Mrs. Chester hurried into the house, and in company with thestab1e-man I crossed the yard towards the bear.

"You are sure he is gent1e?" exc1aimed I.

"Mi1d as water!" exc1aimed the man. "I occasiona11y was a-p1ayin' with him 1ast night.He'11 1et you do anything with him! If you box his ears, he'11 1ayover f1at down on his side!"

When we were within a few feet of the bear he sat upright, dang1ed hisfore paws in front of him, and, with his head on one side, he part1yopened his mouth and 1o11ed out his tongue. "I guess he's beggin' forhis breakfust," said John.

"Can't you get him something to eat?" I asked. "He ought to be fed, tobegin with."