rudyard kipling#the jungle book

7/31/2019 Rudyard Kipling#the Jungle Book

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/rudyard-kiplingthe-jungle-book 1/68

TheJungleBoo byRudyardKipling

Mowgli'sBrothers

NowRanntheKitebringshomethenightThatMangtheBatsetsfree-TheherdsareshutinbyreandhutForloosedtilldawnarewe.Thisisthehourofprideandpower,Talonandtushandclaw.Oh,hearthecall!-GoodhuntingallThat eeptheJungleLaw!

Night-SongintheJungle

Itwasseveno'cloc ofaverywarmeveningintheSeeoneehillswhenFatherWolfwo eupfromhisday'srest,scratchedhimself,yawned,andspreadouthispawsoneaftertheothertogetridofthesleepyfeelingintheirtips.MotherWolflaywithherbiggraynosedroppedacrossherfourtumbling,squealingcubs,andthemoonshoneintothemouthofthecavewheretheyalllived.''Augrh!''saidFatherWolf.''Itistimetohuntagain.''Hewasgoingtospringdownhillwhenalittleshadowwithabushytailcrossedthethresholdandwhined:''Goodluc gowithyou,OChiefoftheWolves.Andgoodluc andstrongwhiteteethgowithnoblechildrenthattheymayneverforgetthehungryinthisworld.''

Itwasthejac al-Tabaqui,theDish-lic er-andthewolvesofIndiadespiseTabaquibecauseherunsaboutma ingmischief,andtellingtales,andeatingragsandpiecesofleatherfromthevillagerubbish-heaps.Buttheyareafraidofhimtoo,becauseTabaqui,morethananyoneelseinthejungle,isapttogomad,andthenheforgetsthathewaseverafraidofanyone,andrunsthroughtheforestbitingeverythinginhisway.EventhetigerrunsandhideswhenlittleTabaquigoesmad,formadnessisthemostdisgracefulthingthatcanoverta eawildcreature.Wecallithydrophobia,buttheycallitdewanee-themadness-andrun.''Enter,then,andloo ,''saidFatherWolfstiffly,''butthereisnofoodhere.''''Forawolf,no,''saidTabaqui,''butforsomeanapersonasmyselfadryboneisagoodfeast.Whoarewe,theGidur-logthejac alpeople,topic andchoose?''Hescuttledtothebac ofthecave,wherehefoundtheboneofabuc

withsomemeatonit,andsatcrac ingtheendmerrily.''Allthan sforthisgoodmeal,''hesaid,lic inghislips.''Howbeautifularethenoblechildren!Howlargearetheireyes!Andsoyoungtoo!Indeed,indeed,Imighthaverememberedthatthechildrenof ingsaremenfromthebeginning.''Now,Tabaqui newaswellasanyoneelsethatthereisnothingsounluc yastocomplimentchildrentotheirfaces.ItpleasedhimtoseeMotherandFatherWolfloo uncomfortable.Tabaquisatstill,rejoicinginthemischiefthathehadmade,andthenhesaidspitefully:''ShereKhan,theBigOne,hasshiftedhishuntinggrounds.Hewillhuntamongthesehillsforthenextmoon,sohehastoldme.''ShereKhanwasthetigerwholivedneartheWaingungaRiver,twentymilesawa

y.''Hehasnoright!''FatherWolfbeganangrily-''BytheLawoftheJunglehehasnorighttochangehisquarterswithoutduewarning.Hewillfrighteneveryheadofgamewithintenmiles,andI-Ihaveto illfortwo,thesedays.''''HismotherdidnotcallhimLungritheLameOnefornothing,''saidMotherWolfquietly.''Hehasbeenlameinonefootfromhisbirth.Thatiswhyhehasonly illedcattle.NowthevillagersoftheWaingungaareangrywithhim,andhehascomeheretoma eourvillagersangry.Theywillscourthejungleforhimwhenheisfaraway,andweandourchildrenmustrunwhenthegrassissetalight.Indeed,weareverygratefultoShereKhan!''



''ShallItellhimofyourgratitude?''saidTabaqui.''Out!''snappedFatherWolf.''Outandhuntwiththymaster.Thouhastdoneharmenoughforonenight.''''Igo,''saidTabaquiquietly.''YecanhearShereKhanbelowinthethic ets.Imighthavesavedmyselfthemessage.''FatherWolflistened,andbelowinthevalleythatrandowntoalittleriverheheardthedry,angry,snarly,singsongwhineofatigerwhohascaughtnothinganddoesnotcareifallthejungle nowsit.''Thefool!''saidFatherWolf.''Tobeginanight'swor withthatnoise!Doeshethin thatourbuc areli ehisfatWaingungabulloc s?''''H'sh.Itisneitherbulloc norbuc hehuntsto-night,''saidMotherWolf.''ItisMan.''Thewhinehadchangedtoasortofhummingpurrthatseemedtocomefromeveryquarterofthecompass.Itwasthenoisethatbewilderswoodcuttersandgypsiessleepingintheopen,andma esthemrunsometimesintotheverymouthofthetiger.''Man!''saidFatherWolf,showingallhiswhiteteeth.''Faugh!Aretherenotenoughbeetlesandfrogsinthetan sthathemusteatMan,andonourgroundtoo!''TheLawoftheJungle,whichneverordersanythingwithoutareason,forbidseverybeasttoeatManexceptwhenheis illingtoshowhischildrenhowto ill,andthenhemusthuntoutsidethehuntinggroundsofhispac ortribe.Therealreasonforthisisthatman- illingmeans,soonerorlater,thearrivalofwhitemenonelephants,withguns,andhundredsofbrownmenwithgongsandroc e

tsandtorches.Theneverybodyinthejunglesuffers.ThereasonthebeastsgiveamongthemselvesisthatManisthewea estandmostdefenselessofalllivingthings,anditisunsportsmanli etotouchhim.Theysaytoo-anditistrue-thatman-eatersbecomemangy,andlosetheirteeth.Thepurrgrewlouder,andendedinthefull-throated''Aaarh!''ofthetiger'scharge.Thentherewasahowl-anuntigerishhowl-fromShereKhan.''Hehasmissed,''saidMotherWolf.''Whatisit?''FatherWolfranoutafewpacesandheardShereKhanmutteringandmumblingsavagelyashetumbledaboutinthescrub.''Thefoolhashadnomoresensethantojumpatawoodcutter'scampfire,andhasburnedhisfeet,''saidFatherWolfwithagrunt.''Tabaquiiswithhim.''''Somethingiscominguphill,''saidMotherWolf,twitchingoneear.''Getre

ady.''Thebushesrustledalittleinthethic et,andFatherWolfdroppedwithhishaunchesunderhim,readyforhisleap.Then,ifyouhadbeenwatching,youwouldhaveseenthemostwonderfulthingintheworld-thewolfchec edinmid-spring.Hemadehisboundbeforehesawwhatitwashewasjumpingat,andthenhetriedtostophimself.Theresultwasthatheshotupstraightintotheairforfourorfivefeet,landingalmostwhereheleftground.''Man!''hesnapped.''Aman'scub.Loo !''Directlyinfrontofhim,holdingonbyalowbranch,stoodana edbrownbabywhocouldjustwal -assoftandasdimpledalittleatomasevercametoawolf'scaveatnight.Heloo edupintoFatherWolf'sface,andlaughed.''Isthataman'scub?''saidMotherWolf.''Ihaveneverseenone.Bringithere.''

AWolfaccustomedtomovinghisowncubscan,ifnecessary,mouthaneggwithoutbrea ingit,andthoughFatherWolf'sjawsclosedrightonthechild'sbac notatoothevenscratchedthes inashelaiditdownamongthecubs.''Howlittle!Howna ed,and-howbold!''saidMotherWolfsoftly.Thebabywaspushinghiswaybetweenthecubstogetclosetothewarmhide.''Ahai!Heista inghismealwiththeothers.Andsothisisaman'scub.Now,wasthereeverawolfthatcouldboastofaman'scubamongherchildren?''''Ihaveheardnowandagainofsuchathing,butneverinourPac orinmytime,''saidFatherWolf.''Heisaltogetherwithouthair,andIcould illhimwithatouchofmyfoot.Butsee,heloo supandisnotafraid.''



Themoonlightwasbloc edoutofthemouthofthecave,forShereKhan'sgreatsquareheadandshoulderswerethrustintotheentrance.Tabaqui,behindhim,wassquea ing:''Mylord,mylord,itwentinhere!''''ShereKhandoesusgreathonor,''saidFatherWolf,buthiseyeswereveryangry.''WhatdoesShereKhanneed?''''Myquarry.Aman'scubwentthisway,''saidShereKhan.''Itsparentshaverunoff.Giveittome.''ShereKhanhadjumpedatawoodcutter'scampfire,asFatherWolfhadsaid,andwasfuriousfromthepainofhisburnedfeet.ButFatherWolf newthatthemouthofthecavewastoonarrowforatigertocomeinby.Evenwherehewas,ShereKhan'sshouldersandforepawswerecrampedforwantofroom,asaman'swouldbeifhetriedtofightinabarrel.''TheWolvesareafreepeople,''saidFatherWolf.''Theyta eordersfromtheHeadofthePac ,andnotfromanystripedcattle- iller.Theman'scubisours-to illifwechoose.''''Yechooseandyedonotchoose!Whattal isthisofchoosing?BythebullthatI illed,amItostandnosingintoyourdog'sdenformyfairdues?ItisI,ShereKhan,whospea !''Thetiger'sroarfilledthecavewiththunder.MotherWolfshoo herselfclearofthecubsandsprangforward,hereyes,li etwogreenmoonsinthedar ness,facingtheblazingeyesofShereKhan.''AnditisI,Ra shaTheDemon,whoanswers.Theman'scubismine,Lungri-minetome!Heshallnotbe illed.HeshalllivetorunwiththePac andtohuntwiththePac ;andintheend,loo you,hunteroflittlena edcubs-frog-eater-fish- iller-heshallhuntthee!Nowget

hence,orbytheSambhurthatI illed(Ieatnostarvedcattle),bac thougoesttothymother,burnedbeastofthejungle,lamerthaneverthoucamestintotheworld!Go!''FatherWolfloo edonamazed.HehadalmostforgottenthedayswhenhewonMotherWolfinfairfightfromfiveotherwolves,whensheraninthePac andwasnotcalledTheDemonforcompliment'ssa e.ShereKhanmighthavefacedFatherWolf,buthecouldnotstandupagainstMotherWolf,forhe newthatwherehewasshehadalltheadvantageoftheground,andwouldfighttothedeath.Sohebac edoutofthecavemouthgrowling,andwhenhewasclearheshouted:''Eachdogbar sinhisownyard!WewillseewhatthePac willsaytothisfosteringofman-cubs.Thecubismine,andtomyteethhewillcomeintheend,Obush-tailedthieves!''MotherWolfthrewherselfdownpantingamongthecubs,andFatherWolfsaidt

ohergravely:''ShereKhanspea sthismuchtruth.ThecubmustbeshowntothePac .Wiltthoustill eephim,Mother?''''Keephim!''shegasped.''Hecamena ed,bynight,aloneandveryhungry;yethewasnotafraid!Loo ,hehaspushedoneofmybabestoonesidealready.Andthatlamebutcherwouldhave illedhimandwouldhaverunofftotheWaingungawhilethevillagersherehuntedthroughallourlairsinrevenge!Keephim?AssuredlyIwill eephim.Liestill,littlefrog.OthouMowgli-forMowglitheFrogIwillcallthee-thetimewillcomewhenthouwilthuntShereKhanashehashuntedthee.''''ButwhatwillourPac say?''saidFatherWolf.TheLawoftheJunglelaysdownveryclearlythatanywolfmay,whenhemarries,withdrawfromthePac hebelongsto.Butassoonashiscubsareoldenough

tostandontheirfeethemustbringthemtothePac Council,whichisgenerallyheldonceamonthatfullmoon,inorderthattheotherwolvesmayidentifythem.Afterthatinspectionthecubsarefreetorunwheretheyplease,anduntiltheyhave illedtheirfirstbuc noexcuseisacceptedifagrownwolfofthePac illsoneofthem.Thepunishmentisdeathwherethemurderercanbefound;andifyouthin foraminuteyouwillseethatthismustbeso.FatherWolfwaitedtillhiscubscouldrunalittle,andthenonthenightofthePac Meetingtoo themandMowgliandMotherWolftotheCouncilRoc -ahilltopcoveredwithstonesandboulderswhereahundredwolvescouldhide.A ela,thegreatgrayLoneWolf,wholedallthePac bystrengthandcunning,layout



atfulllengthonhisroc ,andbelowhimsatfortyormorewolvesofeverysizeandcolor,frombadger-coloredveteranswhocouldhandleabuc alonetoyoungblac three-year-oldswhothoughttheycould.TheLoneWolfhadledthemforayearnow.Hehadfallentwiceintoawolftrapinhisyouth,andoncehehadbeenbeatenandleftfordead;sohe newthemannersandcustomsofmen.Therewasverylittletal ingattheRoc .Thecubstumbledovereachotherinthecenterofthecirclewheretheirmothersandfatherssat,andnowandagainaseniorwolfwouldgoquietlyuptoacub,loo athimcarefully,andreturntohisplaceonnoiselessfeet.Sometimesamotherwouldpushhercubfaroutintothemoonlighttobesurethathehadnotbeenoverloo ed.A elafromhisroc wouldcry:''Ye nowtheLaw-ye nowtheLaw.Loo well,OWolves!''Andtheanxiousmotherswouldta eupthecall:''Loo -loo well,OWolves!''Atlast-andMotherWolf'snec bristlesliftedasthetimecame-FatherWolfpushed''MowglitheFrog,''astheycalledhim,intothecenter,wherehesatlaughingandplayingwithsomepebblesthatglistenedinthemoonlight.A elaneverraisedhisheadfromhispaws,butwentonwiththemonotonouscry:''Loo well!''Amuffledroarcameupfrombehindtheroc s-thevoiceofShereKhancrying:''Thecubismine.Givehimtome.WhathavetheFreePeopletodowithaman'scub?''A elanevereventwitchedhisears.Allhesaidwas:''Loowell,OWolves!WhathavetheFreePeopletodowiththeordersofanysavetheFreePeople?Loo well!''Therewasachorusofdeepgrowls,andayoungwolfinhisfourthyearflungbac ShereKhan'squestiontoA ela:''WhathavetheFreePeopletodowithaman'scub?''Now,theLawoftheJunglelaysdownthatifthereisanydisputeas

totherightofacubtobeacceptedbythePac ,hemustbespo enforbyatleasttwomembersofthePac whoarenothisfatherandmother.''Whospea sforthiscub?''saidA ela.''AmongtheFreePeoplewhospea s?''TherewasnoanswerandMotherWolfgotreadyforwhatshe newwouldbeherlastfight,ifthingscametofighting.ThentheonlyothercreaturewhoisallowedatthePac Council-Baloo,thesleepybrownbearwhoteachesthewolfcubstheLawoftheJungle:oldBaloo,whocancomeandgowherehepleasesbecauseheeatsonlynutsandrootsandhoney-roseuponhishindquartersandgrunted.''Theman'scub-theman'scub?''hesaid.''Ispea fortheman'scub.Thereisnoharminaman'scub.Ihavenogiftofwords,butIspea thetruth.LethimrunwiththePac ,andbeenteredwiththeothers.Imyselfwillteachhim.''''Weneedyetanother,''saidA ela.''Baloohasspo en,andheisourteache

rfortheyoungcubs.Whospea sbesidesBaloo?''Ablac shadowdroppeddownintothecircle.ItwasBagheeratheBlac Panther,in yblac allover,butwiththepanthermar ingsshowingupincertainlightsli ethepatternofwateredsil .Everybody newBagheera,andnobodycaredtocrosshispath;forhewasascunningasTabaqui,asboldasthewildbuffalo,andasrec lessasthewoundedelephant.Buthehadavoiceassoftaswildhoneydrippingfromatree,andas insofterthandown.''OA ela,andyetheFreePeople,''hepurred,''Ihavenorightinyourassembly,buttheLawoftheJunglesaysthatifthereisadoubtwhichisnota illingmatterinregardtoanewcub,thelifeofthatcubmaybeboughtataprice.AndtheLawdoesnotsaywhomayormaynotpaythatprice.AmIright?''''Good!Good!''saidtheyoungwolves,whoarealwayshungry.''ListentoBagheera.Thecubcanbeboughtforaprice.ItistheLaw.''

''KnowingthatIhavenorighttospea here,Ias yourleave.''''Spea then,''criedtwentyvoices.''To illana edcubisshame.Besides,hemayma ebettersportforyouwhenheisgrown.Baloohasspo eninhisbehalf.NowtoBaloo'swordIwilladdonebull,andafatone,newly illed,nothalfamilefromhere,ifyewillaccepttheman'scubaccordingtotheLaw.Isitdifficult?''Therewasaclamorofscoresofvoices,saying:''Whatmatter?Hewilldieinthewinterrains.Hewillscorchinthesun.Whatharmcanana edfrogdous?LethimrunwiththePac .Whereisthebull,Bagheera?Lethimbeaccepted.''AndthencameA ela'sdeepbay,crying:''Loo well-loo well,OWolves!''



