In the distance the stately figure of the teacher was seen, walking with dignified composure. Mr. Theophilus Slocum always walked as if he felt that the eyes of the world were upon him. He realized that he was a personage of no little importance, and that it behooved him to shape his walk and conversation accordingly.
The hearts of the boys beat high with anticipation. At length they heard the teacher go by.
“Now for it!” said Julius.
“Now is the time to try men’s soles!” said John. “Can you run?”{151}
“You’ll see.”
Through an opening they emerged into the road, followed by the bear. Mr. Slocum was now about fifty feet in advance.
“Now scream!” said Julius.
The boys uttered a shriek, and began to run at the top of their speed. The bear, as he had been trained, tried to keep up with them. Mr. Slocum turned around, and saw the fleeing boys, and behind them the huge, unwieldy bear getting rapidly over the ground. He knew it was a bear, for he had once seen one at a menagerie.
“Oh, Mr. Slocum, save us!” implored Julius, appearing greatly frightened.
“There’s a bear after us,” chimed in John. “Don’t let him kill us.”