344 



HOW TOM THE BEAR WAS BORN 

 A FRENCHMAN 



Captain Pamphile had made many voyages in southern 

 seas, and traded in gold dust, spices, and ivory ; so he 

 thought that the north might he a pleasant change, and 

 that he could do a little business in furs and train-oil. 



Now this happened more than sixty years ago, and the 

 voyage took longer than it would in our days. And when 

 at last they reached land, the Captain thought he would 

 take a holiday, and go on shore for sport, leaving the ship 

 in charge of the chief mate. 



He plunged inland at once, and after some days' 

 march reached a great forest, where he hoped to find 

 game ; but as night came on, he realised that he did not 

 know his way. It was not a cheerful prospect, for his 

 clothing was light, and many growls were heard around, 

 amongst which he recognized the voices of the hungry 

 wolves abounding in these forests. He looked round for 

 shelter, and chose a sturdy oak, which he climbed — only 

 just in time, for the wolves, who had scented him from 

 afar, came hurrying up in hopes of a good supper. But 

 they were too late ; the Captain had found a perch ! 



But the wolves hoped on, and huddling round the tree, 

 moaned and howled so fearfully that the Captain could 

 hardly restrain a shudder. Through the darkness he could 

 still trace the outline of their shaggy backs and catch the 

 gleam of their fierce eyes. This constant watch made him 

 almost giddy, and, fearing a fall, he tied himself firmly to 



