harging him for the future to
be more careful in guarding so dangerous a creature.

While this was doing, the boys had remained quiet spectators at a
distance, but by accident the monkey, who used to be perched upon the
head of the bear, and was shaken off when the beast broke loose, came
running that way, playing a thousand antic grimaces as he passed. Tommy,
who was determined not to be outdone by Mr Barlow, ran very resolutely
up, and seized a string which was tied round the loins of the animal;
but he, not choosing to be taken prisoner, instantly snapped at Tommy's
arm, and almost made his teeth meet in the fleshy part of it. Yet Tommy,
who was now greatly improved in courage and the use of his limbs,
instead of letting his enemy escape, began thrashing him very severely
with the stick which he had in his hand, till the monkey, seeing he had
so resolute an antagonist to deal with, desisted from opposition, and
suffered himself to be led captive like his friend the bear.

As they were returning home, Tommy asked Mr Barlow whether he did not
think it very dangerous to meddle with such an animal when he was loose.
Mr Barlow told him it was not without danger, but that it was much less
so than most people would imagine. "Most animals," said he, "are easily
awed by the appearance of intrepidity, while they are invited to pursue
by marks of fear and apprehension." "That, I believe, is very true,"
answered Harry; "for I have very often observed the behaviour of dogs to
each other. When two strange dogs meet they generally approach with
caution, as if they were mutually afraid; but as sure as either of them
runs away, the other will pursue him with the greatest insolence and
fury." "This is not confined to dogs," replied Mr Barlow; "almost all
wild beasts are subject to receive the sudden impression of terror; and
therefore men, who have been obliged to travel without arms, through
forests that abound with dangerous animals, have frequently escaped
unhurt, by shouting aloud whenever they met with any of them on their
way; but what I chiefly depended on was, the education which the bear
had received since he left his own country." (Tommy laughed heartily at
this idea, and Mr Barlow went on.) "Whenever an animal is taught
anything that is not natural to him, this is properly receiving an
education. Did you ever observe colts running about wild upon the
common?" _Tommy._--yes, sir, very often. _Mr Barlow._--And do you think
i