XXVI. THE BEAR AND HER CUBS. CONCLUDED. 1. One day the old bear went out in the early part of the day, and did not come back again. Perhaps she was caught in a trap set for wild beasts in those parts. 2. The cubs waited till they got hungry, and then, of course, they began to quarrel. They fought so hard and made so much noise, that a hunter, who was going by that way with his heard the sound of their angry voices, and began to look about him. gun, 3. He saw the two naughty cubs, who were far too full of ill-temper to think of taking care of themselves, come rolling out of the den through the boughs of the pretty green tree. 4. They were biting and tearing each other as hard as they could, and they did not even see the hunter's gun till it was too late to escape. 1 Pronounced fâwt. 2 Pronounced hid'dn. 5. Then they wished they had kept quiet in the safe den; but the hunter caught them both,, and killed them. 6. Then he looked about for the den, and at last he found it; but the good cub was so quiet, and kept so still up in a corner, where it was quite dark, that he did not see her. 7. He had no idea that there was such a gentle little cub hidden there, and he went away. Then the little cub came out and saw her two wicked brothers quite dead, and she felt very sorry for them. 8. But for herself she could not help thinking it would be pleasant not to hear the voice of anger again: so she went out to try and find food, and very soon she was able to hunt for herself like a great bear. 9. She staid in the old den with the hope that her mother would yet come back some day. And she was very happy, because she was gentle and good. 10. And sure enough the old bear did come back. She had been taken in a trap, and sold to a showman, who had carried her about in a cagė, until she made her escape, and returned safely home. 1. ONE morning Francis Henry went out to walk with his father. They met a blind man, who was led by a large black and white dog. 2. The dog could not speak to ask for money for his poor master; but he made a whining noise, and scratched on the ground with his paws. 3. Francis was pleased to see the dog so good to the poor old man. He stooped down and patted his head, and talked to him as if he had been a child. 4. He gave the blind man some money, and then he ran home and got some bread and butter for the man and some meat for the dog. 5. The dog ate the meat, and licked his lips as if he thought it was good. Then he came and rubbed his head against the little 1 Pronounced skracht. 2 Pronounced plězd. 3 Pronounced stôôpt. 5 Pronounced a-gènst'. 6 Pronounced rùbd. 6. The blind man was very thankful, both for the money and the bread. He told Francis that he had another dog at home which he would give him. 7. Francis was much pleased, and his father gave the blind man more money. The next day he brought the dog and gave him to Francis. 8. When the dog came into the house, the cat was very angry. She put up her back and spit at him. When she saw Francis pat the dog on his head, she went out of the room, and would not come back when she was called. 9. In a short time, however, the dog and the cat became good friends. Francis taught them to be so. They saw that he was always kind to both of them, and they became kind to each other. 10. They would eat their dinner out of the same pan. When they had done, they would lie down on the grass and roll about, and box one another's ears in play. 11. This was great sport for Francis. Sometimes he would lie down on the grass with them, and they would tumble over him, and jump and frolic about every way. 12. If he set his ball a-rolling, they would both run after it, and the dog would bring it back in his mouth. If he threw a stick into the water, the dog would jump into the pond. and bring it to the shore. The cat would not go into the water. 13. He taught his dog to stand on his hind legs and beg, and to carry a basket or parcel in his mouth when he went of an errand. He was a very kind dog, and every one who knew him was very fond of him. |