naturally, as if he were a great kitten. The bear stirred and turned
his eyes when John entered.

"Thanks, son," said the Hermit, taking the cup from the boy's hand;
and, turning again to' the bear, he held it to the animal's mouth.
"Drink, brother," he said.

Eagerly the bear lapped up the water.

"Now, my son," said the Hermit to John, "go you to the entrance of the
cave and pluck me a handful of the healing herb-leaves. I must bind up
this suffering paw."

"Surely, father," begged John, "you will not try to touch the
creature's wound. He will tear you to pieces!"

The old man turned reproachful eyes upon him. "Son," he said, "I have
tried to teach you obedience. Go, get me the leaves."

Without more words John hastened to do as he was bid. When he returned
with a handful of the plant, he found that the Hermit had bathed the
wounded paw of the now quiet animal. He had torn a strip of linen from
the shirt which he wore under his gray robe, and was making this into a
bandage. Soon he had crushed the leaves and had bound them upon the
foot of the bear, who lay still and gentle under his hands. John
stared, amazed.

"Now we will go home," said the Hermit softly, "and you, John, shall
return with food for this poor hungry brother. You will soon make him
your dear friend also. For, you see, he asks only love and patience.