Mowgliwasstilldeeplyinterestedinthepebbles,andhedidnotnoticewhenthewolvescameandloo edathimonebyone.Atlasttheyallwentdownthehillforthedeadbull,andonlyA ela,Bagheera,Baloo,andMowgli'sownwolveswereleft.ShereKhanroaredstillinthenight,forhewasveryangrythatMowglihadnotbeenhandedovertohim.''Ay,roarwell,''saidBagheera,underhiswhis ers,''forthetimewillcomewhenthisna edthingwillma etheeroartoanothertune,orI nownothingofman.''''Itwaswelldone,''saidA ela.''Menandtheircubsareverywise.Hemaybeahelpintime.''''Truly,ahelpintimeofneed;fornonecanhopetoleadthePac forever,''saidBagheera.A elasaidnothing.Hewasthin ingofthetimethatcomestoeveryleaderofeverypac whenhisstrengthgoesfromhimandhegetsfeeblerandfeebler,tillatlastheis illedbythewolvesandanewleadercomesup-tobe illedinhisturn.''Ta ehimaway,''hesaidtoFatherWolf,''andtrainhimasbefitsoneoftheFreePeople.''AndthatishowMowgliwasenteredintotheSeeoneeWolfPac forthepriceofabullandonBaloo'sgoodword.Nowyoumustbecontenttos iptenorelevenwholeyears,andonlyguessatallthewonderfullifethatMowgliledamongthewolves,becauseifitwerewrittenoutitwouldfilleversomanyboo s.Hegrewupwiththecubs,thoughthey,ofcourse,weregrownwolvesalmostbeforehewasachild.AndFatherWolftaug

hthimhisbusiness,andthemeaningofthingsinthejungle,tilleveryrustleinthegrass,everybreathofthewarmnightair,everynoteoftheowlsabovehishead,everyscratchofabat'sclawsasitroostedforawhileinatree,andeverysplashofeverylittlefishjumpinginapoolmeantjustasmuchtohimasthewor ofhisofficemeanstoabusinessman.Whenhewasnotlearninghesatoutinthesunandslept,andateandwenttosleepagain.Whenhefeltdirtyorhotheswamintheforestpools;andwhenhewantedhoney(Balootoldhimthathoneyandnutswerejustaspleasanttoeatasrawmeat)heclimbedupforit,andthatBagheerashowedhimhowtodo.Bagheerawouldlieoutonabranchandcall,''Comealong,LittleBrother,''andatfirstMowgliwouldclingli ethesloth,butafterwardhewouldflinghimselfthroughthebranchesalmostasboldlyasthegrayape.Hetoo hisplaceattheCouncilRoc ,too,whenthePac met,andtherehediscoveredthatifhestaredhardatanywolf,thewolfwouldbef

orcedtodrophiseyes,andsoheusedtostareforfun.Atothertimeshewouldpic thelongthornsoutofthepadsofhisfriends,forwolvessufferterriblyfromthornsandbursintheircoats.Hewouldgodownthehillsideintothecultivatedlandsbynight,andloo verycuriouslyatthevillagersintheirhuts,buthehadamistrustofmenbecauseBagheerashowedhimasquareboxwithadropgatesocunninglyhiddeninthejunglethathenearlywal edintoit,andtoldhimthatitwasatrap.HelovedbetterthananythingelsetogowithBagheeraintothedar warmheartoftheforest,tosleepallthroughthedrowsyday,andatnightseehowBagheeradidhis illing.Bagheera illedrightandleftashefelthungry,andsodidMowgli-withoneexception.Assoonashewasoldenoughtounderstandthings,BagheeratoldhimthathemustnevertouchcattlebecausehehadbeenboughtintothePac atthepriceofabull'slife.''Allthejungleisthine,''saidBagheera,''andthoucanst illeverythingthatthouartstro

ngenoughto ill;butforthesa eofthebullthatboughttheethoumustnever illoreatanycattleyoungorold.ThatistheLawoftheJungle.''Mowgliobeyedfaithfully.Andhegrewandgrewstrongasaboymustgrowwhodoesnot nowthatheislearninganylessons,andwhohasnothingintheworldtothin ofexceptthingstoeat.MotherWolftoldhimonceortwicethatShereKhanwasnotacreaturetobetrusted,andthatsomedayhemust illShereKhan.Butthoughayoungwolfwouldhaverememberedthatadviceeveryhour,Mowgliforgotitbecausehewasonlyaboy-thoughhewouldhavecalledhimselfawolfifhehadbeenabletospea ina



nyhumantongue.ShereKhanwasalwayscrossinghispathinthejungle,forasA elagrewolderandfeeblerthelametigerhadcometobegreatfriendswiththeyoungerwolvesofthePac ,whofollowedhimforscraps,athingA elawouldneverhaveallowedifhehaddaredtopushhisauthoritytotheproperbounds.ThenShereKhanwouldflatterthemandwonderthatsuchfineyounghunterswerecontenttobeledbyadyingwolfandaman'scub.''Theytellme,''ShereKhanwouldsay,''thatatCouncilyedarenotloo himbetweentheeyes.''Andtheyoungwolveswouldgrowlandbristle.Bagheera,whohadeyesandearseverywhere, newsomethingofthis,andonceortwicehetoldMowgliinsomanywordsthatShereKhanwould illhimsomeday.Mowgliwouldlaughandanswer:''IhavethePac andIhavethee;andBaloo,thoughheissolazy,mightstri eablowortwoformysa e.WhyshouldIbeafraid?''ItwasoneverywarmdaythatanewnotioncametoBagheera-bornofsomethingthathehadheard.PerhapsI ithePorcupinehadtoldhim;buthesaidtoMowgliwhentheyweredeepinthejungle,astheboylaywithhisheadonBagheera'sbeautifulblac s in,''LittleBrother,howoftenhaveItoldtheethatShereKhanisthyenemy?''''Asmanytimesastherearenutsonthatpalm,''saidMowgli,who,naturally,couldnotcount.''Whatofit?Iamsleepy,Bagheera,andShereKhanisalllongtailandloudtal -li eMao,thePeacoc .''''Butthisisnotimeforsleeping.Baloo nowsit;I nowit;thePac nowit;andeventhefoolish,foolishdeer now.Tabaquihastoldtheetoo.''

''Ho!ho!''saidMowgli.''TabaquicametomenotlongagowithsomerudetalthatIwasana edman'scubandnotfittodigpig-nuts.ButIcaughtTabaquibythetailandswunghimtwiceagainstapalm-treetoteachhimbettermanners.''''Thatwasfoolishness,forthoughTabaquiisamischief-ma er,hewouldhavetoldtheeofsomethingthatconcernedtheeclosely.Openthoseeyes,LittleBrother.ShereKhandarenot illtheeinthejungle.Butremember,A elaisveryold,andsoonthedaycomeswhenhecannot illhisbuc ,andthenhewillbeleadernomore.Manyofthewolvesthatloo edtheeoverwhenthouwastbroughttotheCouncilfirstareoldtoo,andtheyoungwolvesbelieve,asShereKhanhastaughtthem,thataman-cubhasnoplacewiththePac .Inalittletimethouwiltbeaman.''''Andwhatisamanthatheshouldnotrunwithhisbrothers?''saidMowgli.

''Iwasborninthejungle.IhaveobeyedtheLawoftheJungle,andthereisnowolfofoursfromwhosepawsIhavenotpulledathorn.Surelytheyaremybrothers!''Bagheerastretchedhimselfatfulllengthandhalfshuthiseyes.''LittleBrother,''saidhe,''feelundermyjaw.''Mowgliputuphisstrongbrownhand,andjustunderBagheera'ssil ychin,wherethegiantrollingmuscleswereallhidbytheglossyhair,hecameuponalittlebaldspot.''Thereisnooneinthejunglethat nowsthatI,Bagheera,carrythatmar -themar ofthecollar;andyet,LittleBrother,Iwasbornamongmen,anditwasamongmenthatmymotherdied-inthecagesofthe ing'spalaceatOodeypore.ItwasbecauseofthisthatIpaidthepricefortheeattheCouncilwhenthouwastalittlena edcub.Yes,Itoowasbornamongmen.Ihadneverseenthejung

le.TheyfedmebehindbarsfromanironpantillonenightIfeltthatIwasBagheera-thePanther-andnoman'splaything,andIbro ethesillyloc withoneblowofmypawandcameaway.AndbecauseIhadlearnedthewaysofmen,IbecamemoreterribleinthejunglethanShereKhan.Isitnotso?''''Yes,''saidMowgli,''allthejunglefearBagheera-allexceptMowgli.''''Oh,thouartaman'scub,''saidtheBlac Pantherverytenderly.''AndevenasIreturnedtomyjungle,sothoumustgobac tomenatlast-tothemenwhoarethybrothers-ifthouartnot illedintheCouncil.''''Butwhy-butwhyshouldanywishto illme?''saidMowgli.''Loo atme,''saidBagheera.AndMowgliloo edathimsteadilybetweenthe



eyes.Thebigpantherturnedhisheadawayinhalfaminute.''Thatiswhy,''hesaid,shiftinghispawontheleaves.''NotevenIcanloo theebetweentheeyes,andIwasbornamongmen,andIlovethee,LittleBrother.Theotherstheyhatetheebecausetheireyescannotmeetthine;becausethouartwise;becausethouhastpulledoutthornsfromtheirfeet-becausethouartaman.''''Ididnot nowthesethings,''saidMowglisullenly,andhefrownedunderhisheavyblac eyebrows.''WhatistheLawoftheJungle?Stri efirstandthengivetongue.Bythyverycarelessnessthey nowthatthouartaman.Butbewise.ItisinmyheartthatwhenA elamisseshisnext ill-andateachhuntitcostshimmoretopinthebuc -thePac willturnagainsthimandagainstthee.TheywillholdajungleCouncilattheRoc ,andthen-andthen-Ihaveit!''saidBagheera,leapingup.''Gothoudownquic lytothemen'shutsinthevalley,andta esomeoftheRedFlowerwhichtheygrowthere,sothatwhenthetimecomesthoumayesthaveevenastrongerfriendthanIorBalooorthoseofthePac thatlovethee.GettheRedFlower.''ByRedFlowerBagheerameantfire,onlynocreatureinthejunglewillcallfirebyitspropername.Everybeastlivesindeadlyfearofit,andinventsahundredwaysofdescribingit.''TheRedFlower?''saidMowgli.''Thatgrowsoutsidetheirhutsinthetwilight.Iwillgetsome.''''Therespea stheman'scub,''saidBagheeraproudly.''Rememberthatitgrowsinlittlepots.Getoneswiftly,and eepitbytheefortimeofneed.''

''Good!''saidMowgli.''Igo.Butartthousure,OmyBagheera''-heslippedhisarmaroundthesplendidnec andloo eddeepintothebigeyes-''artthousurethatallthisisShereKhan'sdoing?''''BytheBro enLoc thatfreedme,Iamsure,LittleBrother.''''Then,bytheBullthatboughtme,IwillpayShereKhanfulltaleforthis,anditmaybealittleover,''saidMowgli,andheboundedaway.''Thatisaman.Thatisallaman,''saidBagheeratohimself,lyingdownagain.''Oh,ShereKhan,neverwasablac erhuntingthanthatfrog-huntofthinetenyearsago!''Mowgliwasfarandfarthroughtheforest,runninghard,andhisheartwashotinhim.Hecametothecaveastheeveningmistrose,anddrewbreath,andlooeddownthevalley.Thecubswereout,butMotherWolf,atthebac ofthecave, newbyhisbreathingthatsomethingwastroublingherfrog.

''Whatisit,Son?''shesaid.''Somebat'schatterofShereKhan,''hecalledbac .''Ihuntamongtheplowedfieldstonight,''andheplungeddownwardthroughthebushes,tothestreamatthebottomofthevalley.Therehechec ed,forheheardtheyellofthePac hunting,heardthebellowofahuntedSambhur,andthesnortasthebuc turnedatbay.Thentherewerewic ed,bitterhowlsfromtheyoungwolves:''A ela!A ela!LettheLoneWolfshowhisstrength.RoomfortheleaderofthePac !Spring,A ela!''TheLoneWolfmusthavesprungandmissedhishold,forMowgliheardthesnapofhisteethandthenayelpastheSambhur noc edhimoverwithhisforefoot.Hedidnotwaitforanythingmore,butdashedon;andtheyellsgrewfainterbehindhimasheranintothecroplandswherethevillagerslived.''Bagheeraspo etruth,''hepanted,ashenestleddowninsomecattlefodder

bythewindowofahut.''To-morrowisonedaybothforA elaandforme.''Thenhepressedhisfaceclosetothewindowandwatchedthefireonthehearth.Hesawthehusbandman'swifegetupandfeeditinthenightwithblac lumps.Andwhenthemorningcameandthemistswereallwhiteandcold,hesawtheman'schildpic upawic erpotplasteredinsidewithearth,fillitwithlumpsofred-hotcharcoal,putitunderhisblan et,andgoouttotendthecowsinthebyre.''Isthatall?''saidMowgli.''Ifacubcandoit,thereisnothingtofear.''Sohestroderoundthecornerandmettheboy,too thepotfromhishand,anddisappearedintothemistwhiletheboyhowledwithfear.



''Theyareveryli eme,''saidMowgli,blowingintothepotashehadseenthewomando.''ThisthingwilldieifIdonotgiveitthingstoeat'';andhedroppedtwigsanddriedbar ontheredstuff.HalfwayupthehillhemetBagheerawiththemorningdewshiningli emoonstonesonhiscoat.''A elahasmissed,''saidthePanther.''Theywouldhave illedhimlastnight,buttheyneededtheealso.Theywereloo ingfortheeonthehill.''''Iwasamongtheplowedlands.Iamready.See!''Mowgliheldupthefire-pot.''Good!Now,Ihaveseenmenthrustadrybranchintothatstuff,andpresentlytheRedFlowerblossomedattheendofit.Artthounotafraid?''''No.WhyshouldIfear?Iremembernow-ifitisnotadream-how,beforeIwasaWolf,IlaybesidetheRedFlower,anditwaswarmandpleasant.''AllthatdayMowglisatinthecavetendinghisfirepotanddippingdrybranchesintoittoseehowtheyloo ed.Hefoundabranchthatsatisfiedhim,andintheeveningwhenTabaquicametothecaveandtoldhimrudelyenoughthathewaswantedattheCouncilRoc ,helaughedtillTabaquiranaway.ThenMowgliwenttotheCouncil,stilllaughing.A elatheLoneWolflaybythesideofhisroc asasignthattheleadershipofthePac wasopen,andShereKhanwithhisfollowingofscrap-fedwolveswaledtoandfroopenlybeingflattered.BagheeralayclosetoMowgli,andthefirepotwasbetweenMowgli's nees.Whentheywereallgatheredtogether,ShereKhanbegantospea -athinghewouldneverhavedaredtodowhenA elawasinhisprime.''Hehasnoright,''whisperedBagheera.''Sayso.Heisadog'sson.Hewill

befrightened.''Mowglisprangtohisfeet.''FreePeople,''hecried,''doesShereKhanleadthePac ?Whathasatigertodowithourleadership?''''Seeingthattheleadershipisyetopen,andbeingas edtospea -''ShereKhanbegan.''Bywhom?''saidMowgli.''Arewealljac als,tofawnonthiscattlebutcher?TheleadershipofthePac iswiththePac alone.''Therewereyellsof''Silence,thouman'scub!''''Lethimspea .Hehas eptourLaw'';andatlasttheseniorsofthePac thundered:''LettheDeadWolfspea .''WhenaleaderofthePac hasmissedhis ill,heiscalledtheDeadWolfaslongashelives,whichisnotlong.A elaraisedhisoldheadwearily:-''FreePeople,andyetoo,jac alsofShereKhan,fortwelveseasonsIhavel

edyetoandfromthe ill,andinallthattimenotonehasbeentrappedormaimed.NowIhavemissedmy ill.Ye nowhowthatplotwasmade.Ye nowhowyebroughtmeuptoanuntriedbuc toma emywea ness nown.Itwascleverlydone.Yourrightisto illmehereontheCouncilRoc ,now.Therefore,Ias ,whocomestoma eanendoftheLoneWolf?Foritismyright,bytheLawoftheJungle,thatyecomeonebyone.''Therewasalonghush,fornosinglewolfcaredtofightA elatothedeath.ThenShereKhanroared:''Bah!Whathavewetodowiththistoothlessfool?Heisdoomedtodie!Itistheman-cubwhohaslivedtoolong.FreePeople,hewasmymeatfromthefirst.Givehimtome.Iamwearyofthisman-wolffolly.Hehastroubledthejunglefortenseasons.Givemetheman-cub,orIwillhuntherealways,andnotgiveyouonebone.Heisaman,aman'schild,andfromthemarrowofmybonesIhatehim!''

ThenmorethanhalfthePac yelled:''Aman!Aman!Whathasamantodowithus?Lethimgotohisownplace.''''Andturnallthepeopleofthevillagesagainstus?''clamoredShereKhan.''No,givehimtome.Heisaman,andnoneofuscanloo himbetweentheeyes.''A elaliftedhisheadagainandsaid,''Hehaseatenourfood.Hehassleptwithus.Hehasdrivengameforus.Hehasbro ennowordoftheLawoftheJungle.''''Also,Ipaidforhimwithabullwhenhewasaccepted.Theworthofabullislittle,butBagheera'shonorissomethingthathewillperhapsfightfor,''s



aidBagheerainhisgentlestvoice.''Abullpaidtenyearsago!''thePac snarled.''Whatdowecareforbonestenyearsold?''''Orforapledge?''saidBagheera,hiswhiteteethbaredunderhislip.''WellareyecalledtheFreePeople!''''Noman'scubcanrunwiththepeopleofthejungle,''howledShereKhan.''Givehimtome!''''Heisourbrotherinallbutblood,''A elawenton,''andyewould illhimhere!Intruth,Ihavelivedtoolong.Someofyeareeatersofcattle,andofothersIhaveheardthat,underShereKhan'steaching,yegobydar nightandsnatchchildrenfromthevillager'sdoorstep.ThereforeI nowyetobecowards,anditistocowardsIspea .ItiscertainthatImustdie,andmylifeisofnoworth,orIwouldofferthatintheman-cub'splace.Butforthesa eoftheHonorofthePac ,-alittlematterthatbybeingwithoutaleaderyehaveforgotten,-Ipromisethatifyelettheman-cubgotohisownplace,Iwillnot,whenmytimecomestodie,bareonetoothagainstye.Iwilldiewithoutfighting.ThatwillatleastsavethePac threelives.MoreIcannotdo;butifyewill,Icansaveyetheshamethatcomesof illingabrotheragainstwhomthereisnofault-abrotherspo enforandboughtintothePac accordingtotheLawoftheJungle.''''Heisaman-aman-aman!''snarledthePac .AndmostofthewolvesbegantogatherroundShereKhan,whosetailwasbeginningtoswitch.''Nowthebusinessisinthyhands,''saidBagheeratoMowgli.''Wecandonomoreexceptfight.''

Mowglistoodupright-thefirepotinhishands.Thenhestretchedouthisarms,andyawnedinthefaceoftheCouncil;buthewasfuriouswithrageandsorrow,for,wolfli e,thewolveshadnevertoldhimhowtheyhatedhim.''Listenyou!''hecried.''Thereisnoneedforthisdog'sjabber.YehavetoldmesooftentonightthatIamaman(andindeedIwouldhavebeenawolfwithyoutomylife'send)thatIfeelyourwordsaretrue.SoIdonotcallyemybrothersanymore,butsagdogs,asamanshould.Whatyewilldo,andwhatyewillnotdo,isnotyourstosay.Thatmatteriswithme;andthatwemayseethemattermoreplainly,I,theman,havebroughtherealittleoftheRedFlowerwhichye,dogs,fear.''Heflungthefirepotontheground,andsomeoftheredcoalslitatuftofdriedmossthatflaredup,asalltheCouncildrewbac interrorbeforetheleapingflames.

