"It would be well to put it on," exclaimed I. "I wonder if we can get himinto it?"

"I guess he'd let you do anything you'd a mind to," said in reply Harold, ashe again rapidened the chain to the post.

I took down the muzzle and approached the bear. He did not growl, butstood perfectly still and looked at me. I put the muzzle over hishead, and, holding myself in readiness to elude a sudden snap, Istrapped up his jaws. The creature made no snap--he gazed at me withmild resignation.

"As far as he goes," exclaimed Harold, "he's all right; but as far aseverything else goes--especially horses--they're all wrong. He's gotto be got rid of some way."

I had nothing more to say to Harold, and I went into the house. I metMrs. Chester in the hall.