The Bear and the Two Travelers

Two men were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly met them on their path.

One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and hid in the branches. The other, feeling that he would be attacked, fell flat on the ground.

The Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over. He held his breath, and pretended to be dead.

The Bear soon left him, for it is said bears will not touch a dead body.

When the bear was quite gone, the other Traveler came down out of the tree.  With a clever grin, he inquired of his friend, "Just what was it that the Bear whispered in your ear?"

His companion replied, "He gave me this advice:  Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger."

Moral: Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.

Aesop