The Teaching of the Bear and the Two Travelers

Two men were walking together, when a Bear suddenly met them on their path. One of them quickly climbed up into a tree and concealed himself in the thick branches. The other, seeing that he would soon be attacked, fell flat on the ground. The Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over. The man remained still, held his breath, and battled the thoughts of death as much as he could. The Bear soon left him, for it is believed bears will not touch a dead body. When the bear was finally out of sight, the other Traveler descended from the tree, and lightheartedly inquired of his friend what it was the Bear had whispered in his ear. "He gave me very good advice," his companion replied. "Never travel with a friend who abandons you at the approach of danger."