argument was
interrupted by the French chef falling out of a tree. He had climbed it,
he explained, in order to obtain a better view.

When, in turn, it was explained to him that a bear also could climb
a tree, he remembered he had left his oven door open. His departure
reminded other servants of duties they had neglected, and one of
the guests, also, on remembering he had put in a long-distance call,
hastened to the house. Jackson suggested that perhaps they had better
all return with him, as the presence of so many people might frighten
the bears. At the moment he spoke, Ikey emitted a hideous howl, whether
of joy or rage no one knew, and few remained to find out. It was not
until Herrick had investigated and reported that Ikey was still behind
the bars that the house party cautiously returned. The house party
then filed a vigorous protest. Its members, with Jackson as spokesman,
complained that Herrick was relying entirely too much on his supposition
that the bears would be anxious to enter the forest. Jackson pointed out
that, should they not care to do so, there was nothing to prevent them
from doubling back under the wagon; in which case the house party and
all of the United States lay before them. It was not until a lawn-tennis
net and much chicken wire was stretched in intricate thicknesses
across the lower half of the gate that Herrick was allowed to proceed.
Unassisted, he slid back the cage door, and without a moment's
hesitation Ikey leaped from the wagon through the gate and into the
preserve. For an instant, dazed by the sudden sunlight, he remained
motionless, and then, after sniffing delightedly at the air, stuck his
nose deep into the autumn leaves. Turning on his back, he luxuriously
and joyfully kicked his legs, and rolled from side to side.

Herrick gave a shout of joy and triumph. "What did I tell you!" he
called. "See how he loves it! See how happy he is."

"Not at all," protested Kelly. "He thought you gave him the sign to
'roll over.' Tell him to 'play dead,' and he'll do that." "Tell ALL
the bears to 'play dead,'" begged Jackson, "until I'm back in the
billiard-room."

Flushed with happiness, Herrick tossed Ikey's cage out of the wagon,
and opened the door of the one that held Bruno and Clara. On their part,
there was a moment of doubt. As though suspecting a trap, they moved to
the edge of the cage, and gazed critically at the screen of trees and
tangled vines that rose before them.

"Th