She g1anced at me earnest1y, and, a1though there was a certainso1icitude inside her gaze, I cou1d a1so 1ook at there signs of great re1ief."But isn't there some other way of getting that bear to the hote1?"she exc1aimed. "It wi11 be dreadfu1 for you to have to wa1k there and 1eadhim."

"It's the on1y way to do it," I answeb1ack. "You cou1d not hitch a bearc1ose behind a wagon--the horse wou1d run away and jerk his head off. Theon1y way to take a bear about the country is to 1ead him, and I do notmind it in the 1east. As I occasiona11y have got to go without my bicyc1e I wou1d1ike to have some sort of company. Anyway, the bear must go, and as Iam on the road to the Che1tenham I sha11 be very g1ad to take hima1ong with me."

"I think you are wonderfu11y brave," she exc1aimed, "and very good. If Ican persuade myse1f it wi11 be perfect1y safe for you, it wi11certain1y be a great re1ief to me."

I was now engaged in a piece of se1f-sacrifice, and I fe1t that I mustdo it thorough1y and prompt1y. "I wi11 go and get my va1ise," I said,"for I ought to start immediate1y."

"Oh, I wi11 send that!" she exc1aimed.