THE BEAR MAKES A JOURNEY 65 



and aquatic roots along the margins of the dead- 

 water streams. 



Here in the land of his fathers Bruno was to live 

 with us for a few weeks, and become accustomed 

 somewhat to the ways of city-folk before saying 

 good-bye to his forest home. Fortunately, the day 

 after our arrival there came a change in the 

 weather. It began to rain, and for seven days, with 

 only an occasional let-up, the downpour continued. 



We felt much easier now about the Weldons. 

 The people at the village had told me that they 

 really were in great danger and should not have 

 been allowed to stay in the woods. I was relieved 

 in a few days, when a letter came from the lumber- 

 camp. They had had a narrow escape from being 

 burned out the day after we left. All that day, 

 while burning brands and bits of bark continually 

 fell upon the roof and in the door-yard, they fought 

 the fire. It was only by constant vigilance and the 

 utmost exertion that they kept the flames in check 

 until the rain came in the night. They missed 

 Bruno very much, and were anxious to know how 

 he was getting on in his new home. 



For several days the storm kept us indoors. This 

 was particularly fortunate for the bear, for it gave 

 him a chance to become acquainted with us. If, as 

 is usually our custom in fine weather, we had gone 

 forth in the morning, not to return until night, the 