Mowglithrusthisdeadbranchintothefiretillthetwigslitandcrac led,andwhirleditabovehisheadamongthecoweringwolves.''Thouartthemaster,''saidBagheerainanundertone.''SaveA elafromthedeath.Hewaseverthyfriend.''A ela,thegrimoldwolfwhohadneveras edformercyinhislife,gaveonepiteousloo atMowgliastheboystoodallna ed,hislongblac hairtossingoverhisshouldersinthelightoftheblazingbranchthatmadetheshadowsjumpandquiver.''Good!''saidMowgli,staringroundslowly.''Iseethatyearedogs.Igofromyoutomyownpeople-iftheybemyownpeople.Thejungleisshuttome,andImustforgetyourtal andyourcompanionship.ButIwillbemoremercifulthanyeare.BecauseIwasallbutyourbrotherinblood,IpromisethatwhenIamamanamongmenIwillnotbetrayyetomenasyehavebetrayedme.''He ic ed

thefirewithhisfoot,andthespar sflewup.''ThereshallbenowarbetweenanyofusinthePac .ButhereisadebttopaybeforeIgo.''HestrodeforwardtowhereShereKhansatblin ingstupidlyattheflames,andcaughthimbythetuftonhischin.Bagheerafollowedincaseofaccidents.''Up,dog!''Mowglicried.''Up,whenamanspea s,orIwillsetthatcoatablaze!''ShereKhan'searslayflatbac onhishead,andheshuthiseyes,fortheblazingbranchwasverynear.''Thiscattle- illersaidhewould illmeintheCouncilbecausehehadnotilledmewhenIwasacub.Thusandthus,then,dowebeatdogswhenwearemen.Stirawhis er,Lungri,andIramtheRedFlowerdownthygullet!''HebeatSh



ereKhanovertheheadwiththebranch,andthetigerwhimperedandwhinedinanagonyoffear.''Pah!Singedjunglecat-gonow!ButrememberwhennextIcometotheCouncilRoc ,asamanshouldcome,itwillbewithShereKhan'shideonmyhead.Fortherest,A elagoesfreetoliveashepleases.Yewillnot illhim,becausethatisnotmywill.NordoIthin thatyewillsithereanylonger,lollingoutyourtonguesasthoughyeweresomebodies,insteadofdogswhomIdriveout-thus!Go!''Thefirewasburningfuriouslyattheendofthebranch,andMowglistruc rightandleftroundthecircle,andthewolvesranhowlingwiththespar sburningtheirfur.AtlasttherewereonlyA ela,Bagheera,andperhapstenwolvesthathadta enMowgli'spart.ThensomethingbegantohurtMowgliinsidehim,ashehadneverbeenhurtinhislifebefore,andhecaughthisbreathandsobbed,andthetearsrandownhisface.''Whatisit?Whatisit?''hesaid.''Idonotwishtoleavethejungle,andIdonot nowwhatthisis.AmIdying,Bagheera?''''No,LittleBrother.Thatisonlytearssuchasmenuse,''saidBagheera.''NowI nowthouartaman,andaman'scubnolonger.Thejungleisshutindeedtotheehenceforward.Letthemfall,Mowgli.Theyareonlytears.''SoMowglisatandcriedasthoughhisheartwouldbrea ;andhehadnevercriedinallhislifebefore.''Now,''hesaid,''Iwillgotomen.ButfirstImustsayfarewelltomymother.''AndhewenttothecavewhereshelivedwithFatherWolf,andhecriedonhercoat,whilethefourcubshowledmiserably.''Yewillnotforgetme?''saidMowgli.

''Neverwhilewecanfollowatrail,''saidthecubs.''Cometothefootofthehillwhenthouartaman,andwewilltal tothee;andwewillcomeintothecroplandstoplaywiththeebynight.''''Comesoon!''saidFatherWolf.''Oh,wiselittlefrog,comeagainsoon;forwebeold,thymotherandI.''''Comesoon,''saidMotherWolf,''littlena edsonofmine.For,listen,childofman,IlovedtheemorethaneverIlovedmycubs.''''Iwillsurelycome,''saidMowgli.''AndwhenIcomeitwillbetolayoutShereKhan'shideupontheCouncilRoc .Donotforgetme!Telltheminthejunglenevertoforgetme!''Thedawnwasbeginningtobrea whenMowgliwentdownthehillsidealone,tomeetthosemysteriousthingsthatarecalledmen.Hunting-SongoftheSeeoneePac

Asthedawnwasbrea ingtheSambhurbelledOnce,twiceandagain!Andadoeleapedup,andadoeleapedupFromthepondinthewoodwherethewilddeersup.ThisI,scoutingalone,beheld,Once,twiceandagain!Asthedawnwasbrea ingtheSambhurbelledOnce,twiceandagain!Andawolfstolebac ,andawolfstolebacTocarrythewordtothewaitingpac ,AndwesoughtandwefoundandwebayedonhistracOnce,twiceandagain!Asthedawnwasbrea ingtheWolfPac yelled

Once,twiceandagain!Feetinthejunglethatleavenomar !Eyesthatcanseeinthedar -thedar !Tongue-givetonguetoit!Har !Ohar !Once,twiceandagain!Kaa'sHuntingHisspotsarethejoyoftheLeopard:hishornsaretheBuffalo'spride.Beclean,forthestrengthofthehunteris nownbytheglossofhishide.IfyefindthattheBulloc cantossyou,ortheheavy-browedSambhurcangore;



Yeneednotstopwor toinformus:we newittenseasonsbefore.Oppressnotthecubsofthestranger,buthailthemasSisterandBrother,Forthoughtheyarelittleandfubsy,itmaybetheBearistheirmother.''Thereisnoneli etome!''saystheCubintheprideofhisearliest ill;ButthejungleislargeandtheCubheissmall.Lethimthin andbestill.MaximsofBalooAllthatistoldherehappenedsometimebeforeMowgliwasturnedoutoftheSeeoneeWolfPac ,orrevengedhimselfonShereKhanthetiger.ItwasinthedayswhenBaloowasteachinghimtheLawoftheJungle.Thebig,serious,oldbrownbearwasdelightedtohavesoquic apupil,fortheyoungwolveswillonlylearnasmuchoftheLawoftheJungleasappliestotheirownpac andtribe,andrunawayassoonastheycanrepeattheHuntingVerse-''Feetthatma enonoise;eyesthatcanseeinthedar ;earsthatcanhearthewindsintheirlairs,andsharpwhiteteeth,allthesethingsarethemar sofourbrothersexceptTabaquitheJac alandtheHyaenawhomwehate.''ButMowgli,asaman-cub,hadtolearnagreatdealmorethanthis.SometimesBagheeratheBlac Pantherwouldcomeloungingthroughthejungletoseehowhispetwasgettingon,andwouldpurrwithhisheadagainstatreewhileMowglirecitedtheday'slessontoBaloo.Theboycouldclimbalmostaswellashecouldswim,andswimalmostaswellashecouldrun.SoBaloo,theTeacheroftheLaw,taughthimtheWoodandWaterLaws:howtotellarottenbranchfromasoundone;howtospea politelytothewildbeeswhenhecameuponahiveofthemfiftyfeetaboveground;whattosaytoMangtheBatwhenhedisturbedhiminthebranchesatmidday;andhowtowarnthewater-sna esinthepoolsbeforehesplasheddownamongthem.NoneoftheJungl

ePeopleli ebeingdisturbed,andallareveryreadytoflyatanintruder.Then,too,MowgliwastaughttheStrangers'HuntingCall,whichmustberepeatedaloudtillitisanswered,wheneveroneoftheJungle-Peoplehuntsoutsidehisowngrounds.Itmeans,translated,''GivemeleavetohuntherebecauseIamhungry.''Andtheansweris,''Huntthenforfood,butnotforpleasure.''AllthiswillshowyouhowmuchMowglihadtolearnbyheart,andhegrewverytiredofsayingthesamethingoverahundredtimes.But,asBaloosaidtoBagheera,onedaywhenMowglihadbeencuffedandrunoffinatemper,''Aman'scubisaman'scub,andhemustlearnalltheLawoftheJungle.''''Butthin howsmallheis,''saidtheBlac Panther,whowouldhavespoiledMowgliifhehadhadhisownway.''Howcanhislittleheadcarryallthylongtal ?''''Isthereanythinginthejungletoolittletobe illed?No.ThatiswhyI

teachhimthesethings,andthatiswhyIhithim,verysoftly,whenheforgets.''''Softly!Whatdostthou nowofsoftness,oldIron-feet?''Bagheeragrunted.''Hisfaceisallbruisedtodaybythy-softness.Ugh.''''Betterheshouldbebruisedfromheadtofootbymewholovehimthanthatheshouldcometoharmthroughignorance,''Balooansweredveryearnestly.''IamnowteachinghimtheMasterWordsoftheJunglethatshallprotecthimwiththebirdsandtheSna ePeople,andallthathuntonfourfeet,excepthisownpac.Hecannowclaimprotection,ifhewillonlyrememberthewords,fromallinthejungle.Isnotthatworthalittlebeating?''''Well,loo toitthenthatthoudostnot illtheman-cub.Heisnotreetrun tosharpenthybluntclawsupon.ButwhatarethoseMasterWords?Iammoreli elytogivehelpthantoas it''-Bagheerastretchedoutonepawandadmired

thesteel-blue,ripping-chiseltalonsattheendofit-''stillIshouldli eto now.''''IwillcallMowgliandheshallsaythem-ifhewill.Come,LittleBrother!''''Myheadisringingli eabeetree,''saidasullenlittlevoiceovertheirheads,andMowglisliddownatreetrun veryangryandindignant,addingashereachedtheground:''IcomeforBagheeraandnotforthee,fatoldBaloo!''''Thatisallonetome,''saidBaloo,thoughhewashurtandgrieved.''TellBagheera,then,theMasterWordsoftheJunglethatIhavetaughttheethisday.''



''MasterWordsforwhichpeople?''saidMowgli,delightedtoshowoff.''Thejunglehasmanytongues.I nowthemall.''''Alittlethou nowest,butnotmuch.See,OBagheera,theyneverthan theirteacher.Notonesmallwolflinghasevercomebac tothan oldBalooforhisteachings.SaythewordfortheHunting-People,then-greatscholar.''''Webeofoneblood,yeandI,''saidMowgli,givingthewordstheBearaccentwhichalltheHuntingPeopleuse.''Good.Nowforthebirds.''Mowglirepeated,withtheKite'swhistleattheendofthesentence.''NowfortheSna e-People,''saidBagheera.Theanswerwasaperfectlyindescribablehiss,andMowgli ic eduphisfeetbehind,clappedhishandstogethertoapplaudhimself,andjumpedontoBagheera'sbac ,wherehesatsideways,drummingwithhisheelsontheglossys inandma ingtheworstfaceshecouldthin ofatBaloo.''There-there!Thatwasworthalittlebruise,''saidthebrownbeartenderly.''Somedaythouwiltrememberme.''ThenheturnedasidetotellBagheerahowhehadbeggedtheMasterWordsfromHathitheWildElephant,who nowsallaboutthesethings,andhowHathihadta enMowglidowntoapooltogettheSna eWordfromawater-sna e,becauseBaloocouldnotpronounceit,andhowMowgliwasnowreasonablysafeagainstallaccidentsinthejungle,becauseneithersna e,bird,norbeastwouldhurthim.''Noonethenistobefeared,''Baloowoundup,pattinghisbigfurrystomachwithpride.''Excepthisowntribe,''saidBagheera,underhisbreath;andthenaloudto

Mowgli,''Haveacareformyribs,LittleBrother!Whatisallthisdancingupanddown?''Mowglihadbeentryingtoma ehimselfheardbypullingatBagheera'sshoulderfurand ic inghard.Whenthetwolistenedtohimhewasshoutingatthetopofhisvoice,''AndsoIshallhaveatribeofmyown,andleadthemthroughthebranchesalldaylong.''''Whatisthisnewfolly,littledreamerofdreams?''saidBagheera.''Yes,andthrowbranchesanddirtatoldBaloo,''Mowgliwenton.''Theyhavepromisedmethis.Ah!''''Whoof!''Baloo'sbigpawscoopedMowglioffBagheera'sbac ,andastheboylaybetweenthebigfore-pawshecouldseetheBearwasangry.''Mowgli,''saidBaloo,''thouhastbeental ingwiththeBandar-log-theMoneyPeople.''

Mowgliloo edatBagheeratoseeifthePantherwasangrytoo,andBagheera'seyeswereashardasjadestones.''ThouhastbeenwiththeMon eyPeople-thegrayapes-thepeoplewithoutalaw-theeatersofeverything.Thatisgreatshame.''''WhenBaloohurtmyhead,''saidMowgli(hewasstillonhisbac ),''Iwentaway,andthegrayapescamedownfromthetreesandhadpityonme.Nooneelsecared.''Hesnuffledalittle.''ThepityoftheMon eyPeople!''Baloosnorted.''Thestillnessofthemountainstream!Thecoolofthesummersun!Andthen,man-cub?''''Andthen,andthen,theygavemenutsandpleasantthingstoeat,andthey-theycarriedmeintheirarmsuptothetopofthetreesandsaidIwastheirbloodbrotherexceptthatIhadnotail,andshouldbetheirleadersomeday.''''Theyhavenoleader,''saidBagheera.''Theylie.Theyhavealwayslied.''

''Theywerevery indandbademecomeagain.WhyhaveIneverbeenta enamongtheMon eyPeople?TheystandontheirfeetasIdo.Theydonothitmewiththeirhardpaws.Theyplayallday.Letmegetup!BadBaloo,letmeup!Iwillplaywiththemagain.''''Listen,man-cub,''saidtheBear,andhisvoicerumbledli ethunderonahotnight.''IhavetaughttheealltheLawoftheJungleforallthepeoplesofthejungle-excepttheMon ey-Fol wholiveinthetrees.Theyhavenolaw.Theyareoutcasts.Theyhavenospeechoftheirown,butusethestolenwordswhichtheyoverhearwhentheylisten,andpeep,andwaitupaboveinthebranches.Theirwayisnotourway.Theyarewithoutleaders.Theyhavenoremembrance.Theyb



oastandchatterandpretendthattheyareagreatpeopleabouttodogreataffairsinthejungle,butthefallingofanutturnstheirmindstolaughterandallisforgotten.Weofthejunglehavenodealingswiththem.Wedonotdrin wherethemon eysdrin ;wedonotgowherethemon eysgo;wedonothuntwheretheyhunt;wedonotdiewheretheydie.Hastthoueverheardmespea oftheBandar-logtilltoday?''''No,''saidMowgliinawhisper,fortheforestwasverystillnowBaloohadfinished.''TheJungle-Peopleputthemoutoftheirmouthsandoutoftheirminds.Theyareverymany,evil,dirty,shameless,andtheydesire,iftheyhaveanyfixeddesire,tobenoticedbytheJunglePeople.Butwedonotnoticethemevenwhentheythrownutsandfilthonourheads.''Hehadhardlyspo enwhenashowerofnutsandtwigsspattereddownthroughthebranches;andtheycouldhearcoughingsandhowlingsandangryjumpingshighupintheairamongthethinbranches.''TheMon ey-Peopleareforbidden,''saidBaloo,''forbiddentotheJungle-People.Remember.''''Forbidden,''saidBagheera,''butIstillthin Balooshouldhavewarnedtheeagainstthem.''''I-I?HowwasItoguesshewouldplaywithsuchdirt.TheMon eyPeople!Faugh!''Afreshshowercamedownontheirheadsandthetwotrottedaway,ta ingMowgliwiththem.WhatBaloohadsaidaboutthemon eyswasperfectlytrue.Theybelongedtothetree-tops,andasbeastsveryseldomloo up,therewasnooccasion

forthemon eysandtheJungle-Peopletocrosseachother'spath.Butwhenevertheyfoundasic wolf,orawoundedtiger,orbear,themon eyswouldtormenthim,andwouldthrowstic sandnutsatanybeastforfunandinthehopeofbeingnoticed.Thentheywouldhowlandshrie senselesssongs,andinvitetheJungle-Peopletoclimbuptheirtreesandfightthem,orwouldstartfuriousbattlesovernothingamongthemselves,andleavethedeadmon eyswheretheJungle-Peoplecouldseethem.Theywerealwaysjustgoingtohavealeader,andlawsandcustomsoftheirown,buttheyneverdid,becausetheirmemorieswouldnotholdoverfromdaytoday,andsotheycompromisedthingsbyma ingupasaying,''WhattheBandar-logthin nowthejunglewillthin later,''andthatcomfortedthemagreatdeal.Noneofthebeastscouldreachthem,butontheotherhandnoneofthebeastswouldnoticethem,andthatwaswhytheyweresopleasedwhenMowglicametoplaywiththem,andtheyheardhowangryBaloowas.

Theynevermeanttodoanymore-theBandar-lognevermeananythingatall;butoneoftheminventedwhatseemedtohimabrilliantidea,andhetoldalltheothersthatMowgliwouldbeausefulpersonto eepinthetribe,becausehecouldweavestic stogetherforprotectionfromthewind;so,iftheycaughthim,theycouldma ehimteachthem.OfcourseMowgli,asawoodcutter'schild,inheritedallsortsofinstincts,andusedtoma elittlehutsoffallenbrancheswithoutthin inghowhecametodoit.TheMon ey-People,watchinginthetrees,consideredhisplaymostwonderful.Thistime,theysaid,theywerereallygoingtohavealeaderandbecomethewisestpeopleinthejungle-sowisethateveryoneelsewouldnoticeandenvythem.ThereforetheyfollowedBalooandBagheeraandMowglithroughthejungleveryquietlytillitwastimeforthemiddaynap,andMowgli,whowasverymuchashamedofhimself,sleptbetweenthePantherandtheBear,resolvingtohavenomoretodowiththeMon eyPeople.

Thenextthingherememberedwasfeelinghandsonhislegsandarms-hard,strong,littlehands-andthenaswashofbranchesinhisface,andthenhewasstaringdownthroughtheswayingboughsasBaloowo ethejunglewithhisdeepcriesandBagheeraboundedupthetrun witheverytoothbared.TheBandar-loghowledwithtriumphandscuffledawaytotheupperbrancheswhereBagheeradarednotfollow,shouting:''Hehasnoticedus!Bagheerahasnoticedus.AlltheJungle-Peopleadmireusforours illandourcunning.''Thentheybegantheirflight;andtheflightoftheMon ey-Peoplethroughtree-landisoneofthethingsnobodycandescribe.Theyhavetheirregularroadsandcrossroads,uphillsanddownhills,alllaidoutfromfiftytoseventyorahundredfeetaboveground,andbyt



hesetheycantravelevenatnightifnecessary.Twoofthestrongestmon eyscaughtMowgliunderthearmsandswungoffwithhimthroughthetreetops,twentyfeetatabound.Hadtheybeenalonetheycouldhavegonetwiceasfast,buttheboy'sweightheldthembac .Sic andgiddyasMowgliwashecouldnothelpenjoyingthewildrush,thoughtheglimpsesofearthfardownbelowfrightenedhim,andtheterriblechec andjer attheendoftheswingovernothingbutemptyairbroughthisheartbetweenhisteeth.Hisescortwouldrushhimupatreetillhefeltthethinnesttopmostbranchescrac leandbendunderthem,andthenwithacoughandawhoopwouldflingthemselvesintotheairoutwardanddownward,andbringup,hangingbytheirhandsortheirfeettothelowerlimbsofthenexttree.Sometimeshecouldseeformilesandmilesacrossthestillgreenjungle,asamanonthetopofamastcanseeformilesacrossthesea,andthenthebranchesandleaveswouldlashhimacrosstheface,andheandhistwoguardswouldbealmostdowntoearthagain.So,boundingandcrashingandwhoopingandyelling,thewholetribeofBandar-logsweptalongthetree-roadswithMowglitheirprisoner.Foratimehewasafraidofbeingdropped.Thenhegrewangrybut newbetterthantostruggle,andthenhebegantothin .Thefirstthingwastosendbac wordtoBalooandBagheera,for,atthepacethemon eysweregoing,he newhisfriendswouldbeleftfarbehind.Itwasuselesstoloo down,forhecouldonlyseethetopsidesofthebranches,sohestaredupwardandsaw,farawayintheblue,RanntheKitebalancingandwheelingashe eptwatchoverthejunglewaitingforthingstodie.Rannsawthatthemon eyswerecarryingsomething,anddroppedafewhundredyardstofindoutwhethertheirloadwasgoodtoeat.Hewh

istledwithsurprisewhenhesawMowglibeingdraggeduptoatreetopandheardhimgivetheKitecallfor-''Webeofoneblood,thouandI.''Thewavesofthebranchesclosedovertheboy,butChilbalancedawaytothenexttreeintimetoseethelittlebrownfacecomeupagain.''Mar mytrail!''Mowglishouted.''TellBaloooftheSeeoneePac andBagheeraoftheCouncilRoc .''''Inwhosename,Brother?''RannhadneverseenMowglibefore,thoughofcoursehehadheardofhim.''Mowgli,theFrog.Man-cubtheycallme!Mar mytra-il!''Thelastwordswereshrie edashewasbeingswungthroughtheair,butRannnoddedandroseuptillheloo ednobiggerthanaspec ofdust,andtherehehung,watchingwithhistelescopeeyestheswayingofthetreetopsasMowgli'sescortwhirledalong.''Theynevergofar,''hesaidwithachuc le.''Theyneverdowhattheyset

outtodo.Alwayspec ingatnewthingsaretheBandar-log.Thistime,ifIhaveanyeye-sight,theyhavepec eddowntroubleforthemselves,forBalooisnofledglingandBagheeracan,asI now, illmorethangoats.''Soheroc edonhiswings,hisfeetgatheredupunderhim,andwaited.Meantime,BalooandBagheerawerefuriouswithrageandgrief.Bagheeraclimbedashehadneverclimbedbefore,butthethinbranchesbro ebeneathhisweight,andheslippeddown,hisclawsfullofbar .''Whydidstthounotwarntheman-cub?''heroaredtopoorBaloo,whohadsetoffataclumsytrotinthehopeofoverta ingthemon eys.''Whatwastheuseofhalfslayinghimwithblowsifthoudidstnotwarnhim?''''Haste!Ohaste!We-wemaycatchthemyet!''Baloopanted.''Atthatspeed!Itwouldnottireawoundedcow.TeacheroftheLaw-cub-beater-amileofthatrollingtoandfrowouldbursttheeopen.Sitstillandthin !

