THE END OF THE TRAIL 129 



inspection, investigating every nook and corner, 

 sniffing and snuffing as he walked about. He went 

 half-way into the den, and then backed out. He 

 put one paw very cautiously into the water of the 

 pool, withdrew it, and shook it dry. On the whole, 

 his new abode seemed to suit him very well. 



With feelings of both relief and regret I said 

 good-bye to my pet. The problem was solved, 

 and I had no further occasion to worry about the 

 bear. A happy future was assured for him; amid 

 pleasant surroundings his life would be passed in 

 comfort. 



Bruno was not one of those restless caged ani- 

 mals that forever pace pathetically to and fro in 

 their place of confinement. His had always been a 

 life of considerable restriction, and he had become 

 accustomed to it. As long as there were people 

 about and his meals came regularly, he would be 

 contented. 



As the Zoo was only a short distance from my 

 home, it was easy for me to drop in now and then 

 and call upon my old friend. For years Bruno 

 never failed to recognize me, and always seemed 

 glad when I came. He would run to the end of the 

 cage, put out his paw between the bars, and touch 

 my arm in greeting. When Bruno was full-grown 

 he was an enormous bear; standing on his hind- 

 legs, with head erect, he measured a little over six 



