"The truth is, we are seeking our fortunes," said Knut with dignity.
"Oh, nothing easier," replied the Fox. "You come with me. Such hearty, well-grown young Bears will find no difficulty in getting excellent situations. I can almost promise you each a large income if you implicitly follow my directions."
"Where should we go to, then?" asked Knut cautiously.
"To a dear friend of mine, who employs an immense number of workmen," said the Fox easily. "I will just let you see who I am before we proceed further," and he drew a case from his pocket, and taking out a card, presented it to the little Bears with a low bow.
"Just as if we were grown up!" whispered Otto. "Oh, Knut, how different this is to Herr Badger!"
On the card, printed in elegant copper-plate, was the following—
"Herr Kreutzen, Under-Secretary (and Working Member) of the Society for promoting the welfare of Farmers."
Knut looked at Herr Kreutzen respectfully.
"If you'll be so kind as to show us the way, we'll follow you at once," he said. "If we could get a little breakfast on the way, we should be glad; for we have lost our satchels, and berries are not very satisfying."
"Come along, then!" said the Fox briskly; and seizing the two little Bears by the paw, he dragged them into the heart of the forest at a rapid pace.