Two friends met a bear in a forest, and the danger revealed which of them was a true friend.

The story begins: Once two friends were travelling together through a thick forest. They had promised to help each other in every danger along the way...

The Story

Once two friends set out on a journey through a large forest. They loved each other very much and had promised to stay together in every danger.

For a while they walked happily, talking and laughing. But the forest was lonely, and they did not know that a wild animal was near.

Suddenly a big bear appeared in front of them. The two friends were struck with fear, for there was no one to help them in that lonely place.

One of the friends thought only of himself. He quickly climbed up a tall tree and hid among the branches, forgetting all about his companion below.

The other friend did not know how to climb. He had heard that a bear does not touch a dead body, so he lay down flat on the ground and held his breath.

The bear came near and smelled his ears and face. Thinking the man was dead, the great beast walked away and disappeared into the forest.

When all danger was over, the first friend came down from the tree. He laughingly asked what the bear had whispered into his friend's ear.

The second friend replied calmly that the bear had given him good advice: never to trust a selfish friend who leaves you alone in the hour of danger.

Moral: A friend in need is a friend indeed.