The Bear and the Two Travelers

The Bear and the Two Travelers

TWO MEN were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly met them on their

path. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself

in the branches. The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat

on the ground, and when the Bear came up and felt him with his snout,

and smelt him all over, he held his breath, and feigned the appearance

of death as much as he could. The Bear soon left him, for it is said he

will not touch a dead body. When he was quite gone, the other Traveler

descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it

was the Bear had whispered in his ear. “He gave me this advice,” his

companion replied. “Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the

approach of danger.”

Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.