It was Bobby who woke with a start. Old Man Snake was making off with some of the corn.
"Father! Father!" cried the boy-bear. "Quick, Old Man Snake is stealing my corn."
Awaking in an instant, Father Bear jumped up and with one blow stretched the snake out—dead.
"Just in time, my boy. A few seconds later and the snake would have eaten our corn. Then we would have been short many ears of corn."
Once more they started on the road home. This time they went quicker, for the rest had done them good.
When Mother Bear saw what a lot of fine, rich, golden corn they had brought, she said, "I'm glad you got a lot, for uncle, aunt and the little cousins are all coming for a corn feast.
"Even then there will be lots over for us," she added. "I guess I'll can it."
Imagine that night. By the light of a great, white moon they feasted and danced and sang songs, in bear language, of course. And they drank cider and played checkers.
Being good bears, however, they didn't stay up very late, so no one was all tired out when morning came.