The Travelers and The Bear

Two men were traveling together when a bear suddenly met them on their path.

One of them quickly climbed up a tree and hid among the branches. The other, feeling that he would be attacked, fell flat on the ground.

The Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over. The man held his breath, and pretended to be dead.

The Bear soon left him, because it is said that bears will not touch a dead body.

When the Bear was quite gone, the other traveler came down out of the tree. With a clever grin he inquired of his friend, “Just what was it that the Bear whispered in your ear?”

His companion replied, “He gives me this advice: Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger.”