Two 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. 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 bears will not touch a dead body. When the bear was quite gone, the other traveler descended from the tree, and jokingly 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."