2

The Bear and the Travellers

Two men were travelling together when
one of them saw a bear suddenly
charging towards them.

Without warning his friend he quickly
climbed into a tree and hid himself in

the branches.

The other, realizing the danger too late,
fell flat on the ground and pretended to
be dead as well as he could.

The bear come up and prodded him with
his snout, sniffing him beartravellers2-
optall over.

The man held his breath and soon the

bear ambled away, for it is said that
they will not touch a dead body.

When the other man was quite sure that
the animal dad gone, he climbed down
from the tree and walking over to his
friend, asked him “Tell me, what did the
bear whisper in your ear, my friend?”

“Well, he gave me this advice never

travel with a friend who deserts you at
the approach of danger.”