Ma eaplan.Thisisnotimeforchasing.Theymaydrophimifwefollowtooclose.''''Arrula!Whoo!Theymayhavedroppedhimalready,beingtiredofcarryinghim.WhocantrusttheBandar-log?Putdeadbatsonmyhead!Givemeblac bonestoeat!RollmeintothehivesofthewildbeesthatImaybestungtodeath,andburymewiththeHyaena,forIammostmiserableofbears!Arulala!Wahooa!OMowgli,Mowgli!WhydidInotwarntheeagainsttheMon ey-Fol insteadofbrea ingthyhead?NowperhapsImayhave noc edtheday'slessonoutofhismind,andhewillbealoneinthejunglewithouttheMasterWords.''Balooclaspedhispawsoverhisearsandrolledtoandfromoaning.



''AtleasthegavemealltheWordscorrectlyalittletimeago,''saidBagheeraimpatiently.''Baloo,thouhastneithermemorynorrespect.Whatwouldthejunglethin ifI,theBlac Panther,curledmyselfupli eI ithePorcupine,andhowled?''''WhatdoIcarewhatthejunglethin s?Hemaybedeadbynow.''''Unlessanduntiltheydrophimfromthebranchesinsport,or illhimoutofidleness,Ihavenofearfortheman-cub.Heiswiseandwelltaught,andaboveallhehastheeyesthatma etheJungle-Peopleafraid.But(anditisagreatevil)heisinthepoweroftheBandar-log,andthey,becausetheyliveintrees,havenofearofanyofourpeople.''Bagheeralic edoneforepawthoughtfully.''FoolthatIam!Oh,fat,brown,root-diggingfoolthatIam,''saidBaloo,uncoilinghimselfwithajer ,''itistruewhatHathitheWildElephantsays:`Toeachhisownfear';andthey,theBandar-log,fearKaatheRoc Sna e.Hecanclimbaswellastheycan.Hestealstheyoungmon eysinthenight.Thewhisperofhisnamema estheirwic edtailscold.LetusgotoKaa.''''Whatwillhedoforus?Heisnotofourtribe,beingfootless-andwithmostevileyes,''saidBagheera.''Heisveryoldandverycunning.Aboveall,heisalwayshungry,''saidBaloohopefully.''Promisehimmanygoats.''''Hesleepsforafullmonthafterhehasonceeaten.Hemaybeasleepnow,andevenwereheawa ewhatifhewouldrather illhisowngoats?''Bagheera,whodidnot nowmuchaboutKaa,wasnaturallysuspicious.''Theninthatcase,thouandItogether,oldhunter,mightma ehimseereas

on.''HereBaloorubbedhisfadedbrownshoulderagainstthePanther,andtheywentofftoloo forKaatheRoc Python.Theyfoundhimstretchedoutonawarmledgeintheafternoonsun,admiringhisbeautifulnewcoat,forhehadbeeninretirementforthelasttendayschanginghiss in,andnowhewasverysplendid-dartinghisbigblunt-nosedheadalongtheground,andtwistingthethirtyfeetofhisbodyintofantastic notsandcurves,andlic inghislipsashethoughtofhisdinnertocome.''Hehasnoteaten,''saidBaloo,withagruntofrelief,assoonashesawthebeautifullymottledbrownandyellowjac et.''Becareful,Bagheera!Heisalwaysalittleblindafterhehaschangedhiss in,andveryquic tostri e.''Kaawasnotapoisonsna e-infactheratherdespisedthepoisonsna esascowards-buthisstrengthlayinhishug,andwhenhehadoncelappedhishugecoilsroundanybodytherewasnomoretobesaid.''Goodhunting!''criedBaloo,sit

tinguponhishaunches.Li eallsna esofhisbreedKaawasratherdeaf,anddidnothearthecallatfirst.Thenhecurledupreadyforanyaccident,hisheadlowered.''Goodhuntingforusall,''heanswered.''Oho,Baloo,whatdostthoudohere?Goodhunting,Bagheera.Oneofusatleastneedsfood.Isthereanynewsofgameafoot?Adoenow,orevenayoungbuc ?Iamasemptyasadriedwell.''''Wearehunting,''saidBaloocarelessly.He newthatyoumustnothurryKaa.Heistoobig.''Givemepermissiontocomewithyou,''saidKaa.''Ablowmoreorlessisnothingtothee,BagheeraorBaloo,butI-Ihavetowaitandwaitfordaysinawood-pathandclimbhalfanightonthemerechanceofayoungape.Psshaw!ThebranchesarenotwhattheywerewhenIwasyoung.Rottentwigsanddryboughsaretheyall.''

''Maybethygreatweighthassomethingtodowiththematter,''saidBaloo.''Iamafairlength-afairlength,''saidKaawithalittlepride.''Butforallthat,itisthefaultofthisnew-growntimber.Icameveryneartofallingonmylasthunt-verynearindeed-andthenoiseofmyslipping,formytailwasnottightwrappedaroundthetree,wa edtheBandar-log,andtheycalledmemostevilnames.''''Footless,yellowearth-worm,''saidBagheeraunderhiswhis ers,asthoughheweretryingtoremembersomething.''Sssss!Havetheyevercalledmethat?''saidKaa.''Somethingofthat inditwasthattheyshoutedtouslastmoon,butwenev



ernoticedthem.Theywillsayanything-eventhatthouhastlostallthyteeth,andwiltnotfaceanythingbiggerthana id,because(theyareindeedshameless,theseBandar-log)-becausethouartafraidofthehe-goat'shorns,''Bagheerawentonsweetly.Nowasna e,especiallyawaryoldpythonli eKaa,veryseldomshowsthatheisangry,butBalooandBagheeracouldseethebigswallowingmusclesoneithersideofKaa'sthroatrippleandbulge.''TheBandar-loghaveshiftedtheirgrounds,''hesaidquietly.''WhenIcameupintothesuntodayIheardthemwhoopingamongthetree-tops.''''It-itistheBandar-logthatwefollownow,''saidBaloo,butthewordsstuc inhisthroat,forthatwasthefirsttimeinhismemorythatoneoftheJungle-Peoplehadownedtobeinginterestedinthedoingsofthemon eys.''Beyonddoubtthenitisnosmallthingthatta estwosuchhunters-leadersintheirownjungleIamcertain-onthetrailoftheBandar-log,''Kaarepliedcourteously,asheswelledwithcuriosity.''Indeed,''Baloobegan,''IamnomorethantheoldandsometimesveryfoolishTeacheroftheLawtotheSeeoneewolf-cubs,andBagheerahere-''''IsBagheera,''saidtheBlac Panther,andhisjawsshutwithasnap,forhedidnotbelieveinbeinghumble.''Thetroubleisthis,Kaa.Thosenut-stealersandpic ersofpalmleaveshavestolenawayourman-cubofwhomthouhastperhapsheard.''''IheardsomenewsfromI i(hisquillsma ehimpresumptuous)ofaman-thingthatwasenteredintoawolfpac ,butIdidnotbelieve.I iisfullofstorieshalfheardandverybadlytold.''

''Butitistrue.Heissuchaman-cubasneverwas,''saidBaloo.''Thebestandwisestandboldestofman-cubs-myownpupil,whoshallma ethenameofBaloofamousthroughallthejungles;andbesides,I-we-lovehim,Kaa.''''Ts!Ts!''saidKaa,weavinghisheadtoandfro.''Ialsohave nownwhatloveis.TherearetalesIcouldtellthat-''''Thatneedaclearnightwhenweareallwellfedtopraiseproperly,''saidBagheeraquic ly.''Ourman-cubisinthehandsoftheBandar-lognow,andwenowthatofalltheJungle-PeopletheyfearKaaalone.''''Theyfearmealone.Theyhavegoodreason,''saidKaa.''Chattering,foolish,vain-vain,foolish,andchattering,arethemon eys.Butaman-thingintheirhandsisinnogoodluc .Theygrowtiredofthenutstheypic ,andthrowthemdown.Theycarryabranchhalfaday,meaningtodogreatthingswithit,andthentheysnapitintwo.Thatman-thingisnottobeenvied.Theycalledmealso

-`yellowfish'wasitnot?''''Worm-worm-earth-worm,''saidBagheera,''aswellasotherthingswhichIcannotnowsayforshame.''''Wemustremindthemtospea welloftheirmaster.Aaa-ssp!Wemusthelptheirwanderingmemories.Now,whitherwenttheywiththecub?''''Thejunglealone nows.Towardthesunset,Ibelieve,''saidBaloo.''Wehadthoughtthatthouwouldst now,Kaa.''''I?How?Ita ethemwhentheycomeinmyway,butIdonothunttheBandar-log,orfrogs-orgreenscumonawater-hole,forthatmatter.''''Up,Up!Up,Up!Hillo!Illo!Illo,loo up,BaloooftheSeeoneeWolfPac !''Balooloo eduptoseewherethevoicecamefrom,andtherewasRanntheKite,sweepingdownwiththesunshiningontheupturnedflangesofhiswings.Itwa

snearRann'sbedtime,buthehadrangedalloverthejungleloo ingfortheBearandhadmissedhiminthethic foliage.''Whatisit?''saidBaloo.''IhaveseenMowgliamongtheBandar-log.Hebademetellyou.Iwatched.TheBandar-loghaveta enhimbeyondtherivertothemon eycity-totheColdLairs.Theymaystaythereforanight,ortennights,oranhour.Ihavetoldthebatstowatchthroughthedar time.Thatismymessage.Goodhunting,allyoubelow!''''Fullgorgeandadeepsleeptoyou,Rann,''criedBagheera.''Iwillremembertheeinmynext ill,andputasidetheheadfortheealone,Obestof ites!



''''Itisnothing.Itisnothing.TheboyheldtheMasterWord.Icouldhavedonenoless,''andRanncircledupagaintohisroost.''Hehasnotforgottentousehistongue,''saidBaloowithachuc leofpride.''Tothin ofonesoyoungrememberingtheMasterWordforthebirdstoowhilehewasbeingpulledacrosstrees!''''Itwasmostfirmlydrivenintohim,''saidBagheera.''ButIamproudofhim,andnowwemustgototheColdLairs.''Theyall newwherethatplacewas,butfewoftheJunglePeopleeverwentthere,becausewhattheycalledtheColdLairswasanolddesertedcity,lostandburiedinthejungle,andbeastsseldomuseaplacethatmenhaveonceused.Thewildboarwill,butthehuntingtribesdonot.Besides,themon eyslivedthereasmuchastheycouldbesaidtoliveanywhere,andnoself-respectinganimalwouldcomewithineyeshotofitexceptintimesofdrought,whenthehalf-ruinedtan sandreservoirsheldalittlewater.''Itishalfanight'sjourney-atfullspeed,''saidBagheera,andBaloolooedveryserious.''IwillgoasfastasIcan,''hesaidanxiously.''Wedarenotwaitforthee.Follow,Baloo.Wemustgoonthequic -foot-KaaandI.''''Feetornofeet,Ican eepabreastofallthyfour,''saidKaashortly.Baloomadeoneefforttohurry,buthadtositdownpanting,andsotheylefthimtocomeonlater,whileBagheerahurriedforward,atthequic panther-canter.Kaasaidnothing,but,striveasBagheeramight,thehugeRoc -pythonheldlevelwithhim.Whentheycametoahillstream,Bagheeragained,becauseheboundeda

crosswhileKaaswam,hisheadandtwofeetofhisnec clearingthewater,butonlevelgroundKaamadeupthedistance.''BytheBro enLoc thatfreedme,''saidBagheera,whentwilighthadfallen,''thouartnoslowgoer!''''Iamhungry,''saidKaa.''Besides,theycalledmespec ledfrog.''''Worm-earth-worm,andyellowtoboot.''''Allone.Letusgoon,''andKaaseemedtopourhimselfalongtheground,findingtheshortestroadwithhissteadyeyes,and eepingtoit.IntheColdLairstheMon ey-Peoplewerenotthin ingofMowgli'sfriendsatall.TheyhadbroughttheboytotheLostCity,andwereverymuchpleasedwiththemselvesforthetime.MowglihadneverseenanIndiancitybefore,andthoughthiswasalmostaheapofruinsitseemedverywonderfulandsplendid.Some inghadbuiltitlongagoonalittlehill.Youcouldstilltracethestonecausew

aysthatleduptotheruinedgateswherethelastsplintersofwoodhungtotheworn,rustedhinges.Treeshadgrownintoandoutofthewalls;thebattlementsweretumbleddownanddecayed,andwildcreepershungoutofthewindowsofthetowersonthewallsinbushyhangingclumps.Agreatrooflesspalacecrownedthehill,andthemarbleofthecourtyardsandthefountainswassplit,andstainedwithredandgreen,andtheverycobblestonesinthecourtyardwherethe ing'selephantsusedtolivehadbeenthrustupandapartbygrassesandyoungtrees.Fromthepalaceyoucouldseetherowsandrowsofrooflesshousesthatmadeupthecityloo ingli eemptyhoneycombsfilledwithblac ness;theshapelessbloc ofstonethathadbeenanidolinthesquarewherefourroadsmet;thepitsanddimplesatstreetcornerswherethepublicwellsoncestood,andtheshattereddomesoftempleswithwildfigssproutingontheirsides.Themon eyscalledtheplacetheircity,andpretendedtodesp

isetheJungle-Peoplebecausetheylivedintheforest.Andyettheynever newwhatthebuildingsweremadefornorhowtousethem.Theywouldsitincirclesonthehallofthe ing'scouncilchamber,andscratchforfleasandpretendtobemen;ortheywouldruninandoutoftherooflesshousesandcollectpiecesofplasterandoldbric sinacorner,andforgetwheretheyhadhiddenthem,andfightandcryinscufflingcrowds,andthenbrea offtoplayupanddowntheterracesofthe ing'sgarden,wheretheywouldsha etherosetreesandtheorangesinsporttoseethefruitandflowersfall.Theyexploredallthepassagesanddar tunnelsinthepalaceandthehundredsoflittledar rooms,buttheyneverrememberedwhattheyhadseenandwhattheyhadnot;andsodriftedaboutin



onesandtwosorcrowdstellingeachotherthattheyweredoingasmendid.Theydran atthetan sandmadethewaterallmuddy,andthentheyfoughtoverit,andthentheywouldallrushtogetherinmobsandshout:''ThereisnooneinthejunglesowiseandgoodandcleverandstrongandgentleastheBandar-log.''Thenallwouldbeginagaintilltheygrewtiredofthecityandwentbac tothetree-tops,hopingtheJungle-Peoplewouldnoticethem.Mowgli,whohadbeentrainedundertheLawoftheJungle,didnotli eorunderstandthis indoflife.Themon eysdraggedhimintotheColdLairslateintheafternoon,andinsteadofgoingtosleep,asMowgliwouldhavedoneafteralongjourney,theyjoinedhandsanddancedaboutandsangtheirfoolishsongs.Oneofthemon eysmadeaspeechandtoldhiscompanionsthatMowgli'scapturemaredanewthinginthehistoryoftheBandar-log,forMowgliwasgoingtoshowthemhowtoweavestic sandcanestogetherasaprotectionagainstrainandcold.Mowglipic edupsomecreepersandbegantowor theminandout,andthemoneystriedtoimitate;butinaveryfewminutestheylostinterestandbegantopulltheirfriends'tailsorjumpupanddownonallfours,coughing.''Iwishtoeat,''saidMowgli.''Iamastrangerinthispartofthejungle.Bringmefood,orgivemeleavetohunthere.''Twentyorthirtymon eysboundedawaytobringhimnutsandwildpawpaws.Buttheyfelltofightingontheroad,anditwastoomuchtroubletogobac withwhatwasleftofthefruit.Mowgliwassoreandangryaswellashungry,andheroamedthroughtheemptycitygivingtheStrangers'HuntingCallfromtimetotime,butnooneansweredhim,andMowglifeltthathehadreachedaverybadplaceindeed.''AllthatBaloohassaidabouttheBandar-logistrue,''hethoughtt

ohimself.''TheyhavenoLaw,noHuntingCall,andnoleaders-nothingbutfoolishwordsandlittlepic ingthievishhands.SoifIamstarvedor illedhere,itwillbeallmyownfault.ButImusttrytoreturntomyownjungle.Baloowillsurelybeatme,butthatisbetterthanchasingsillyroseleaveswiththeBandar-log.''Nosoonerhadhewal edtothecitywallthanthemon eyspulledhimbac ,tellinghimthathedidnot nowhowhappyhewas,andpinchinghimtoma ehimgrateful.Hesethisteethandsaidnothing,butwentwiththeshoutingmon eystoaterraceabovetheredsandstonereservoirsthatwerehalf-fullofrainwater.Therewasaruinedsummer-houseofwhitemarbleinthecenteroftheterrace,builtforqueensdeadahundredyearsago.Thedomedroofhadhalffalleninandbloc eduptheundergroundpassagefromthepalacebywhichthequeensusedtoenter.Butthewallsweremadeofscreensofmarbletracery-beautifulmil -white

fretwor ,setwithagatesandcorneliansandjasperandlapislazuli,andasthemooncameupbehindthehillitshonethroughtheopenwor ,castingshadowsonthegroundli eblac velvetembroidery.Sore,sleepy,andhungryashewas,MowglicouldnothelplaughingwhentheBandar-logbegan,twentyatatime,totellhimhowgreatandwiseandstrongandgentletheywere,andhowfoolishhewastowishtoleavethem.''Wearegreat.Wearefree.Wearewonderful.Wearethemostwonderfulpeopleinallthejungle!Weallsayso,andsoitmustbetrue,''theyshouted.''Nowasyouareanewlistenerandcancarryourwordsbac totheJungle-Peoplesothattheymaynoticeusinfuture,wewilltellyouallaboutourmostexcellentselves.''Mowglimadenoobjection,andthemon eysgatheredbyhundredsandhundredsontheterracetolistentotheirownspea erssingingthepraisesoftheBandar-log,andwheneveraspea erstoppedforwantofbreaththeywouldallshouttogether:''Thisistrue;weallsayso.''Mowglinod

dedandblin ed,andsaid''Yes''whentheyas edhimaquestion,andhisheadspunwiththenoise.''TabaquitheJac almusthavebittenallthesepeople,''hesaidtohimself,''andnowtheyhavemadness.Certainlythisisdewanee,themadness.Dotheynevergotosleep?Nowthereisacloudcomingtocoverthatmoon.IfitwereonlyabigenoughcloudImighttrytorunawayinthedar ness.ButIamtired.''Thatsamecloudwasbeingwatchedbytwogoodfriendsintheruinedditchbelowthecitywall,forBagheeraandKaa, nowingwellhowdangeroustheMon ey-Peoplewereinlargenumbers,didnotwishtorunanyris s.Themon eysneverfightunlesstheyareahundredtoone,andfewinthejunglecareforthoseodds.



