A Bear called Puddin

When the army posts Charlie Swift to Egypt he finds there's little tp do, so a native selling trinkets attracts his attention. He immediately notices something small is moving inside the boy's shirt, and insists on taking a look. He's horrified to find it's a tiny bear cub who is presumably to be sold on the market, minus teeth and claws, as a dancing bear. Determined to save the little cub, Charlie buys it in exchange for a tin of meat, to the delight of the other soldiers. When they are sent to Italy everyone assumes the bear will escape to the hill, but instead he proves invaluable at moving heavy equipment. Eventually they are demobbed to Scotland and Charlie sets about trying to find employment. He goes to a minor stately home to work as an assistant to George Parker, the estate manager. Lord Carmichael realises that a wild bear will be quite a talking point amongst his fishing and hunting paying guests, something other venues do not offer! However, the estate manatger is horrified, sure the bear is dangerous. However, Puddin proves invaluable at moving heavy timber, and it's him who locates George's missing dog.