The Bear and the Two Travelers

Two friends, Peter and Sam, were traveling together through a deep forest. They had promised each other that whatever danger came, they would face it side by side. They walked and talked and laughed, feeling brave and strong.

A Solemn Promise

"Sam," said Peter, as they entered the dark part of the forest, "no matter what happens on this road, let us promise to stand by each other. Two friends together are stronger than any danger."

"I promise," said Sam warmly, gripping his friend's hand. "If a wolf comes, we will face it together. If robbers come, we will fight them together. Nothing shall part us."

They shook hands on it and walked on, feeling very noble. But promises made in safety are easy, and promises made in safety are sometimes broken in danger — as Peter was about to prove.

The forest grew darker with every step. Strange shadows danced between the tall trees, and somewhere an owl hooted twice. Peter's brave talk faded, and he walked a little closer to Sam.

"Did you hear that?" whispered Peter, his voice trembling. Sam squeezed his friend's hand. "Remember our promise," he said. "Whatever comes, we face it together." Then, from behind the trees, came the low, terrible growl.

The forest grew darker. Strange shadows moved between the trees. An owl hooted, and both friends jumped. "It is nothing," laughed Peter, though his voice shook a little. Then came the growl.

Suddenly, from behind the trees, there came a low growl. A huge brown bear stepped onto the path, right in front of them!

Every Man for Himself

Peter, who was quick and nimble, did not think twice. He scrambled up the nearest tree and hid among the leaves, leaving his friend behind. Poor Sam had no time to climb. He threw himself flat on the ground and held his breath, for he had heard that bears do not touch a dead body.

The great bear lumbered up to Sam. It sniffed at his ears, snuffled at his face, and pawed at his coat. Sam lay as still as a stone, not daring to breathe. At last, the bear decided he was dead, turned away, and wandered back into the forest.

What the Bear Whispered

When the bear was gone, Peter climbed down from his tree, laughing. "Well, my friend," he said, "what did the bear whisper in your ear?"

Sam stood up slowly and brushed the dirt from his clothes. He looked Peter straight in the eye. "The bear whispered," he said quietly, "that I should never trust a friend who runs away and leaves me in danger."

Peter's face turned red with shame. From that day on, he learned to keep his promises and to stand by his friends, no matter what.

Moral of the Story

A friend in need is a friend indeed. True friends never desert each other in times of trouble.