The Two Fellows and the Bear

Two fellows were traveling together through a wood when a bear suddenly rushed out toward them. One of the travelers was in front, and he quickly seized hold of the branch of a tree, hiding himself among the leaves. The other traveler, seeing no way to escape, threw himself flat on the ground, burying his face in the dust.

As the bear approached, it put its muzzle close to the man on the ground and sniffed intently. After a moment, the bear let out a growl, shook its head, and slouched off into the woods, for bears will not touch dead meat.

Once the coast was clear, the fellow who had hidden in the tree climbed down and approached his comrade, laughing. “What was it that Master Bruin whispered to you?” he asked.

The other, still lying on the ground, replied, “He told me, ‘Never trust a friend who deserts you in a pinch.’”