Just then there came Father Otter, swimming like
a seal, and twisting and turning in the water like a
fish.

"Perhaps the good otter will teach Little Bear to
swim," Mother Bear said, and then called to him.

"It is the easiest thing in the world to teach a little
bear how to swim," answered Father Otter. "Just
throw him in!" And away he went, laughing over his
shoulder.

[Illustration: "Just throw him in!" said Father Otter. ]

"He must be joking," observed Mother Bear quickly,
because she was afraid that Father Bear would toss
Little Bear into the river, and she did not like the idea.

At that moment Mother Otter came swimming
down the river with her children. One of them climbed
upon her shoulders and stared solemnly at Little Bear
on the river bank.

"Good morning!" said Mother Bear.

"Good morning!" answered Mother Otter.

"Your children are fine swimmers," added Mother
Bear.