friend and the old.

John had lifted his axe to attack a certain tree when, with a scurry of
little feet, a frightened hare came bounding past him, ears laid back
and eyes bulging with fear. It was so strange to see a startled
creature in this peaceful wood, that John dropped his axe wonderingly.
Then he noted that the birds were chattering nervously overhead, and
his quick ear caught furtive rustlings in the underbrush all around
him. The forest was alive with fears. Presently the wolf came
bounding past, with wild eyes, evidently making for the hut. John
called, but the frightened creature did not pause.

Very soon John heard over his shoulder an unusual sound. He turned
quickly, and saw a sight which made his heart rise in his throat.

Across an open glade in the wood his friend the bear was lumbering on
all fours, wild-eyed, with lolling tongue and panting breath. Close
behind him came on foot a young man, several years older than John,
dressed in a suit of green velvet, with a plumed cap. In his hand he
bore a long spear, and he was charging upon the bear with a cruel light
in his eyes. Suddenly Bruin made for a tree, and began to climb,
clutching the bark frantically with his claws. At sight of his prey
about to escape, the stranger gave a loud, fierce cry and dashed
forward, at the same time drawing from behind his shoulder a bow such
as men used in hunting. He fitted an arrow to the string, and was
about to shoot, when John sprang forward with blazing eyes.

"You shall not shoot!" he cried. "This is a peaceful wood. You shall
not kill my friend the bear."