The Fables Collection (IV)

The Bear and the Two Travelers

Two Friends were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly appeared before them. One of them, thinking of his own safety climbed up quickly into a tree, without trying to help his friend do the same. The other, not having time to hide, fell flat on the ground, without moving at all, as if he were dead. The Bear came up and smelled him all over, and after a while, thinking he was dead, walked away. When the danger was gone, the other Traveler climbed down from the tree, and, laughing at his friend asked him:
“What did the bear whisper in your ear?”
“He gave me this advice," the other replied. "Never travel with a friend who leaves you in the lurch."

Misfortune reveals the true nature of friends.