NILS AND THE BEAR
Nils had been exploring the mining districts a whole day.
"I must try and climb up to earth again," he said at last, "otherwise, I fear my companions won't find me."
The boy was about to go up the mountain when he heard a gruff voice growl in his ear, "Who are you?"
He thought at first that he was facing a huge rock covered with brownish moss. Then he noticed that the rock had broad paws to walk with, a head, two eyes, and a growling mouth.
He could not pull himself together to answer, nor did the big bear appear to expect it of him, for he knocked him down, rolled him back and forth with his paws and nosed him. The bear seemed just about ready to swallow him when the boy had a thought. Quick as a flash he dug into his pocket and brought forth some matches,—his sole weapon of defence,—lighted one on his leather breeches, and thrust the burning match into the bear's open mouth.
Father Bear snorted when he smelled the sulphur, and with that the flame went out.
"Can you light many of those little blue roses?" asked Father Bear.
"I can light enough to put an end to the whole forest," replied the boy, for he thought that in this way he might scare Father Bear.