At this point they were interrupted by shouting and laughter from one section of the searching party, and the boys ran out across the open to learn its cause. Two of the natives were carrying a dark brown object, about half the size of an ordinary hog.
It was kicking vigorously, but did not appear to be at all vicious.
"Why, it looks just like a little bear," said George as he danced about. "Let us keep it for a pet."
"It is a bear," said John. "It is the Bruang, or the sun-bear of the Malayan peninsula."
"But doesn't it grow any bigger?"
"No; that is a full size specimen; in fact, it is a pretty large specimen, I should judge."
"What beautiful fur, and so soft! Will it bite?"
"I am of the opinion they can bite, but they are easily tamed and make great pets. Hasn't it a fine white spot on its breast?"
The men stood about and allowed it to move about within the circle. It cast its eyes around, as much as to say: "Well, what are you going to do about it?"
George cried out: "Hold it for a minute," and he pounced on one of the provision bags, and brought out a pot of honey. He forced his way in among the watchers, and with a stick dipped into the honey held it up before the animal.