One morning, when the Three Bears were floating
downstream on their raft, they saw a farmhouse in the
distance.

"Perhaps we shall never be so near a farmhouse
again," said Mother Bear to Father Bear, "so I think
we should buy some eggs of the farmer's wife."

"Do be sensible!" exclaimed Father Bear. "Remember
that we have no money and that farmers do not
love bears."

"That does not matter," said Mother Bear gently.
"To-night, when we build our camp fire for the evening,
we must have hens' eggs to roast for supper, and how can
we have hens' eggs unless we buy them at the farmhouse?"

Father Bear made no answer, but pushed the raft
against the bank and tied it to the willows with a rope
of wild grapevine. He knew that Mother Bear would
have her way, so he wasted no time trying to argue
about the matter. "Now, then!" was all Father Bear
said after that, as he sat in his huge chair and folded
his arms to watch the fun.

'"Now, then,' is what I say, too," added Mother
Bear, laughing. "Honey Cub," she said to Little
Bear, who was wondering what would happen next,
"jump off the raft and bring me many long, slim leaves