surrounded by his pets sat the Hermit in his gray robe, with folded
arms. His hood was pulled over his face so that John could not see how
grave he was. Two armed men stood behind him, but by his side, with
her hand on his shoulder, was the little Princess. John smiled at her,
when he bowed low to the people on the platform. And the little maid
answered with a flash of affection; but her face was very pale, and her
hand trembled on the Hermit's shoulder.

John led forward his animals and they began their tricks. The Hermit
saw the Prince start when Bruin appeared. Evidently he recognized the
animal which he had once tried to kill. Merrily John urged the clumsy
fellow to dance, and every one laughed heartily at the sight. Only the
King sat grim and sullen.

[Illustration: John urged the clumsy fellow to dance.]

Then John put a plumed hat on the bear's head, took his arm, and the
two strutted about the platform like a pair of dandies. The audience
burst into roars of mirth. Even the Hermit's sides were shaking, and
the little Princess rocked to and fro with merriment.

Straight up to the Prince marched the twain, and at John's command the
bear bowed and held out his hand politely.

"He salutes you, his brother," said John to the Prince. "He begs you
to be friends with him always."

The Prince bowed in return, with a bright flush in his cheeks. "I
salute you, brother," he replied. "Never again will I hunt you or any
animal, wherever I may be."