The other, not having time to hide, fell flat on the ground, without moving at all, as if he were dead. The Bear came up and smelled him all over, and after a while, thinking he was dead, walked away. When the danger was gone, the other Traveler climbed down from the tree, and, laughing at his friend asked him:
“What did the bear whisper in your ear?”
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“He gave me this advice,” the other replied. “Never travel with a friend who leaves you in the lurch.”
Moral: Misfortune reveals the true nature of friends.