“Be careful! Don’t try any of your bad tricks around here. Are you going to bite this little girl?”
“No, I am not,” said the dog. “I guess I made a mistake. I thought she threw a stone at me, but perhaps she did not.”
“She doesn’t look like a girl who would throw stones at a dog or a bear,” Dido said. “You had better let her alone and go back where you belong.”
“I will,” said the dog, limping as he went away. “I am sorry I chased after her.”
“And I am sorry I had to hit you so hard with my paw,” spoke the dancing bear. “But it was the only way to stop you from jumping on the little girl.”
“Yes, I suppose so. You made me a little lame, but I guess that could not be helped. It was my own fault, but I surely thought she threw a stone at me. Good-by, Mr. Bear.”
“Good-by, Mr. Dog,” answered Dido. “Next time we meet we shall be friends.”
“I hope so,” spoke the dog, limping away.
“Oh, I am so glad he is gone!” the little girl said. “I was afraid of him.”
“Where do you live?” asked Tom, for of course the little girl could not talk to the bear.