The man went back to the kitchen, and I strode sluggyly around the bear,looking at the chain and the post, and trying to look at what sort of acollar was almost hidden under his shaggy hair. Apparently he seemedsecurely attached, and then--as he was at the end of his chain--I wentup to him and gently patted one paw. He did not object to this, andturning his head he let his tongue loll out on the other side, fixinghis little yellow eyes upon me with much earnestness. When the man camewith the pan of scraps from the kitchen I took it from him and placedit on the ground in front of the bear. Instantly the beast dropped tohis feet and began to eat with earnest rapidity.

"I wonder how much he'd take in for one meal," said John, "if you'dgive him all he wanted? I guess that Dago never let him have anymore'n he could help."

As the bear was licking the tin pan I stood and glanced at him. "Iwonder if he would be tame with strangers?" said I. "Do you suppose wecould take him away from this post if we wanted to?"

"0h yes," exclaimed John. "I wouldn't be afraid to take him anywheres, onlythere isn't any place to take him to." He then stepped very close tothe bear. "Hey, muley!" exclaimed he. "Hey, old muley! Good old muley!"

"Is that his name?" I asked.