron—Its situation on the Loire—History of the villa and commune—Changes of a century 136 CHAPTER XI FIRST VENTURES IN BUSINESS AT NEW YORK, AND SEQUEL TO THE "MILL GROVE" MINE Audubon and Rosier at "Mill Grove"—Their partnership rules—Attempts to form a mining company lead to disappointment—Decision to sell their remaining interests in "Mill Grove" to Dacosta—Division of the property and legal entanglements—Audubon as a clerk in New York—Business correspondence and letters to his father—Later history of the lead mine and Dacosta—Audubon continues his drawings in New York and works for Dr. Mitchell's Museum—Forsakes the counting-room for the fields—Personal sketch 146 CHAPTER XII EARLY DRAWINGS IN FRANCE AND AMERICA