TWO MEN were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly met them on

　　their path. One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and

　　concealed himself in the branches. The other, seeing that he

　　must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the Bear came

　　up and felt him with his snout, and smelt1 him all over, he held

　　his breath, and feigned2 the appearance of death as much as he

　　could. The Bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch

　　a dead body. When he was quite gone, the other Traveler

　　descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend

　　what it was the Bear had whispered in his ear. "He gave me this

　　advice," his companion replied. "Never travel with a friend who

　　deserts you at the approach of danger."

　　Misfortune tests the sincerity3 of friends.