“You see,” said Julius, “that my life is valuable to my country, and I couldn’t bear to lose it. Step out, Teddy. Now tie the boat. We’d better make tracks, or Mr. O’Connor’ll scold us.”
They joined the other boy and the bear, though Teddy took care to keep as far away from the latter as he could.
“Where did you get the bear?” asked Julius. “Do they live around here?”
“No; this was taken when a cub by an uncle of mine, and when it was half-grown he gave it to me.”
“How long have you had him?”
“About five years; ever since I was nine years old.”
“Is he quite tame?”
“Oh, yes; he’s as tame as a cat.”
“Do you let him go around loose?”
“Part of the time. In the night we tie him, and keep him in the barn.”