nted to find out what was going on. His nose was a much surer guide
in most matters than his eyesight.

What the fresh spring wind told him was evidently to his liking, for
his tongue lolled out, his mouth dripped saliva, and he went at once to
the trap-door leading upstairs, and pushed it open with his shoulder.

In the cozy farmhouse kitchen, an event that fills the heart of the
average country boy or girl with delight, was in progress.

Upon the kitchen range was placed a large galvanized iron syrup-pan.
In it was three or four inches of golden maple syrup, which danced and
steamed and broke in little mountains of yellow bubbles, something the
color of sunlight.

This was the amber toll from the rock-maple, discovered long ago by the
Indian, whose primitive methods have been so greatly improved upon by
the white man. But there are still very remote places in Canada, where
the old-fashioned slash in the tree, into which a wedge is driven, has
not been superseded by spiles and buckets.

Several of the neighborhood children were gathered at the farmhouse
kitchen and jollity ran high.

Suddenly the door leading to the wood-shed flew open, and there in the
doorway stood Black Bruin. With a shout of delight they rushed upon
him, eager to greet and caress their wilderness pet.

For a week or two, as usual when coming forth from his long sleep,
Black Bruin was rather inactive, and did not want much to eat; but by
degrees his spirits returned, and it was evident from the size and
strength now acquired, that he was to be more of a rogue and bother
than he had ever been before.

But even his warmest admirers, the neighborhood children, who always
took his part, no matter what he did, were not prepared for his next
antic.

Of course it was impossible for his friends, who had not been sleeping
and going without food for several months, to say just how hungry the
culprit was, or how strong the blood lust was upon him.

There had been pig-killing at the farmhouse, and the bear had eaten
some of the refuse meat. This had only whetted his appetite for more,
so he did some pig-killing on his own account.

One morning a neighboring farmer, very much excited, rushed into the
yard and accused Black Bruin of stealing a small pig that morning from
his sty. Although the family protested stoutly that he must be
mistaken, a search of the premises showed that their pet was missing.

The bear's master thought best to settle f