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 
