THE WILD BEAK.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 19, 20 June 1868, Page 3

THE WILD BEAK.

A fellow who kept a tavern in the country went to a painter, and enquirad for what sum he would paint a bear for a sign-board. It was to be a real good one, that would attract customers. " Five pounds," replied the painter* " That's too much," said the innkeeper ; " Tom Larkin will do it for three. " Is. it to be wild or tame ? " enquired the painter, not wishing to be be underbid by his rival. " A wild one, to be sure." " With a chain, or without one P " again aslted the painter. •• Without a chain." •'Well, I will paint you a wild bear without, a chain for three pounds." The bargain was struck : the painter set to woi'k, and in due time sent home the signboard, on which he had painted a hugd brown bear, of a most ferocious aspect. It was the admiration of the neighbors, and drew plenty of customers to the inn. One night there arose a violent storm of wind and rain, which led the inkeeper to look anxiously after the sign in the morning. There is was, sure enough, swinging to and fro, but the bear had disappeared. He immediately hurried to the painter, and related what had happened. " Was it a wild bear or a tame one ? " enquired the painter, coolly. " A wild bear.'* " Was it chained or not ? " " I think not." "Then," said the painter, triumphantly^ "how can you expect a wild bear to remain in such a storm as that of last night without a chain ? No bear would have done it." The inkeeper had nothing to say against so conclusive an argument, and finally agreed to give the painter five pounds to paint him a wild bear with a chain, that would not take to the woods in the next storm. - It is only necessary to add that the firet bear was painted in water-colors, which thd violent rain washed away, while the second was painted in oil colors.