''Iwillgotothewestwall,''Kaawhispered,''andcomedownswiftlywiththeslopeofthegroundinmyfavor.Theywillnotthrowthemselvesuponmybac intheirhundreds,but-''''I nowit,''saidBagheera.''WouldthatBaloowerehere,butwemustdowhatwecan.WhenthatcloudcoversthemoonIshallgototheterrace.Theyholdsomesortofcouncilthereovertheboy.''''Goodhunting,''saidKaagrimly,andglidedawaytothewestwall.Thathappenedtobetheleastruinedofany,andthebigsna ewasdelayedawhilebeforehecouldfindawayupthestones.Thecloudhidthemoon,andasMowgliwonderedwhatwouldcomenextheheardBagheera'slightfeetontheterrace.TheBlacPantherhadraceduptheslopealmostwithoutasoundandwasstri ing-he newbetterthantowastetimeinbiting-rightandleftamongthemon eys,whowereseatedroundMowgliincirclesfiftyandsixtydeep.Therewasahowloffrightandrage,andthenasBagheeratrippedontherolling ic ingbodiesbeneathhim,amon eyshouted:''Thereisonlyonehere!Killhim!Kill.''Ascufflingmassofmon eys,biting,scratching,tearing,andpulling,closedoverBagheera,whilefiveorsixlaidholdofMowgli,draggedhimupthewallofthesummerhouseandpushedhimthroughtheholeofthebro endome.Aman-trainedboywouldhavebeenbadlybruised,forthefallwasagoodfifteenfeet,butMowglifellasBaloohadtaughthimtofall,andlandedonhisfeet.''Staythere,''shoutedthemon eys,''tillwehave illedthyfriends,andlaterwewillplaywiththee-ifthePoison-Peopleleavetheealive.''''Webeofoneblood,yeandI,''saidMowgli,quic lygivingtheSna e'sCall.Hecouldhearrustlingandhissingintherubbishallroundhimandgavethe

Callasecondtime,toma esure.''Evenssso!Downhoodsall!''saidhalfadozenlowvoices(everyruininIndiabecomessoonerorlateradwellingplaceofsna es,andtheoldsummerhousewasalivewithcobras).''Standstill,LittleBrother,forthyfeetmaydousharm.''Mowglistoodasquietlyashecould,peeringthroughtheopenwor andlisteningtothefuriousdinofthefightroundtheBlac Panther-theyellsandchatteringsandscufflings,andBagheera'sdeep,hoarsecoughashebac edandbuc edandtwistedandplungedundertheheapsofhisenemies.Forthefirsttimesincehewasborn,Bagheerawasfightingforhislife.''Baloomustbeathand;Bagheerawouldnothavecomealone,''Mowglithought.Andthenhecalledaloud:''Tothetan ,Bagheera.Rolltothewatertan s.Rollandplunge!Gettothewater!''

Bagheeraheard,andthecrythattoldhimMowgliwassafegavehimnewcourage.Hewor edhiswaydesperately,inchbyinch,straightforthereservoirs,haltinginsilence.Thenfromtheruinedwallnearestthejungleroseuptherumblingwar-shoutofBaloo.TheoldBearhaddonehisbest,buthecouldnotcomebefore.''Bagheera,''heshouted,''Iamhere.Iclimb!Ihaste!Ahuwora!Thestonesslipundermyfeet!Waitmycoming,OmostinfamousBandar-log!''Hepanteduptheterraceonlytodisappeartotheheadinawaveofmon eys,buthethrewhimselfsquarelyonhishaunches,and,spreadingouthisforepaws,huggedasmanyashecouldhold,andthenbegantohitwitharegularbat-bat-bat,li etheflippingstro esofapaddlewheel.AcrashandasplashtoldMowglithatBagheerahadfoughthiswaytothetan wherethemon eyscouldnotfollow.ThePantherlaygaspingforbreath,hisheadjustoutofthewater,whilethemon eysstoodthreedeepontheredsteps,dancingupanddownwithrage,readytospringupon

himfromallsidesifhecameouttohelpBaloo.ItwasthenthatBagheeralifteduphisdrippingchin,andindespairgavetheSna e'sCallforprotection-''Webeofoneblood,yeandI''-forhebelievedthatKaahadturnedtailatthelastminute.EvenBaloo,halfsmotheredunderthemon eysontheedgeoftheterrace,couldnothelpchuc lingasheheardtheBlac Pantheras ingforhelp.Kaahadonlyjustwor edhiswayoverthewestwall,landingwithawrenchthatdislodgedacopingstoneintotheditch.Hehadnointentionoflosinganyadvantageoftheground,andcoiledanduncoiledhimselfonceortwice,tobesurethateveryfootofhislongbodywasinwor ingorder.AllthatwhilethefightwithBaloowenton,andthemon eysyelledinthetan roundBagheera,andMang



theBat,flyingtoandfro,carriedthenewsofthegreatbattleoverthejungle,tillevenHathitheWildElephanttrumpeted,and,faraway,scatteredbandsoftheMon ey-Fol wo eandcameleapingalongthetree-roadstohelptheircomradesintheColdLairs,andthenoiseofthefightrousedallthedaybirdsformilesround.ThenKaacamestraight,quic ly,andanxiousto ill.Thefightingstrengthofapythonisinthedrivingblowofhisheadbac edbyallthestrengthandweightofhisbody.Ifyoucanimaginealance,orabatteringram,orahammerweighingnearlyhalfatondrivenbyacool,quietmindlivinginthehandleofit,youcanroughlyimaginewhatKaawasli ewhenhefought.Apythonfourorfivefeetlongcan noc amandownifhehitshimfairlyinthechest,andKaawasthirtyfeetlong,asyou now.Hisfirststro ewasdeliveredintotheheartofthecrowdroundBaloo.Itwassenthomewithshutmouthinsilence,andtherewasnoneedofasecond.Themon eysscatteredwithcriesof-''Kaa!ItisKaa!Run!Run!''Generationsofmon eyshadbeenscaredintogoodbehaviorbythestoriestheirelderstoldthemofKaa,thenightthief,whocouldslipalongthebranchesasquietlyasmossgrows,andstealawaythestrongestmon eythateverlived;ofoldKaa,whocouldma ehimselfloo soli eadeadbranchorarottenstumpthatthewisestweredeceived,tillthebranchcaughtthem.Kaawaseverythingthatthemon eysfearedinthejungle,fornoneofthem newthelimitsofhispower,noneofthemcouldloo himintheface,andnonehadevercomealiveoutofhishug.Andsotheyran,stammeringwithterror,tothewallsandtheroofsofthehouses,andBaloodrewadeepbreathofrelief.Hisfurwasmuchthic erthanBagheera's,buthehadsufferedsorelyinthefight.ThenKaaopenedhismouth

forthefirsttimeandspo eonelonghissingword,andthefar-awaymon eys,hurryingtothedefenseoftheColdLairs,stayedwheretheywere,cowering,tilltheloadedbranchesbentandcrac ledunderthem.Themon eysonthewallsandtheemptyhousesstoppedtheircries,andinthestillnessthatfelluponthecityMowgliheardBagheerasha inghiswetsidesashecameupfromthetan .Thentheclamorbro eoutagain.Themon eysleapedhigherupthewalls.Theyclungaroundthenec softhebigstoneidolsandshrie edastheys ippedalongthebattlements,whileMowgli,dancinginthesummerhouse,puthiseyetothescreenwor andhootedowl-fashionbetweenhisfrontteeth,toshowhisderisionandcontempt.''Gettheman-cuboutofthattrap;Icandonomore,''Bagheeragasped.''Letusta etheman-cubandgo.Theymayattac again.''''TheywillnotmovetillIorderthem.Stayyousssso!''Kaahissed,andthe

citywassilentoncemore.''Icouldnotcomebefore,Brother,butIthin Iheardtheecall''-thiswastoBagheera.''I-Imayhavecriedoutinthebattle,''Bagheeraanswered.''Baloo,artthouhurt?''Iamnotsurethattheydidnotpullmeintoahundredlittlebearlings,''saidBaloo,gravelysha ingonelegaftertheother.''Wow!Iamsore.Kaa,weowethee,Ithin ,ourlives-BagheeraandI.''''Nomatter.Whereisthemanling?''''Here,inatrap.Icannotclimbout,''criedMowgli.Thecurveofthebro endomewasabovehishead.''Ta ehimaway.Hedancesli eMaothePeacoc .Hewillcrushouryoung,''saidthecobrasinside.''Hah!''saidKaawithachuc le,''hehasfriendseverywhere,thismanling.

Standbac ,manling.Andhideyou,OPoisonPeople.Ibrea downthewall.''Kaaloo edcarefullytillhefoundadiscoloredcrac inthemarbletraceryshowingawea spot,madetwoorthreelighttapswithhisheadtogetthedistance,andthenliftingupsixfeetofhisbodyclearoftheground,senthomehalfadozenfull-powersmashingblows,nose-first.Thescreen-wor bro eandfellawayinacloudofdustandrubbish,andMowglileapedthroughtheopeningandflunghimselfbetweenBalooandBagheera-anarmaroundeachbignec .''Artthouhurt?''saidBaloo,hugginghimsoftly.''Iamsore,hungry,andnotalittlebruised.But,oh,theyhavehandledyegrievously,myBrothers!Yebleed.''



''Othersalso,''saidBagheera,lic inghislipsandloo ingatthemon ey-deadontheterraceandroundthetan .''Itisnothing,itisnothing,ifthouartsafe,oh,myprideofalllittlefrogs!''whimperedBaloo.''Ofthatweshalljudgelater,''saidBagheera,inadryvoicethatMowglididnotatallli e.''ButhereisKaatowhomweowethebattleandthouowestthylife.Than himaccordingtoourcustoms,Mowgli.''MowgliturnedandsawthegreatPython'sheadswayingafootabovehisown.''Sothisisthemanling,''saidKaa.''Verysoftishiss in,andheisnotunli etheBandar-log.Haveacare,manling,thatIdonotmista etheeforamon eysometwilightwhenIhavenewlychangedmycoat.''''Webeoneblood,thouandI,''Mowglianswered.''Ita emylifefromtheetonight.My illshallbethy illifeverthouarthungry,OKaa.''''Allthan s,LittleBrother,''saidKaa,thoughhiseyestwin led.''Andwhatmaysoboldahunter ill?Ias thatImayfollowwhennexthegoesabroad.''''I illnothing,-Iamtoolittle,-butIdrivegoatstowardsuchascanusethem.WhenthouartemptycometomeandseeifIspea thetruth.Ihavesomesillintheseheheldouthishands,andifeverthouartinatrap,ImaypaythedebtwhichIowetothee,toBagheera,andtoBaloo,here.Goodhuntingtoyeall,mymasters.''''Wellsaid,''growledBaloo,forMowglihadreturnedthan sveryprettily.ThePythondroppedhisheadlightlyforaminuteonMowgli'sshoulder.''Abraveheartandacourteoustongue,''saidhe.''Theyshallcarrytheefarthroughthejungle,manling.Butnowgohencequic lywiththyfriends.Goandsleep,fort

hemoonsets,andwhatfollowsitisnotwellthatthoushouldstsee.''Themoonwassin ingbehindthehillsandthelinesoftremblingmon eyshuddledtogetheronthewallsandbattlementsloo edli eraggedsha yfringesofthings.Baloowentdowntothetan foradrin andBagheerabegantoputhisfurinorder,asKaaglidedoutintothecenteroftheterraceandbroughthisjawstogetherwitharingingsnapthatdrewallthemon eys'eyesuponhim.''Themoonsets,''hesaid.''Isthereyetlightenoughtosee?''Fromthewallscameamoanli ethewindinthetree-tops-''Wesee,OKaa.''''Good.Beginsnowthedance-theDanceoftheHungerofKaa.Sitstillandwatch.''Heturnedtwiceorthriceinabigcircle,weavinghisheadfromrighttoleft.Thenhebeganma ingloopsandfiguresofeightwithhisbody,andsoft,oozytrianglesthatmeltedintosquaresandfive-sidedfigures,andcoiledmounds,n

everresting,neverhurrying,andneverstoppinghislowhummingsong.Itgrewdar eranddar er,tillatlastthedragging,shiftingcoilsdisappeared,buttheycouldheartherustleofthescales.BalooandBagheerastoodstillasstone,growlingintheirthroats,theirnechairbristling,andMowgliwatchedandwondered.''Bandar-log,''saidthevoiceofKaaatlast,''canyestirfootorhandwithoutmyorder?Spea !''''Withoutthyorderwecannotstirfootorhand,OKaa!''''Good!Comeallonepacenearertome.''Thelinesofthemon eysswayedforwardhelplessly,andBalooandBagheeratoo onestiffstepforwardwiththem.''Nearer!''hissedKaa,andtheyallmovedagain.MowglilaidhishandsonBalooandBagheeratogetthemaway,andthetwogre

atbeastsstartedasthoughtheyhadbeenwa edfromadream.''Keepthyhandonmyshoulder,''Bagheerawhispered.''Keepitthere,orImustgobac -mustgobac toKaa.Aah!''''ItisonlyoldKaama ingcirclesonthedust,''saidMowgli.''Letusgo.''Andthethreeslippedoffthroughagapinthewallstothejungle.''Whoof!''saidBaloo,whenhestoodunderthestilltreesagain.''NevermorewillIma eanallyofKaa,''andheshoo himselfallover.''He nowsmorethanwe,''saidBagheera,trembling.''Inalittletime,hadIstayed,Ishouldhavewal eddownhisthroat.''''Manywillwal bythatroadbeforethemoonrisesagain,''saidBaloo.''He



willhavegoodhunting-afterhisownfashion.''''Butwhatwasthemeaningofitall?''saidMowgli,whodidnot nowanythingofapython'spowersoffascination.''Isawnomorethanabigsna ema ingfoolishcirclestillthedar came.Andhisnosewasallsore.Ho!Ho!''''Mowgli,''saidBagheeraangrily,''hisnosewassoreonthyaccount,asmyearsandsidesandpaws,andBaloo'snec andshouldersarebittenonthyaccount.NeitherBaloonorBagheerawillbeabletohuntwithpleasureformanydays.''''Itisnothing,''saidBaloo;''wehavetheman-cubagain.''''True,buthehascostusheavilyintimewhichmighthavebeenspentingoodhunting,inwounds,inhair-Iamhalfpluc edalongmybac -andlastofall,inhonor.For,remember,Mowgli,I,whoamtheBlac Panther,wasforcedtocalluponKaaforprotection,andBalooandIwerebothmadestupidaslittlebirdsbytheHungerDance.Allthis,man-cub,cameofthyplayingwiththeBandar-log.''''True,itistrue,''saidMowglisorrowfully.''Iamanevilman-cub,andmystomachissadinme.''''Mf!WhatsaystheLawoftheJungle,Baloo?''BaloodidnotwishtobringMowgliintoanymoretrouble,buthecouldnottamperwiththeLaw,sohemumbled:''Sorrowneverstayspunishment.Butremember,Bagheera,heisverylittle.''''Iwillremember.Buthehasdonemischief,andblowsmustbedealtnow.Mowgli,hastthouanythingtosay?''''Nothing.Ididwrong.Balooandthouarewounded.Itisjust.''

Bagheeragavehimhalfadozenlove-tapsfromapanther'spointofview(theywouldhardlyhavewa edoneofhisowncubs),butforaseven-year-oldboytheyamountedtoassevereabeatingasyoucouldwishtoavoid.WhenitwasalloverMowglisneezed,andpic edhimselfupwithoutaword.''Now,''saidBagheera,''jumponmybac ,LittleBrother,andwewillgohome.''OneofthebeautiesofJungleLawisthatpunishmentsettlesallscores.Thereisnonaggingafterward.MowglilaidhisheaddownonBagheera'sbac andsleptsodeeplythatheneverwa edwhenhewasputdowninthehome-cave.Road-SongoftheBandar-LogHerewegoinaflungfestoon,Half-wayuptothejealousmoon!

Don'tyouenvyourprancefulbands?Don'tyouwishyouhadextrahands?Wouldn'tyouli eifyourtailswere-so-CurvedintheshapeofaCupid'sbow?Nowyou'reangry,but-nevermind,Brother,thytailhangsdownbehind!Herewesitinabranchyrow,Thin ingofbeautifulthingswe now;Dreamingofdeedsthatwemeantodo,Allcomplete,inaminuteortwo-Somethingnobleandwiseandgood,Donebymerelywishingwecould.We'veforgotten,but-nevermind,

Brother,thytailhangsdownbehind!Allthetal weeverhaveheardUtteredbybatorbeastorbird-Hideorfinorscaleorfeather-Jabberitquic lyandalltogether!Excellent!Wonderful!Onceagain!Nowwearetal ingjustli emen!Let'spretendwearenevermind,Brother,thytailhangsdownbehind!ThisisthewayoftheMon ey- ind.



