Billy was really very much disturbed by this, but turning to the largest bear, he said:
"I see that you were bound in the opposite direction to me—and though I appreciate your company I wouldn't detain you for the world."
"Mind your own business!" growled the bear.
"I'm trying to," said Billy. "Excuse me, I've seen many dancing bears, but I've never until now laid my eyes on flying ones."
"We're Bugbears, if that's what you want to know," said the bear in a surly voice.
"Thank you," said Billy, smiling in hopes that by being very, very polite and pleasant himself he could improve their temper.
"Save your thanks, they are not wanted."
"My goodness, you're as cross as——"
"A bear," interrupted the Big Bear, "exactly, and I'm proud of it. What's the good of being polite—tell the truth, I say, no matter whom it hurts."
"I'm sure that the truth is always best," said Billy.