The Bear and the Two Travelers

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 smelt him all over, he held

his breath, and feigned 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." 

      Moral: Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.