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.
