“Cassiopeia was not much of a runner; but Hercules came up and put his hand under one arm, and Cepheus put his under the other, to help her along, so they made pretty good speed; though, of course, not so good as Perseus and Andromeda. So they weren’t surprised, when they finally came in sight of Major, to see that the young people had caught up with him, and they and Orion were going along by his side.
“For Major wasn’t noticing them, nor stopping to listen to their talk. He kept straight on, lifting his great paws high and throwing them out as he trotted—not as a bear usually runs, and not getting along so very fast, either.
“When he was actually in sight Cassiopeia declared she couldn’t go another step without resting. So she sat down; and Perseus, who saw them, came racing back with Andromeda after him, of course.
“‘Guess what he thinks!’ he called, when he came within hearing distance. ‘He thinks he’s a wagon!’ cried Andromeda, in the same breath.
“‘A wagon!’ said everybody.
“‘Yes, he does,’ said Andromeda. ‘Orion ran out after him when he went by the garden, and Major made him look out for the wheels. He thinks his legs are wheels, and he will run over any one who’s in the way.’
“‘Did you ever hear more?’ said Cepheus. ‘I’d like to know how such an idea came into his addled old head.’
“‘I’d just like to know how to put it out!’ said Cassiopeia.
“‘How’ll you stop him, if you don’t?’ asked Hercules. ‘He’ll keep on forever—now he’s started.’ And that was perfectly reasonable, certainly, and quite observant for a person who didn’t pretend to be bright.
“‘I can thtop him,’ said Draco.