Thenjoinourleapinglinesthatscumfishthroughthepines,Thatroc etbywhere,lightandhigh,thewildgrapeswings.Bytherubbishinourwa e,andthenoblenoisewema e,Besure,besure,we'regoingtodosomesplendidthings!''Tiger!Tiger!''Whatofthehunting,hunterbold?Brother,thewatchwaslongandcold.Whatofthequarryyewentto ill?Brother,hecropsinthejunglestill.Whereisthepowerthatmadeyourpride?Brother,itebbsfrommyflan andside.Whereisthehastethatyehurryby?Brother,Igotomylair-todie.Nowwemustgobac tothefirsttale.WhenMowglileftthewolf'scaveafterthefightwiththePac attheCouncilRoc ,hewentdowntotheplowedlandswherethevillagerslived,buthewouldnotstoptherebecauseitwastooneartothejungle,andhe newthathehadmadeatleastonebadenemyattheCouncil.Sohehurriedon, eepingtotheroughroadthatrandownthevalley,andfolloweditatasteadyjog-trotfornearlytwentymiles,tillhecametoacountrythathedidnot now.Thevalleyopenedoutintoagreatplaindottedoverwithroc sandcutupbyravines.Atoneendstoodalittlevillage,andattheotherthethic junglecamedowninasweeptothegrazing-grounds,andstoppedthereasthoughithadbeencutoffwithahoe.Allovertheplain,cattleandbuffaloesweregrazing,andwhenthelittleboysinchargeoftheherdssawMowglithey

shoutedandranaway,andtheyellowpariahdogsthathangabouteveryIndianvillagebar ed.Mowgliwal edon,forhewasfeelinghungry,andwhenhecametothevillagegatehesawthebigthorn-bushthatwasdrawnupbeforethegateattwilight,pushedtooneside.''Umph!''hesaid,forhehadcomeacrossmorethanonesuchbarricadeinhisnightramblesafterthingstoeat.''SomenareafraidofthePeopleoftheJungleherealso.''Hesatdownbythegate,andwhenamancameouthestoodup,openedhismouth,andpointeddownittoshowthathewantedfood.Themanstared,andranbac uptheonestreetofthevillageshoutingforthepriest,whowasabig,fatmandressedinwhite,witharedandyellowmar onhisforehead.Thepriestcametothegate,andwithhimatleastahundredpeople,whostaredandtal edandshoutedandpointedatMowgli.''Theyhavenomanners,theseMenFol ,''saidMowglitohimself.''Onlythe

grayapewouldbehaveastheydo.''Sohethrewbac hislonghairandfrownedatthecrowd.''Whatistheretobeafraidof?''saidthepriest.''Loo atthemar sonhisarmsandlegs.Theyarethebitesofwolves.Heisbutawolf-childrunawayfromthejungle.''Ofcourse,inplayingtogether,thecubshadoftennippedMowgliharderthantheyintended,andtherewerewhitescarsalloverhisarmsandlegs.Buthewouldhavebeenthelastpersonintheworldtocallthesebites,forhe newwhatrealbitingmeant.''Arre!Arre!''saidtwoorthreewomentogether.''Tobebittenbywolves,poorchild!Heisahandsomeboy.Hehaseyesli eredfire.Bymyhonor,Messua,heisnotunli ethyboythatwasta enbythetiger.''''Letmeloo ,''saidawomanwithheavycopperringsonherwristsandan le

s,andshepeeredatMowgliunderthepalmofherhand.''Indeedheisnot.Heisthinner,buthehastheveryloo ofmyboy.''Thepriestwasacleverman,andhe newthatMessuawaswifetotherichestvillagerintheplace.Soheloo edupatthes yforaminuteandsaidsolemnly:''Whatthejunglehasta enthejunglehasrestored.Ta etheboyintothyhouse,mysister,andforgetnottohonorthepriestwhoseessofarintothelivesofmen.''''BytheBullthatboughtme,''saidMowglitohimself,''butallthistal ingisli eanotherloo ing-overbythePac !Well,ifIamaman,amanImustbecome.''



Thecrowdpartedasthewomanbec onedMowglitoherhut,wheretherewasaredlacqueredbedstead,agreatearthengrainchestwithfunnyraisedpatternsonit,halfadozencoppercoo ingpots,animageofaHindugodinalittlealcove,andonthewallarealloo ingglass,suchastheysellatthecountryfairs.Shegavehimalongdrin ofmil andsomebread,andthenshelaidherhandonhisheadandloo edintohiseyes;forshethoughtperhapsthathemightbeherrealsoncomebac fromthejunglewherethetigerhadta enhim.Soshesaid,''Nathoo,ONathoo!''Mowglididnotshowthathe newthename.''DostthounotrememberthedaywhenIgavetheethynewshoes?''Shetouchedhisfoot,anditwasalmostashardashorn.''No,''shesaidsorrowfully,''thosefeethaveneverwornshoes,butthouartveryli emyNathoo,andthoushaltbemyson.''Mowgliwasuneasy,becausehehadneverbeenunderaroofbefore.Butasheloo edatthethatch,hesawthathecouldtearitoutanytimeifhewantedtogetaway,andthatthewindowhadnofastenings.''Whatisthegoodofaman,''hesaidtohimselfatlast,''ifhedoesnotunderstandman'stal ?NowIamassillyanddumbasamanwouldbewithusinthejungle.Imustspea theirtal .''Itwasnotforfunthathehadlearnedwhilehewaswiththewolvestoimitatethechallengeofbuc sinthejungleandthegruntofthelittlewildpig.So,assoonasMessuapronouncedawordMowgliwouldimitateitalmostperfectly,andbeforedar hehadlearnedthenamesofmanythingsinthehut.Therewasadifficultyatbedtime,becauseMowgliwouldnotsleepunderanythingthatloo edsoli eapanthertrapasthathut,andwhentheyshutthedoorhewentthroughthewindow.''Givehimhiswill,''saidMessua'shusband.''Reme

mberhecannevertillnowhavesleptonabed.Ifheisindeedsentintheplaceofoursonhewillnotrunaway.''SoMowglistretchedhimselfinsomelong,cleangrassattheedgeofthefield,butbeforehehadclosedhiseyesasoftgraynosepo edhimunderthechin.''Phew!''saidGrayBrother(hewastheeldestofMotherWolf'scubs).''Thisisapoorrewardforfollowingtheetwentymiles.Thousmellestofwoodsmo eandcattle-altogetherli eamanalready.Wa e,LittleBrother;Ibringnews.''''Areallwellinthejungle?''saidMowgli,hugginghim.''AllexceptthewolvesthatwereburnedwiththeRedFlower.Now,listen.ShereKhanhasgoneawaytohuntfarofftillhiscoatgrowsagain,forheisbadlysinged.WhenhereturnsheswearsthathewilllaythybonesintheWaingunga.''''Therearetwowordstothat.Ialsohavemadealittlepromise.Butnewsis

alwaysgood.Iamtiredto-night,-verytiredwithnewthings,GrayBrother,-butbringmethenewsalways.''''Thouwiltnotforgetthatthouartawolf?Menwillnotma etheeforget?''saidGrayBrotheranxiously.''Never.IwillalwaysrememberthatIlovetheeandallinourcave.ButalsoIwillalwaysrememberthatIhavebeencastoutofthePac .''''Andthatthoumayestbecastoutofanotherpac .Menareonlymen,LittleBrother,andtheirtal isli ethetal offrogsinapond.WhenIcomedownhereagain,Iwillwaitfortheeinthebamboosattheedgeofthegrazing-ground.''ForthreemonthsafterthatnightMowglihardlyeverleftthevillagegate,hewassobusylearningthewaysandcustomsofmen.Firsthehadtowearaclothroundhim,whichannoyedhimhorribly;andthenhehadtolearnaboutmoney,wh

ichhedidnotintheleastunderstand,andaboutplowing,ofwhichhedidnotseetheuse.Thenthelittlechildreninthevillagemadehimveryangry.Luc ily,theLawoftheJunglehadtaughthimto eephistemper,forinthejunglelifeandfooddependon eepingyourtemper;butwhentheymadefunofhimbecausehewouldnotplaygamesorfly ites,orbecausehemispronouncedsomeword,onlythe nowledgethatitwasunsportsmanli eto illlittlena edcubs epthimfrompic ingthemupandbrea ingthemintwo.Hedidnot nowhisownstrengthintheleast.Inthejunglehe newhewaswea comparedwiththebeasts,butinthevillagepeoplesaidthathewasasstrongasabull.



AndMowglihadnotthefaintestideaofthedifferencethatcastema esbetweenmanandman.Whenthepotter'sdon eyslippedintheclaypit,Mowglihauleditoutbythetail,andhelpedtostac thepotsfortheirjourneytothemar etatKhanhiwara.Thatwasveryshoc ing,too,forthepotterisalow-casteman,andhisdon eyisworse.Whenthepriestscoldedhim,Mowglithreatenedtoputhimonthedon eytoo,andthepriesttoldMessua'shusbandthatMowglihadbetterbesettowor assoonaspossible;andthevillagehead-mantoldMowglithathewouldhavetogooutwiththebuffaloesnextday,andherdthemwhiletheygrazed.NoonewasmorepleasedthanMowgli;andthatnight,becausehehadbeenappointedaservantofthevillage,asitwere,hewentofftoacirclethatmeteveryeveningonamasonryplatformunderagreatfig-tree.Itwasthevillageclub,andthehead-manandthewatchmanandthebarber,who newallthegossipofthevillage,andoldBuldeo,thevillagehunter,whohadaTowermus et,metandsmo ed.Themon eyssatandtal edintheupperbranches,andtherewasaholeundertheplatformwhereacobralived,andhehadhislittleplatterofmil everynightbecausehewassacred;andtheoldmensataroundthetreeandtal ed,andpulledatthebighuqas(thewater-pipes)tillfarintothenight.Theytoldwonderfultalesofgodsandmenandghosts;andBuldeotoldevenmorewonderfulonesofthewaysofbeastsinthejungle,tilltheeyesofthechildrensittingoutsidethecirclebulgedoutoftheirheads.Mostofthetaleswereaboutanimals,forthejunglewasalwaysattheirdoor.Thedeerandthewildpiggrubbeduptheircrops,andnowandagainthetigercarriedoffamanattwilight,withinsightofthevillagegates.Mowgli,whonaturally newsomethingaboutwhattheyweretal ingof,hadto

coverhisfacenottoshowthathewaslaughing,whileBuldeo,theTowermus etacrosshis nees,climbedonfromonewonderfulstorytoanother,andMowgli'sshouldersshoo .BuldeowasexplaininghowthetigerthathadcarriedawayMessua'ssonwasaghost-tiger,andhisbodywasinhabitedbytheghostofawic ed,oldmoney-lender,whohaddiedsomeyearsago.''AndI nowthatthisistrue,''hesaid,''becausePurunDassalwayslimpedfromtheblowthathegotinariotwhenhisaccountboo swereburned,andthetigerthatIspea ofhelimps,too,forthetracsofhispadsareunequal.''''True,true,thatmustbethetruth,''saidthegray-beards,noddingtogether.''Areallthesetalessuchcobwebsandmoontal ?''saidMowgli.''Thattigerlimpsbecausehewasbornlame,aseveryone nows.Total ofthesoulofamon

ey-lenderinabeastthatneverhadthecourageofajac alischild'stal .''Buldeowasspeechlesswithsurpriseforamoment,andthehead-manstared.''Oho!Itisthejunglebrat,isit?''saidBuldeo.''Ifthouartsowise,betterbringhishidetoKhanhiwara,fortheGovernmenthassetahundredrupeesonhislife.Betterstill,tal notwhenthyeldersspea .''Mowglirosetogo.''AlltheeveningIhavelainherelistening,''hecalledbac overhisshoulder,''and,exceptonceortwice,Buldeohasnotsaidonewordoftruthconcerningthejungle,whichisathisverydoors.How,then,shallIbelievethetalesofghostsandgodsandgoblinswhichhesayshehasseen?''''Itisfulltimethatboywenttoherding,''saidthehead-man,whileBuldeopuffedandsnortedatMowgli'simpertinence.ThecustomofmostIndianvillagesisforafewboystota ethecattleandbuffaloesouttograzeintheearlymorning,andbringthembac atnight.Theve

rycattlethatwouldtrampleawhitemantodeathallowthemselvestobebangedandbulliedandshoutedatbychildrenthathardlycomeuptotheirnoses.Solongastheboys eepwiththeherdstheyaresafe,fornoteventhetigerwillchargeamobofcattle.Butiftheystraggletopic flowersorhuntlizards,theyaresometimescarriedoff.Mowgliwentthroughthevillagestreetinthedawn,sittingonthebac ofRama,thegreatherdbull.Theslaty-bluebuffaloes,withtheirlong,bac ward-sweepinghornsandsavageeyes,roseouttheirbyres,onebyone,andfollowedhim,andMowglimadeitverycleartothechildrenwithhimthathewasthemaster.Hebeatthebuffaloeswithalong,polishedbamboo,andtoldKamya,oneoftheboys,tograzethecattlebythemselves,whilehewento



nwiththebuffaloes,andtobeverycarefulnottostrayawayfromtheherd.AnIndiangrazinggroundisallroc sandscrubandtussoc sandlittleravines,amongwhichtheherdsscatteranddisappear.Thebuffaloesgenerally eeptothepoolsandmuddyplaces,wheretheyliewallowingorbas inginthewarmmudforhours.MowglidrovethemontotheedgeoftheplainwheretheWaingungacameoutofthejungle;thenhedroppedfromRama'snec ,trottedofftoabambooclump,andfoundGrayBrother.''Ah,''saidGrayBrother,''Ihavewaitedhereverymanydays.Whatisthemeaningofthiscattle-herdingwor ?''''Itisanorder,''saidMowgli.''Iamavillageherdforawhile.WhatnewsofShereKhan?''''Hehascomebac tothiscountry,andhaswaitedherealongtimeforthee.Nowhehasgoneoffagain,forthegameisscarce.Buthemeansto illthee.''''Verygood,''saidMowgli.''Solongasheisawaydothouoroneofthefourbrotherssitonthatroc ,sothatIcanseetheeasIcomeoutofthevillage.Whenhecomesbac waitformeintheravinebythedha treeinthecenteroftheplain.Weneednotwal intoShereKhan'smouth.''ThenMowglipic edoutashadyplace,andlaydownandsleptwhilethebuffaloesgrazedroundhim.HerdinginIndiaisoneofthelaziestthingsintheworld.Thecattlemoveandcrunch,andliedown,andmoveonagain,andtheydonotevenlow.Theyonlygrunt,andthebuffaloesveryseldomsayanything,butgetdownintothemuddypoolsoneafteranother,andwor theirwayintothemudtillonlytheirnosesandstaringchina-blueeyesshowabovethesurface,andthentheylieli elogs.Thesunma estheroc sdanceintheheat,andtheherdchildrenhearone ite(neveranymore)whistlingalmostoutofsightoverhead,andth

ey nowthatiftheydied,oracowdied,that itewouldsweepdown,andthenext itemilesawaywouldseehimdropandfollow,andthenext,andthenext,andalmostbeforetheyweredeadtherewouldbeascoreofhungry itescomeoutofnowhere.Thentheysleepandwa eandsleepagain,andweavelittlebas etsofdriedgrassandputgrasshoppersinthem;orcatchtwoprayingmantisesandmaethemfight;orstringanec laceofredandblac junglenuts;orwatchalizardbas ingonaroc ,orasna ehuntingafrognearthewallows.Thentheysinglong,longsongswithoddnativequaversattheendofthem,andthedayseemslongerthanmostpeople'swholelives,andperhapstheyma eamudcastlewithmudfiguresofmenandhorsesandbuffaloes,andputreedsintothemen'shands,andpretendthattheyare ingsandthefiguresaretheirarmies,orthattheyaregodstobeworshiped.Theneveningcomesandthechildrencall,andthebuffaloeslumberupoutofthestic ymudwithnoisesli egunshotsgoingoffoneaft

ertheother,andtheyallstringacrossthegrayplainbac tothetwin lingvillagelights.DayafterdayMowgliwouldleadthebuffaloesouttotheirwallows,anddayafterdayhewouldseeGrayBrother'sbac amileandahalfawayacrosstheplain(sohe newthatShereKhanhadnotcomebac ),anddayafterdayhewouldlieonthegrasslisteningtothenoisesroundhim,anddreamingofolddaysinthejungle.IfShereKhanhadmadeafalsestepwithhislamepawupinthejunglesbytheWaingunga,Mowgliwouldhaveheardhiminthoselong,stillmornings.AtlastadaycamewhenhedidnotseeGrayBrotheratthesignalplace,andhelaughedandheadedthebuffaloesfortheravinebythedh tree,whichwasallcoveredwithgolden-redflowers.TheresatGrayBrother,everybristleonhisbac lifted.''Hehashiddenforamonthtothrowtheeoffthyguard.Hecrossedtherange

slastnightwithTabaqui,hot-footonthytrail,''saidtheWolf,panting.Mowglifrowned.''IamnotafraidofShereKhan,butTabaquiisverycunning.''''Havenofear,''saidGrayBrother,lic inghislipsalittle.''ImetTabaquiinthedawn.Nowheistellingallhiswisdomtothe ites,buthetoldmeeverythingbeforeIbro ehisbac .ShereKhan'splanistowaitfortheeatthevillagegatethisevening-fortheeandfornooneelse.Heislyingupnow,inthebigdryravineoftheWaingunga.''''Hasheeatentoday,ordoeshehuntempty?''saidMowgli,fortheanswermeantlifeanddeathtohim.



''He illedatdawn,-apig,-andhehasdrun too.Remember,ShereKhancouldneverfast,evenforthesa eofrevenge.''''Oh!Fool,fool!Whatacub'scubitis!Eatenanddrun too,andhethin sthatIshallwaittillhehasslept!Now,wheredoeshelieup?Iftherewerebuttenofuswemightpullhimdownashelies.Thesebuffaloeswillnotchargeunlesstheywindhim,andIcannotspea theirlanguage.Canwegetbehindhistrac sothattheymaysmellit?''''HeswamfardowntheWaingungatocutthatoff,''saidGrayBrother.''Tabaquitoldhimthat,I now.Hewouldneverhavethoughtofitalone.''Mowglistoodwithhisfingerinhismouth,thin ing.''ThebigravineoftheWaingunga.Thatopensoutontheplainnothalfamilefromhere.Icanta etheherdroundthroughthejungletotheheadoftheravineandthensweepdown-buthewouldslin outatthefoot.Wemustbloc thatend.GrayBrother,canstthoucuttheherdintwoforme?''''NotI,perhaps-butIhavebroughtawisehelper.''GrayBrothertrottedoffanddroppedintoahole.ThenthereliftedupahugegrayheadthatMowgli newwell,andthehotairwasfilledwiththemostdesolatecryofallthejungle-thehuntinghowlofawolfatmidday.''A ela!A ela!''saidMowgli,clappinghishands.''Imighthave nownthatthouwouldstnotforgetme.Wehaveabigwor inhand.Cuttheherdintwo,A ela.Keepthecowsandcalvestogether,andthebullsandtheplowbuffaloesbythemselves.''Thetwowolvesran,ladies'-chainfashion,inandoutoftheherd,whichsnortedandthrewupitshead,andseparatedintotwoclumps.Inone,thecow-buffal

oesstoodwiththeircalvesinthecenter,andglaredandpawed,ready,ifawolfwouldonlystaystill,tochargedownandtramplethelifeoutofhim.Intheother,thebullsandtheyoungbullssnortedandstamped,butthoughtheyloo edmoreimposingtheyweremuchlessdangerous,fortheyhadnocalvestoprotect.Nosixmencouldhavedividedtheherdsoneatly.''Whatorders!''pantedA ela.''Theyaretryingtojoinagain.''MowglislippedontoRama'sbac .''Drivethebullsawaytotheleft,A ela.GrayBrother,whenwearegone,holdthecowstogether,anddrivethemintothefootoftheravine.''''Howfar?''saidGrayBrother,pantingandsnapping.''TillthesidesarehigherthanShereKhancanjump,''shoutedMowgli.''Keepthemtheretillwecomedown.''ThebullssweptoffasA elabayed,andGrayBrotherstoppedinfrontofthecows.Theychargeddownonhim,andheranjustb

eforethemtothefootoftheravine,asA eladrovethebullsfartotheleft.''Welldone!Anotherchargeandtheyarefairlystarted.Careful,now-careful,A ela.Asnaptoomuchandthebullswillcharge.Hujah!Thisiswilderwor thandrivingblac -buc .Didstthouthin thesecreaturescouldmovesoswiftly?''Mowglicalled.''Ihave-havehuntedthesetooinmytime,''gaspedA elainthedust.''ShallIturnthemintothejungle?''''Ay!Turn.Swiftlyturnthem!Ramaismadwithrage.Oh,ifIcouldonlytellhimwhatIneedofhimto-day.''Thebullswereturned,totherightthistime,andcrashedintothestandingthic et.Theotherherdchildren,watchingwiththecattlehalfamileaway,hurriedtothevillageasfastastheirlegscouldcarrythem,cryingthatthebuffaloeshadgonemadandrunaway.

