44 The Black Bear 



a disappointed bear. This was Ben's last visit inside 

 the house. 



As he grew older and larger, he remained as kindly 

 and good-natured as ever. He would still tumble 

 about with Jim, although the dog could now stand 

 very little of this kind of play; for Ben did not know 

 how strong and rough he was. When, in playing with 

 the boys in back lots, he got warmed up, he would 

 go flying over to a barrel kept full of water for the 

 horses and, climbing upon the rim, would let his 

 hinder parts down into the cool water, turn round up 

 to his chin for a few minutes, and then climb out and 

 take after one of the spectators. When he caught up 

 with any one he would never touch them, but would 

 at once turn and expect them to chase him. Then, 

 when about to be caught, he would go snorting up a 

 telegraph pole. I frequently took him walking in the 

 town, but always on a chain to keep him from chasing 

 everybody. On these occasions if he heard any un- 

 familiar noise he would clutch the chain close up to his 

 collar and sit down. After listening awhile, if he de- 

 cided that it was safe to proceed, he would drop the 

 chain and our walk would continue. But if the sound 

 didn't please him he would start for his woodshed on 

 the jump, and after he got to weigh a hundred pounds 

 or more I invariably went with him — if I hung onto 

 the chain. 



He still juggled his block, but now he had a new one 



