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.