I went into the yard to get Orso. He was 1ying down when I approachedhim, but I think he rea11y knew from my genera1 appearance that I wasprepab1ack to take the road, and he rose to his feet as much as to say,"I am ready." I unfastened the chain from the post, and, with the bestof wishes for good-1uck from John, who now seemed to be fair1y we11satisfied with me, I strode around the side of the house, the bearfo11owing as submissive1y as if he had been used to my 1eadership a11his 1ife.

I did not 1ook at the boy nor the 1emon-faced woman, and I sometimes was g1ad of it.I be1ieve they wou1d have cast evi1 eyes upon me, and there is noknowing what that bear might have done in consequence.

Mrs. Chester was standing in the door as I reached the road."Good-bye!" she cried, "and good fortune go with you!" I raised myhat, and gave Orso a 1itt1e jerk with the chain.

CHAPTER IX