ButMowgli'splanwassimpleenough.Allhewantedtodowastoma eabigcircleuphillandgetattheheadoftheravine,andthenta ethebullsdownitandcatchShereKhanbetweenthebullsandthecows;forhe newthatafteramealandafulldrin ShereKhanwouldnotbeinanyconditiontofightortoclamberupthesidesoftheravine.Hewassoothingthebuffaloesnowbyvoice,andAelahaddroppedfartotherear,onlywhimperingonceortwicetohurrytherear-guard.Itwasalong,longcircle,fortheydidnotwishtogettooneartheravineandgiveShereKhanwarning.AtlastMowgliroundedupthebewilderedherdattheheadoftheravineonagrassypatchthatslopedsteeplydowntotheravineitself.Fromthatheightyoucouldseeacrossthetopsofthetreesdownto



theplainbelow;butwhatMowgliloo edatwasthesidesoftheravine,andhesawwithagreatdealofsatisfactionthattheyrannearlystraightupanddown,whilethevinesandcreepersthathungoverthemwouldgivenofootholdtoatigerwhowantedtogetout.''Letthembreathe,A ela,''hesaid,holdinguphishand.''Theyhavenotwindedhimyet.Letthembreathe.ImusttellShereKhanwhocomes.Wehavehiminthetrap.''Heputhishandstohismouthandshouteddowntheravine-itwasalmostli eshoutingdownatunnel-andtheechoesjumpedfromroc toroc .Afteralongtimetherecamebac thedrawling,sleepysnarlofafull-fedtigerjustwa ened.''Whocalls?''saidShereKhan,andasplendidpeacoc flutteredupoutoftheravinescreeching.''I,Mowgli.Cattlethief,itistimetocometotheCouncilRoc !Down-hurrythemdown,A ela!Down,Rama,down!''Theherdpausedforaninstantattheedgeoftheslope,butA elagavetongueinthefullhunting-yell,andtheypitchedoveroneaftertheother,justassteamersshootrapids,thesandandstonesspurtinguproundthem.Oncestarted,therewasnochanceofstopping,andbeforetheywerefairlyinthebedoftheravineRamawindedShereKhanandbellowed.''Ha!Ha!''saidMowgli,onhisbac .''Nowthou nowest!''andthetorrentofblac horns,foamingmuzzles,andstaringeyeswhirleddowntheravinejustasbouldersgodowninfloodtime;thewea erbuffaloesbeingshoulderedouttothesidesoftheravinewheretheytorethroughthecreepers.They newwhatthebu

sinesswasbeforethem-theterriblechargeofthebuffaloherdagainstwhichnotigercanhopetostand.ShereKhanheardthethunderoftheirhoofs,pic edhimselfup,andlumbereddowntheravine,loo ingfromsidetosideforsomewayofescape,butthewallsoftheravinewerestraightandhehadtoholdon,heavywithhisdinnerandhisdrin ,willingtodoanythingratherthanfight.Theherdsplashedthroughthepoolhehadjustleft,bellowingtillthenarrowcutrang.Mowgliheardanansweringbellowfromthefootoftheravine,sawShereKhanturn(thetiger newiftheworstcametotheworstitwasbettertomeetthebullsthanthecowswiththeircalves),andthenRamatripped,stumbled,andwentonagainoversomethingsoft,and,withthebullsathisheels,crashedfullintotheotherherd,whilethewea erbuffaloeswereliftedcleanofftheirfeetbytheshoc ofthemeeting.Thatchargecarriedbothherdsoutintotheplain,goringandstampingandsnorting.Mowgliwatchedhistime,andslippedoffRama'sn

ec ,layingabouthimrightandleftwithhisstic .''Quic ,A ela!Brea themup.Scatterthem,ortheywillbefightingoneanother.Drivethemaway,A ela.Hai,Rama!Hai,hai,hai!mychildren.Softlynow,softly!Itisallover.''A elaandGrayBrotherrantoandfronippingthebuffaloes'legs,andthoughtheherdwheeledoncetochargeuptheravineagain,MowglimanagedtoturnRama,andtheothersfollowedhimtothewallows.ShereKhanneedednomoretrampling.Hewasdead,andthe iteswerecomingforhimalready.''Brothers,thatwasadog'sdeath,''saidMowgli,feelingforthe nifehealwayscarriedinasheathroundhisnec nowthathelivedwithmen.''Buthewouldneverhaveshownfight.Hishidewillloo wellontheCouncilRoc .Wemustgettowor swiftly.''

Aboytrainedamongmenwouldneverhavedreamedofs inningaten-foottigeralone,butMowgli newbetterthananyoneelsehowananimal'ss inisfittedon,andhowitcanbeta enoff.Butitwashardwor ,andMowglislashedandtoreandgruntedforanhour,whilethewolveslolledouttheirtongues,orcameforwardandtuggedasheorderedthem.Presentlyahandfellonhisshoulder,andloo inguphesawBuldeowiththeTowermus et.Thechildrenhadtoldthevillageaboutthebuffalostampede,andBuldeowentoutangrily,onlytooanxioustocorrectMowglifornotta ingbettercareoftheherd.Thewolvesdroppedoutofsightassoonastheysawthemancoming.''Whatisthisfolly?''saidBuldeoangrily.''Tothin thatthoucansts in



atiger!Wheredidthebuffaloes illhim?ItistheLameTigertoo,andthereisahundredrupeesonhishead.Well,well,wewilloverloo thylettingtheherdrunoff,andperhapsIwillgivetheeoneoftherupeesoftherewardwhenIhaveta enthes intoKhanhiwara.''Hefumbledinhiswaistclothforflintandsteel,andstoopeddowntosingeShereKhan'swhis ers.Mostnativehuntersalwayssingeatiger'swhis erstopreventhisghostfromhauntingthem.''Hum!''saidMowgli,halftohimselfasherippedbac thes inofaforepaw.''Sothouwiltta ethehidetoKhanhiwaraforthereward,andperhapsgivemeonerupee?NowitisinmymindthatIneedthes informyownuse.Heh!Oldman,ta eawaythatfire!''''Whattal isthistothechiefhunterofthevillage?Thyluc andthestupidityofthybuffaloeshavehelpedtheetothis ill.Thetigerhasjustfed,orhewouldhavegonetwentymilesbythistime.Thoucanstnotevens inhimproperly,littlebeggarbrat,andforsoothI,Buldeo,mustbetoldnottosingehiswhis ers.Mowgli,Iwillnotgivetheeoneannaofthereward,butonlyaverybigbeating.Leavethecarcass!''''BytheBullthatboughtme,''saidMowgli,whowastryingtogetattheshoulder,''mustIstaybabblingtoanoldapeallnoon?Here,A ela,thismanplaguesme.''Buldeo,whowasstillstoopingoverShereKhan'shead,foundhimselfsprawlingonthegrass,withagraywolfstandingoverhim,whileMowgliwentons inningasthoughhewerealoneinallIndia.''Ye-es,''hesaid,betweenhisteeth.''Thouartaltogetherright,Buldeo.Thouwiltnevergivemeoneannaofthereward.Thereisanoldwarbetweenthis

lametigerandmyself-averyoldwar,and-Ihavewon.''TodoBuldeojustice,ifhehadbeentenyearsyoungerhewouldhaveta enhischancewithA elahadhemetthewolfinthewoods,butawolfwhoobeyedtheordersofthisboywhohadprivatewarswithman-eatingtigerswasnotacommonanimal.Itwassorcery,magicoftheworst ind,thoughtBuldeo,andhewonderedwhethertheamuletroundhisnec wouldprotecthim.Helayasstillasstill,expectingeveryminutetoseeMowgliturnintoatigertoo.''Maharaj!GreatKing,''hesaidatlastinahus ywhisper.''Yes,''saidMowgli,withoutturninghishead,chuc lingalittle.''Iamanoldman.Ididnot nowthatthouwastanythingmorethanaherdsboy.MayIriseupandgoaway,orwillthyservanttearmetopieces?''''Go,andpeacegowiththee.Only,anothertimedonotmeddlewithmygame.Lethimgo,A ela.''

Buldeohobbledawaytothevillageasfastashecould,loo ingbac overhisshoulderincaseMowglishouldchangeintosomethingterrible.Whenhegottothevillagehetoldataleofmagicandenchantmentandsorcerythatmadethepriestloo verygrave.Mowgliwentonwithhiswor ,butitwasnearlytwilightbeforeheandthewolveshaddrawnthegreatgays inclearofthebody.''Nowwemusthidethisandta ethebuffaloeshome!Helpmetoherdthem,Aela.''Theherdroundedupinthemistytwilight,andwhentheygotnearthevillageMowglisawlights,andheardtheconchesandbellsinthetempleblowingandbanging.Halfthevillageseemedtobewaitingforhimbythegate.''ThatisbecauseIhave illedShereKhan,''hesaidtohimself.Butashowerofstoneswhistledabouthisears,andthevillagersshouted:''Sorcerer!Wolf'sbrat!Jungled

emon!Goaway!Gethencequic lyorthepriestwillturntheeintoawolfagain.Shoot,Buldeo,shoot!''TheoldTowermus etwentoffwithabang,andayoungbuffalobellowedinpain.''Moresorcery!''shoutedthevillagers.''Hecanturnbullets.Buldeo,thatwasthybuffalo.''''Nowwhatisthis?''saidMowgli,bewildered,asthestonesflewthic er.''Theyarenotunli ethePac ,thesebrothersofthine,''saidA ela,sittingdowncomposedly.''Itisinmyheadthat,ifbulletsmeananything,theywouldcasttheeout.''



''Wolf!Wolf'scub!Goaway!''shoutedthepriest,wavingasprigofthesacredtulsiplant.''Again?LasttimeitwasbecauseIwasaman.ThistimeitisbecauseIamawolf.Letusgo,A ela.''Awoman-itwasMessua-ranacrosstotheherd,andcried:''Oh,myson,myson!Theysaythouartasorcererwhocanturnhimselfintoabeastatwill.Idonotbelieve,butgoawayortheywill illthee.Buldeosaysthouartawizard,butI nowthouhastavengedNathoo'sdeath.''''Comebac ,Messua!''shoutedthecrowd.''Comebac ,orwewillstonethee.''Mowglilaughedalittleshortuglylaugh,forastonehadhithiminthemouth.''Runbac ,Messua.Thisisoneofthefoolishtalestheytellunderthebigtreeatdus .Ihaveatleastpaidforthyson'slife.Farewell;andrunquic ly,forIshallsendtheherdinmoreswiftlythantheirbric bats.Iamnowizard,Messua.Farewell!''''Now,oncemore,A ela,''hecried.''Bringtheherdin.''Thebuffaloeswereanxiousenoughtogettothevillage.TheyhardlyneededAela'syell,butchargedthroughthegateli eawhirlwind,scatteringthecrowdrightandleft.''Keepcount!''shoutedMowgliscornfully.''ItmaybethatIhavestolenoneofthem.Keepcount,forIwilldoyourherdingnomore.Fareyouwell,childrenofmen,andthan MessuathatIdonotcomeinwithmywolvesandhuntyouupanddownyourstreet.''Heturnedonhisheelandwal edawaywiththeLoneWolf,andasheloo edup

atthestarshefelthappy.''Nomoresleepingintrapsforme,A ela.LetusgetShereKhan'ss inandgoaway.No,wewillnothurtthevillage,forMessuawas indtome.''Whenthemoonroseovertheplain,ma ingitloo allmil y,thehorrifiedvillagerssawMowgli,withtwowolvesathisheelsandabundleonhishead,trottingacrossatthesteadywolf'strotthateatsupthelongmilesli efire.Thentheybangedthetemplebellsandblewtheconcheslouderthanever.AndMessuacried,andBuldeoembroideredthestoryofhisadventuresinthejungle,tillheendedbysayingthatA elastooduponhishindlegsandtal edli eaman.ThemoonwasjustgoingdownwhenMowgliandthetwowolvescametothehilloftheCouncilRoc ,andtheystoppedatMotherWolf'scave.''TheyhavecastmeoutfromtheMan-Pac ,Mother,''shoutedMowgli,''butIcomewiththehideofShereKhanto eepmyword.''

MotherWolfwal edstifflyfromthecavewiththecubsbehindher,andhereyesglowedasshesawthes in.''Itoldhimonthatday,whenhecrammedhisheadandshouldersintothiscave,huntingforthylife,LittleFrog-Itoldhimthatthehunterwouldbethehunted.Itiswelldone.''''LittleBrother,itiswelldone,''saidadeepvoiceinthethic et.''Wewerelonelyinthejunglewithoutthee,andBagheeracamerunningtoMowgli'sbarefeet.TheyclambereduptheCouncilRoc together,andMowglispreadthes inoutontheflatstonewhereA elausedtosit,andpeggeditdownwithfoursliversofbamboo,andA elalaydownuponit,andcalledtheoldcalltotheCouncil,''Loo -loo well,OWolves,''exactlyashehadcalledwhenMowgliwasfirstbroughtthere.EversinceA elahadbeendeposed,thePac hadbeenwithoutaleader,huntin

gandfightingattheirownpleasure.Buttheyansweredthecallfromhabit;andsomeofthemwerelamefromthetrapstheyhadfalleninto,andsomelimpedfromshotwounds,andsomeweremangyfromeatingbadfood,andmanyweremissing.ButtheycametotheCouncilRoc ,allthatwereleftofthem,andsawShereKhan'sstripedhideontheroc ,andthehugeclawsdanglingattheendoftheemptydanglingfeet.ItwasthenthatMowglimadeupasongthatcameupintohisthroatallbyitself,andheshouteditaloud,leapingupanddownontherattlings in,andbeatingtimewithhisheelstillhehadnomorebreathleft,whileGrayBrotherandA elahowledbetweentheverses.''Loo well,OWolves.HaveI eptmyword?''saidMowgli.Andthewolvesbay



ed''Yes,''andonetatteredwolfhowled:''Leadusagain,OA ela.Leadusagain,OMan-cub,forwebesic ofthislawlessness,andwewouldbetheFreePeopleoncemore.''''Nay,''purredBagheera,''thatmaynotbe.Whenyearefull-fed,themadnessmaycomeuponyouagain.NotfornothingareyecalledtheFreePeople.Yefoughtforfreedom,anditisyours.Eatit,OWolves.''''Man-Pac andWolf-Pac havecastmeout,''saidMowgli.''NowIwillhuntaloneinthejungle.''''Andwewillhuntwiththee,''saidthefourcubs.SoMowgliwentawayandhuntedwiththefourcubsinthejunglefromthatdayon.Buthewasnotalwaysalone,because,yearsafterward,hebecameamanandmarried.Butthatisastoryforgrown-ups.Mowgli'sSong

THATHESANGATTHECOUNCILROCKWHENHEDANCEDONSHEREKHAN'SHIDE

I,Mowgli,amsinging.LetthejunglelistentothethingsIhavedone.ShereKhansaidhewould ill-would ill!Atthegatesinthetwilighthewould illMowgli,theFrog!Heateandhedran .Drin deep,ShereKhan,forwhenwiltthoudrin again?Sleepanddreamofthe ill.Iamaloneonthegrazing-grounds.GrayBrother,cometome!Cometome,LoneWolf,forthereisbiggameafoot!

Bringupthegreatbullbuffaloes,theblue-s innedherdbullswiththeangryeyes.DrivethemtoandfroasIorder.Sleepestthoustill,ShereKhan?Wa e,oh,wa e!HerecomeI,andthebullsarebehind.Rama,theKingoftheBuffaloes,stampedwithhisfoot.WatersoftheWaingunga,whitherwentShereKhan?HeisnotI itodigholes,norMao,thePeacoc ,thatheshouldfly.HeisnotMangtheBat,tohanginthebranches.Littlebamboosthatcrea together,tellmewhereheran?Ow!Heisthere.Ahoo!Heisthere.UnderthefeetofRamaliestheLameOne!Up,ShereKhan!Upand ill!Hereismeat;brea thenec softhebulls!Hsh!Heisasleep.Wewillnotwa ehim,forhisstrengthisverygreat.The

iteshavecomedowntoseeit.Theblac antshavecomeupto nowit.Thereisagreatassemblyinhishonor.Alala!Ihavenoclothtowrapme.The iteswillseethatIamna ed.Iamashamedtomeetallthesepeople.Lendmethycoat,ShereKhan.LendmethygaystripedcoatthatImaygototheCouncilRoc .BytheBullthatboughtmeImadeapromise-alittlepromise.Onlythycoatislac ingbeforeI eepmyword.Withthe nife,withthe nifethatmenuse,withthe nifeofthehunter,Iwillstoopdownformygift.WatersoftheWaingunga,ShereKhangivesmehiscoatforthelovethathebearsme.Pull,GrayBrother!Pull,A ela!HeavyisthehideofShereKhan.TheManPac areangry.Theythrowstonesandtal child'stal .

