He was abnormally jealous of little Bud and he had a well-developed hatred of Tom, otherwise he was a very good-tempered bear, and enjoyed Dale's impartial regard.

Tom, however, chased Muss out of camp whenever Dale's back was turned, and sometimes Muss stayed away, shifting for himself.
With the advent of Bo, who spent a good deal of time on the animals, Muss manifestly found the camp more attractive.

Whereupon, Dale predicted trouble between Tom and Muss.
Bo liked nothing better than a rough-and-tumble frolic with the black bear.

Muss was not very big nor very heavy, and in a wrestling bout with the strong and wiry girl he sometimes came out second best.

It spoke well of him that he seemed to be careful not to hurt Bo.