Long and earnestly did he look at it, as it lay in the receptacle which had been long waiting to receive its almost priceless form.
Noon had long since passed, and the Frenchman, too happy to think of such vile things as food, had not touched the meat that he had put in his pocket before leaving the camp.
His thoughts were running into the future, and he was building all sorts of castles in the air, in respect to his fine prospects.
These were suddenly tumbled to the ground by a low growl, which sounded close beside him.
Instantly the naturalist turned, and saw, to his great surprise, a huge black bear, coming directly toward him.
He had the presence of mind to slam the lid of the case, and as it had a spring-lock, it was fastened securely.
Springing to his feet, the little naturalist looked around for a tree which he could climb and remain in, until old Bruin should choose to depart.
The bear did not seem to be very hungry, and the Frenchman might not have to wait very long for it to go away, after all. The only tree anywhere near him was the one at the foot of which he had found the strange herb, and under which he was now standing. He resolved to climb up among the branches, and to remain there until the bear was gone.
No sooner thought of than acted upon.
Seizing a branch, the lowest on the tree, he pulled himself, umbrella and all, up among the limbs.