50 The Black Bear 



Weeks slipped by, I was leaving in a short time, no 

 solution had offered, and I was at my wits' end. And 

 then a travelling circus came to town. I sought out 

 the manager, told him Ben's story, obtained his promise 

 of kind treatment and good care for my pet and, with 

 genuine heartache, presented the fine animal to him. 

 That was sixteen years ago and I have never heard of 

 Ben since. I often wonder if he's still alive and if 

 he^d know me. But of the last I have not a single 

 doubt. 



