There wasn't a
bear's den left in the whole forest."
"I believe the humans want the whole earth to themselves," said Mother
Bear. "Even if we leave people and cattle in peace and live solely upon
lignon and insects and green things, we cannot remain unmolested in the
forest! I wonder where we could move to in order to live in peace?"
"We've lived comfortably for many years in this pit," observed Father
Bear. "But I can't be content here now since the big noise-shop has been
built right in our neighbourhood. Lately I have been taking a look at
the land east of Dal River, over by Garpen Mountain. Old mine pits are
plentiful there, too, and other fine retreats. I thought it looked as if
one might be fairly protected against men--"
The instant Father Bear said this he sat up and began to sniff.
"It's extraordinary that whenever I speak of human beings I catch that
queer scent again," he remarked.
"Go and see for yourself if you don't believe me!" challenged Mother
Bear. "I should just like to know where a human being could manage to
hide down here?"
The bear walked all around the cave, and nosed. Finally he went back and
lay down without a word.
"What did I tell you?" said Mother Bear. "But of course you think that
no one but yourself has any nose or ears!"
"One can't be too careful, with such neighbours as we have," said Father
Bear gently.
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