It was "Old Teddy Bear," the hermit, who told Uncle Tom the story of the mountain's treasure. Now Uncle Tom would pass the story along to William. "It's over that ridge," Uncle Tom told William. "We'll have to camp overnight."

"We should check our supplies, William. We wouldn't want to forget anything," said Uncle Tom. William's friends, Andy, Kevin, and Andrew, were there to help load the van. Everyone was very curious about the treasure.

There was so much camping gear that William, Andy, Kevin, and Andrew had to get behind Uncle Tom and push to make it all fit. Finally, the van was packed. Everyone squeezed in, and off they went. The adventure had begun!

It was a long day of traveling, and the children were tired. The setting sun stirred the natural sounds of the forest. After everyone had made camp, Kevin studied the map with William. "Look, William, we'll go this way."

That night, William could hear an owl hooting in the distance. He found it very difficult to sleep. Everyone was so excited about the treasure! The snoring that was coming from Uncle Tom didn't help matters either.

Finally, morning came. Everyone was up early and ready to go. "We want to be sure not to leave any trash behind, so let's clean up our campsite," ordered Uncle Tom. "Here is some paper," said Andrew, while ripping it up and stuffing it into the trash bag. William thought that the paper looked a lot like the map. No, it couldn't be.

"It's a rough trail, and we'll have to go by horseback," said Uncle Tom. "William, stay close to Andy, Kevin and Andrew." "Don't worry, Uncle Tom. You can count on me," said William. Uncle Tom was glad to have William with them.

Up the mountain, the trail became narrow and winding. William was amazed by the beautiful plant life surrounding them. Finally, everyone stopped for lunch.

"Who has the map?" asked Uncle Tom.
"Not me," said William.
"Not me," said Kevin.
"Not me," said Andrew.
"It's gone!" exclaimed William. "How will we ever find the treasure?"
"Hmmm... " said Uncle Tom. "Perhaps I can remember the way."

Uncle Tom seemed confident about the way to the treasure. This made William feel better about the lost map. "Let's catch some fish for lunch!" Uncle Tom said. William, Andy, Kevin and Andrew cast their lines into the clear mountain stream. William immediately hooked a big fish. It was big enough for everyone to eat.

While everyone helped to prepare dinner, Uncle Tom spoke to William, Andy, Kevin and Andrew. "When I was a young cub like you, I met Old Teddy Bear, the hermit, out here in these very woods. I'll tell you his story tonight after dinner." The food was served, and everyone ate until they could eat no more.

"The old hermit told me of the mountain's great treasures many years ago. He said that only the wisest of all of the bears would discover the treasure's true value. Tomorrow, we will travel down the mountain stream."

The next morning brought dew and beautiful singing birds. William smelled the fresh, clean air as they paddled away in their canoe. William reminded everyone to put on a life jacket.

Andy leaned over to get a life jacket and fell head first into the cold mountain stream. "Help!" Andy cried. Everyone was alarmed. William quickly grabbed a life jacket and threw it out to help Andy swim ashore.

William helped Andy out of the stream and onto the grassy bank. Uncle Tom put an arm around William. "That was quick thinking, William," said Uncle Tom. "I'm very proud of you. Next time, we'll all remember to put on our life jackets before we get in the canoe."

Later that day, Uncle Tom told everyone to gather around. "How much farther, Uncle Tom?" asked William.

"We are here," Uncle Tom remarked, to everyone's surprise.
"But where's the treasure?" asked William.
"Don't you see?" said Uncle Tom. "It's all around us, and it's been here all along. It's the natural sounds of the forest. It's in the green trees, the fresh air, and clean water. These things are the real treasures of the mountain."

At first, William, Andy, Kevin and Andrew were puzzled. Then, William realized what Uncle Tom meant! He envisioned the old hermit telling Uncle Tom that only the wisest of all of the bears could find the real treasure of the mountain, and he was right!

William would always remember this special camping adventure, and he would tell all of his friends in New York, NY about his discovery of the real treasures of the mountain.

From that day forward, William always remembered to respect the beauty and wonder that nature has to offer, and so should everyone.