The Youth's Companion, Volume LII, Number 11, Thursday, March 13, 1879

At a bustling summer lake house, a bear chained to a pole becomes the unlikely star of an impromptu show. The one‑eyed hostler, who tends the animal, guides the audience through the creature’s playful antics, from stealing peanuts from unsuspecting visitors to standing on its hind legs like a clumsy gentleman. When a flamboyantly dressed New Yorker attempts to feed the bear, his over‑eager approach leads to a comic scramble of hat, tie, and watch.

Through witty banter and colorful dialect, the hostler shares folk wisdom about black bears—their diet, hibernation habits, and surprisingly gentle nature when left alone. The narrative balances slapstick mishap with gentle natural history, offering listeners both laughter and a glimpse into 19th‑century rural life. It’s a light‑hearted slice of Americana that celebrates curiosity, humor, and the odd camaraderie between people and wildlife.