Andy watched the skilful doctoring of the big, bellowing fellow with curiosity. Then he strolled off into a stretch of timber to enjoy a brief walk.
He reached a deliciously cool and shady nook, and threw himself down at the mossy trunk of a tree to rest in the midst of fresh air, peaceful solitude and merrily singing birds.
Andy was lost in a soothing day dream when a great rustle made him sit up, startled.
A dark object passed close by him in and out among the bushes. It was of great size, and was making its way fast and furiously.
"I declare!" cried Andy, springing to his feet, "if it isn't the bear.
Now how in the world did he get loose?"
Andy stood for a moment staring in wonder after the disappearing animal. It was certainly Big Bob. The animal was fully familiar to Andy. The beast wobbled to one side as it ran, and this the boy discerned was due to the sore paw. He was a fugitive, and his escape had been discovered. Andy could surmise this from shouts and calls in the distance, back in the direction of the circus train.
Big Bob had a bad reputation with the menagerie men. At times placid and even good-natured, on other occasions he was capricious, savage and dangerous. Even his trainer had narrowly escaped a death blow from one of the animal's enormous paws when the brute was in one of its tantrums.
The bear was lumbering along as if bent on getting a good start against pursuit. He chose a sheltered route as if instinctively cunning. Andy, acting on a quick impulse, started after the bear.
The route led up a hill. Big Bob scaled a moderately steep incline and disappeared over its crest.
Andy, reaching this, glanced backwards. From that height he could look well over the country.