The Bear and the Two Travelers
posted in Bear, People |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 would be attacked, fell flat on the ground. When the Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, the Traveler held his breath, and pretended to be dead.
The Bear soon left the “dead” Traveler, for it is said a bear will not touch a dead body.
When the Bear was gone, the other Traveler descended from the tree, and asked 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.”
Moral: Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.