One day John was out in the forest, not far from the Hermit’s hut, cutting wood for the winter, which was near at hand.  He was alone, for a wonder.  The wolf had come with him, but had now trotted away into the forest on business of his own.  The bear had disappeared some weeks before, on one of his pilgrimages.  Brutus was at that moment with the Hermit in the hut; for the dog divided his attentions between the young friend and the old.

John had lifted his axe to attack a certain tree when, with a scurry of little feet, a frightened hare came bounding past him, ears laid back and eyes bulging with fear.  It was so strange to see a startled creature in this peaceful wood, that John dropped his axe wonderingly.  Then he noted that the birds were chattering nervously overhead, and his quick ear caught furtive rustlings in the underbrush all around him.  The forest was alive with fears.  Presently the wolf came bounding past, with wild eyes, evidently making for the hut.  John called, but the frightened creature did not pause.

Very soon John heard over his shoulder an unusual sound.  He turned quickly, and saw a sight which made his heart rise in his throat.

Across an open glade in the wood his friend the bear was lumbering on all fours, wild-eyed, with lolling tongue and panting breath.  Close behind him came on foot a young man, several years older than John, dressed in a suit of green velvet, with a plumed cap.  In his hand he bore a long spear, and he was charging upon the bear with a cruel light in his eyes.  Suddenly Bruin made for a tree, and began to climb, clutching the bark frantically with his claws.  At sight of his prey about to escape, the stranger gave a loud, fierce cry and dashed forward, at the same time drawing from behind his shoulder a bow such as men used in hunting.  He fitted an arrow to the string, and was about to shoot, when John sprang forward with blazing eyes.

“You shall not shoot!” he cried.  “This is a peaceful wood.  You shall not kill my friend the bear.”

[Illustration:  You shall not kill my friend the bear.]

At this unexpected happening, the young man turned with a start and a snarl, like a dog from whom one would take away his bone.

“Who are you?” he cried angrily.  “How dare you interrupt my sport!  Do you know who I am?”

“I do not care who you are!” answered John.  “You shall not hunt in these woods, You must go away.”

“Go away!”

The face of the stranger was white with rage.  He turned from the tree in which the bear had now found a place of safety behind a crotch, and pointed his arrow at John.  The lad saw his danger.  Even as the stranger drew the arrow to its head John leaped forward; before the other knew what was happening, John seized him in his arms and with a mighty effort wrenched away the weapon.  It was wonderful how easily he mastered this fellow, who was some inches taller than himself.