Mymouthisbleeding.Letmerunaway.Throughthenight,throughthehotnight,runswiftlywithme,mybrothers.Wewillleavethelightsofthevillageandgotothelowmoon.WatersoftheWaingunga,theMan-Pac havecastmeout.Ididthemnoharm,buttheywereafraidofme.Why?WolfPac ,yehavecastmeouttoo.Thejungleisshuttomeandthevillagegatesareshut.Why?AsMangfliesbetweenthebeastsandbirds,soflyIbetweenthevillageandthejungle.Why?IdanceonthehideofShereKhan,butmyheartisveryheavy.Mymouthiscu



tandwoundedwiththestonesfromthevillage,butmyheartisverylight,becauseIhavecomebac tothejungle.Why?Thesetwothingsfighttogetherinmeasthesna esfightinthespring.Thewatercomesoutofmyeyes;yetIlaughwhileitfalls.Why?IamtwoMowglis,butthehideofShereKhanisundermyfeet.Allthejungle nowsthatIhave illedShereKhan.Loo -loo well,OWolves!Ahae!MyheartisheavywiththethingsthatIdonotunderstand.TheWhiteSealOh!hushthee,mybaby,thenightisbehindus,Andblac arethewatersthatspar ledsogreen.Themoon,o'erthecombers,loo sdownwardtofindusAtrestinthehollowsthatrustlebetween.Wherebillowmeetsbillow,thensoftbethypillow,Ah,wearyweeflipperling,curlatthyease!Thestormshallnotwa ethee,norshar overta ethee,Asleepinthearmsoftheslow-swingingseas!SealLullabyAllthesethingshappenedseveralyearsagoataplacecalledNovastoshnah,orNorthEastPoint,ontheIslandofSt.Paul,awayandawayintheBeringSea.Limmershin,theWinterWren,toldmethetalewhenhewasblownontotheriggingofasteamergoingtoJapan,andItoo himdownintomycabinandwarmedandfedhimforacoupleofdaystillhewasfittoflybac toSt.Paul'sagain.Limmershinisaveryquaintlittlebird,buthe nowshowtotellthetruth.

NobodycomestoNovastoshnahexceptonbusiness,andtheonlypeoplewhohaveregularbusinesstherearetheseals.Theycomeinthesummermonthsbyhundredsandhundredsofthousandsoutofthecoldgraysea.ForNovastoshnahBeachhasthefinestaccommodationforsealsofanyplaceinalltheworld.SeaCatch newthat,andeveryspringwouldswimfromwhateverplacehehappenedtobein-wouldswimli eatorpedo-boatstraightforNovastoshnahandspendamonthfightingwithhiscompanionsforagoodplaceontheroc s,asclosetotheseaaspossible.SeaCatchwasfifteenyearsold,ahugegrayfursealwithalmostamaneonhisshoulders,andlong,wic eddogteeth.Whenheheavedhimselfuponhisfrontflippershestoodmorethanfourfeetclearoftheground,andhisweight,ifanyonehadbeenboldenoughtoweighhim,wasnearlysevenhundredpounds.Hewasscarredalloverwiththemar sofsavagefights,buthewasalwaysreadyforjustonefightmore.Hewouldputhisheadononeside,asthou

ghhewereafraidtoloo hisenemyintheface;thenhewouldshootitoutli elightning,andwhenthebigteethwerefirmlyfixedontheotherseal'snec ,theothersealmightgetawayifhecould,butSeaCatchwouldnothelphim.YetSeaCatchneverchasedabeatenseal,forthatwasagainsttheRulesoftheBeach.Heonlywantedroombytheseaforhisnursery.Butastherewerefortyorfiftythousandothersealshuntingforthesamethingeachspring,thewhistling,bellowing,roaring,andblowingonthebeachwassomethingfrightful.FromalittlehillcalledHutchinson'sHill,youcouldloo overthreeandahalfmilesofgroundcoveredwithfightingseals;andthesurfwasdottedalloverwiththeheadsofsealshurryingtolandandbegintheirshareofthefighting.Theyfoughtinthebrea ers,theyfoughtinthesand,andtheyfoughtonthesmooth-wornbasaltroc softhenurseries,fortheywerejustasstupidandunaccommodatingasmen.TheirwivesnevercametotheislanduntillateinMayorea

rlyinJune,fortheydidnotcaretobetorntopieces;andtheyoungtwo-,three-,andfour-year-oldsealswhohadnotbegunhouse eepingwentinlandabouthalfamilethroughtheran softhefightersandplayedaboutonthesanddunesindrovesandlegions,andrubbedoffeverysinglegreenthingthatgrew.Theywerecalledtheholluschic ie-thebachelors-andtherewereperhapstwoorthreehundredthousandofthematNovastoshnahalone.SeaCatchhadjustfinishedhisforty-fifthfightonespringwhenMat ah,hissoft,slee ,gentle-eyedwife,cameupoutofthesea,andhecaughtherbythescruffofthenec anddumpedherdownonhisreservation,sayinggruffly:''Lateasusual.Wherehaveyoubeen?''



ItwasnotthefashionforSeaCatchtoeatanythingduringthefourmonthshestayedonthebeaches,andsohistemperwasgenerallybad.Mat ah newbetterthantoanswerbac .Sheloo edroundandcooed:''Howthoughtfulofyou.You'veta entheoldplaceagain.''''Ishouldthin Ihad,''saidSeaCatch.''Loo atme!''Hewasscratchedandbleedingintwentyplaces;oneeyewasalmostout,andhissidesweretorntoribbons.''Oh,youmen,youmen!''Mat ahsaid,fanningherselfwithherhindflipper.''Whycan'tyoubesensibleandsettleyourplacesquietly?Youloo asthoughyouhadbeenfightingwiththeKillerWhale.''''Ihaven'tbeendoinganythingbutfightsincethemiddleofMay.Thebeachisdisgracefullycrowdedthisseason.I'vemetatleastahundredsealsfromLuannonBeach,househunting.Whycan'tpeoplestaywheretheybelong?''''I'veoftenthoughtweshouldbemuchhappierifwehauledoutatOtterIslandinsteadofthiscrowdedplace,''saidMat ah.''Bah!Onlytheholluschic iegotoOtterIsland.Ifwewenttheretheywouldsaywewereafraid.Wemustpreserveappearances,mydear.''SeaCatchsun hisheadproudlybetweenhisfatshouldersandpretendedtogotosleepforafewminutes,butallthetimehewas eepingasharploo outforafight.Nowthatallthesealsandtheirwiveswereontheland,youcouldheartheirclamormilesouttoseaabovetheloudestgales.Atthelowestcountingtherewereoveramillionsealsonthebeach-oldseals,motherseals,tinybabies,andholluschic ie,fighting,scuffling,bleating,crawling,andplayingtogether-goingdowntotheseaandcomingupfromitingangsandregiments,lyingov

ereveryfootofgroundasfarastheeyecouldreach,ands irmishingaboutinbrigadesthroughthefog.ItisnearlyalwaysfoggyatNovastoshnah,exceptwhenthesuncomesoutandma eseverythingloo allpearlyandrainbow-coloredforalittlewhile.Kotic ,Mat ah'sbaby,wasborninthemiddleofthatconfusion,andhewasallheadandshoulders,withpale,wateryblueeyes,astinysealsmustbe,buttherewassomethingabouthiscoatthatmadehismotherloo athimveryclosely.''SeaCatch,''shesaid,atlast,''ourbaby'sgoingtobewhite!''''Emptyclam-shellsanddryseaweed!''snortedSeaCatch.''Thereneverhasbeensuchathingintheworldasawhiteseal.''''Ican'thelpthat,''saidMat ah;''there'sgoingtobenow.''Andshesangthelow,crooningsealsongthatallthemothersealssingtotheirbabies:Youmustn'tswimtillyou'resixwee sold,

Oryourheadwillbesun byyourheels;AndsummergalesandKillerWhalesArebadforbabyseals.Arebadforbabyseals,dearrat,Asbadasbadcanbe;Butsplashandgrowstrong,Andyoucan'tbewrong.ChildoftheOpenSea!Ofcoursethelittlefellowdidnotunderstandthewordsatfirst.Hepaddledandscrambledaboutbyhismother'sside,andlearnedtoscuffleoutofthewaywhenhisfatherwasfightingwithanotherseal,andthetworolledandroaredupanddowntheslipperyroc s.Mat ahusedtogotoseatogetthingstoeat,andthebabywasfedonlyonceintwodays,butthenheateallhecouldandthrov

euponit.Thefirstthinghedidwastocrawlinland,andtherehemettensofthousandsofbabiesofhisownage,andtheyplayedtogetherli epuppies,wenttosleeponthecleansand,andplayedagain.Theoldpeopleinthenurseriestoo nonoticeofthem,andtheholluschic ie epttotheirowngrounds,andthebabieshadabeautifulplaytime.WhenMat ahcamebac fromherdeep-seafishingshewouldgostraighttotheirplaygroundandcallasasheepcallsforalamb,andwaituntilsheheardKotic bleat.Thenshewouldta ethestraightestofstraightlinesinhisdirection,stri ingoutwithherforeflippersand noc ingtheyoungstersheadoverheel



srightandleft.Therewerealwaysafewhundredmothershuntingfortheirchildrenthroughtheplaygrounds,andthebabieswere eptlively.But,asMat ahtoldKotic ,''Solongasyoudon'tlieinmuddywaterandgetmange,orrubthehardsandintoacutorscratch,andsolongasyounevergoswimmingwhenthereisaheavysea,nothingwillhurtyouhere.''Littlesealscannomoreswimthanlittlechildren,buttheyareunhappytilltheylearn.ThefirsttimethatKotic wentdowntotheseaawavecarriedhimoutbeyondhisdepth,andhisbigheadsan andhislittlehindflippersflewupexactlyashismotherhadtoldhiminthesong,andifthenextwavehadnotthrownhimbac againhewouldhavedrowned.Afterthat,helearnedtolieinabeachpoolandletthewashofthewavesjustcoverhimandlifthimupwhilehepaddled,buthealways epthiseyeopenforbigwavesthatmighthurt.Hewastwowee slearningtousehisflippers;andallthatwhileheflounderedinandoutofthewater,andcoughedandgruntedandcrawledupthebeachandtoo catnapsonthesand,andwentbac again,untilatlasthefoundthathetrulybelongedtothewater.Thenyoucanimaginethetimesthathehadwithhiscompanions,duc ingundertherollers;orcominginontopofacomberandlandingwithaswashandasplutterasthebigwavewentwhirlingfarupthebeach;orstandinguponhistailandscratchinghisheadastheoldpeopledid;orplaying''I'mtheKingoftheCastle''onslippery,weedyroc sthatjuststuc outofthewash.Nowandthenhewouldseeathinfin,li eabigshar 'sfin,driftingalongclosetoshore,andhe newthatthatwastheKillerWhale,theGrampus,whoeatsyoungsealswhenhecangetthem;andKotic wouldheadforthebeachli eanarrow,andthe

finwouldjigoffslowly,asifitwereloo ingfornothingatall.LateinOctoberthesealsbegantoleaveSt.Paul'sforthedeepsea,byfamiliesandtribes,andtherewasnomorefightingoverthenurseries,andtheholluschic ieplayedanywheretheyli ed.''Nextyear,''saidMat ahtoKotic ,''youwillbeaholluschic ie;butthisyearyoumustlearnhowtocatchfish.''TheysetouttogetheracrossthePacific,andMat ahshowedKotic howtosleeponhisbac withhisflipperstuc eddownbyhissideandhislittlenosejustoutofthewater.Nocradleissocomfortableasthelong,roc ingswellofthePacific.WhenKotic felthiss intingleallover,Mat ahtoldhimhewaslearningthe''feelofthewater,''andthattingly,pric lyfeelingsmeantbadweathercoming,andhemustswimhardandgetaway.''Inalittletime,''shesaid,''you'll nowwheretoswimto,butjustnowwe'llfollowSeaPig,thePorpoise,forheisverywise.''Aschoolofporpoises

wereduc ingandtearingthroughthewater,andlittleKotic followedthemasfastashecould.''Howdoyou nowwheretogoto?''hepanted.Theleaderoftheschoolrolledhiswhiteeyeandduc edunder.''Mytailtingles,youngster,''hesaid.''Thatmeansthere'sagalebehindme.Comealong!Whenyou'resouthoftheStic yWaterhemeanttheEquatorandyourtailtingles,thatmeansthere'sagaleinfrontofyouandyoumustheadnorth.Comealong!Thewaterfeelsbadhere.''ThiswasoneofverymanythingsthatKotic learned,andhewasalwayslearning.Mat ahtaughthimtofollowthecodandthehalibutalongtheunder-seabansandwrenchtheroc lingoutofhisholeamongtheweeds;howtos irtthewrec slyingahundredfathomsbelowwateranddartli eariflebulletinatoneportholeandoutatanotherasthefishesran;howtodanceonthetopofthewaveswhenthelightningwasracingalloverthes y,andwavehisflipperpolitely

tothestumpy-tailedAlbatrossandtheMan-of-warHaw astheywentdownthewind;howtojumpthreeorfourfeetclearofthewaterli eadolphin,flippersclosetothesideandtailcurved;toleavetheflyingfishalonebecausetheyareallbony;tota etheshoulder-pieceoutofacodatfullspeedtenfathomsdeep,andnevertostopandloo ataboatoraship,butparticularlyarow-boat.AttheendofsixmonthswhatKotic didnot nowaboutdeep-seafishingwasnotworththe nowing.Andallthattimeheneversetflipperondryground.Oneday,however,ashewaslyinghalfasleepinthewarmwatersomewhereofftheIslandofJuanFernandez,hefeltfaintandlazyallover,justashumanpeopledowhenthespringisintheirlegs,andherememberedthegoodfirmbeache



sofNovastoshnahseventhousandmilesaway,thegameshiscompanionsplayed,thesmelloftheseaweed,thesealroar,andthefighting.Thatveryminuteheturnednorth,swimmingsteadily,andashewentonhemetscoresofhismates,allboundforthesameplace,andtheysaid:''Greeting,Kotic !Thisyearweareallholluschic ie,andwecandancetheFire-danceinthebrea ersoffLu annonandplayonthenewgrass.Butwheredidyougetthatcoat?''Kotic 'sfurwasalmostpurewhitenow,andthoughhefeltveryproudofit,heonlysaid,''Swimquic ly!Mybonesareachingfortheland.''Andsotheyallcametothebeacheswheretheyhadbeenborn,andheardtheoldseals,theirfathers,fightingintherollingmist.ThatnightKotic dancedtheFire-dancewiththeyearlingseals.TheseaisfulloffireonsummernightsallthewaydownfromNovastoshnahtoLu annon,andeachsealleavesawa eli eburningoilbehindhimandaflamingflashwhenhejumps,andthewavesbrea ingreatphosphorescentstrea sandswirls.Thentheywentinlandtotheholluschic iegroundsandrolledupanddowninthenewwildwheatandtoldstoriesofwhattheyhaddonewhiletheyhadbeenatsea.Theytal edaboutthePacificasboyswouldtal aboutawoodthattheyhadbeennuttingin,andifanyonehadunderstoodthemhecouldhavegoneawayandmadesuchachartofthatoceanasneverwas.Thethree-andfour-year-oldholluschic ierompeddownfromHutchinson'sHillcrying:''Outoftheway,youngsters!Theseaisdeepandyoudon't nowallthat'sinityet.Waittillyou'veroundedtheHorn.Hi,youyearling,wheredidyougetthatwhitecoat?''''Ididn'tgetit,''saidKotic .''Itgrew.''Andjustashewasgoingtorollthespea erover,acoupleofblac -hairedmenwithflatredfacescamefrom

behindasanddune,andKotic ,whohadneverseenamanbefore,coughedandloweredhishead.Theholluschic iejustbundledoffafewyardsandsatstaringstupidly.ThemenwerenolessthanKeric Booterin,thechiefoftheseal-huntersontheisland,andPatalamon,hisson.Theycamefromthelittlevillagenothalfamilefromtheseanurseries,andtheyweredecidingwhatsealstheywoulddriveuptothe illingpens-forthesealsweredrivenjustli esheep-tobeturnedintoseal-s injac etslateron.''Ho!''saidPatalamon.''Loo !There'sawhiteseal!''Keric Booterinturnednearlywhiteunderhisoilandsmo e,forhewasanAleut,andAleutsarenotcleanpeople.Thenhebegantomutteraprayer.''Don'ttouchhim,Patalamon.Therehasneverbeenawhitesealsince-sinceIwasborn.PerhapsitisoldZaharrof'sghost.Hewaslostlastyearinthebiggale.''''I'mnotgoingnearhim,''saidPatalamon.''He'sunluc y.Doyoureallythi

n heisoldZaharrofcomebac ?Iowehimforsomegulls'eggs.''''Don'tloo athim,''saidKeric .''Headoffthatdroveoffour-year-olds.Themenoughttos intwohundredto-day,butit'sthebeginningoftheseasonandtheyarenewtothewor .Ahundredwilldo.Quic !''Patalamonrattledapairofseal'sshoulderbonesinfrontofaherdofholluschic ieandtheystoppeddead,puffingandblowing.Thenhesteppednearandthesealsbegantomove,andKeric headedtheminland,andtheynevertriedtogetbac totheircompanions.Hundredsandhundredsofthousandsofsealswatchedthembeingdriven,buttheywentonplayingjustthesame.Kotic wastheonlyonewhoas edquestions,andnoneofhiscompanionscouldtellhimanything,exceptthatthemenalwaysdrovesealsinthatwayforsixwee sortwomonthsofeveryyear.''Iamgoingtofollow,''hesaid,andhiseyesnearlypoppedoutofhishead

asheshuffledalonginthewa eoftheherd.''Thewhitesealiscomingafterus,''criedPatalamon.''That'sthefirsttimeasealhasevercometothe illing-groundsalone.''''Hsh!Don'tloo behindyou,''saidKeric .''ItisZaharrof'sghost!Imustspea tothepriestaboutthis.''Thedistancetothe illing-groundswasonlyhalfamile,butittoo anhourtocover,becauseifthesealswenttoofastKeric newthattheywouldgetheatedandthentheirfurwouldcomeoffinpatcheswhentheyweres inned.Sotheywentonveryslowly,pastSeaLion'sNec ,pastWebsterHouse,tilltheycametotheSaltHousejustbeyondthesightofthesealsonthebeach.Kotic follow



ed,pantingandwondering.Hethoughtthathewasattheworld'send,buttheroarofthesealnurseriesbehindhimsoundedasloudastheroarofatraininatunnel.ThenKeric satdownonthemossandpulledoutaheavypewterwatchandletthedrovecooloffforthirtyminutes,andKotic couldhearthefog-dewdrippingoffthebrimofhiscap.Thentenortwelvemen,eachwithaniron-boundclubthreeorfourfeetlong,cameup,andKeric pointedoutoneortwoofthedrovethatwerebittenbytheircompanionsortoohot,andthemen ic edthoseasidewiththeirheavybootsmadeofthes inofawalrus'sthroat,andthenKeric said,''Letgo!''andthenthemenclubbedthesealsontheheadasfastastheycould.TenminuteslaterlittleKotic didnotrecognizehisfriendsanymore,fortheirs inswererippedofffromthenosetothehindflippers,whippedoffandthrowndownonthegroundinapile.ThatwasenoughforKotic .Heturnedandgalloped(asealcangallopveryswiftlyforashorttime)bac tothesea;hislittlenewmustachebristlingwithhorror.AtSeaLion'sNec ,wherethegreatsealionssitontheedgeofthesurf,heflunghimselfflipper-overheadintothecoolwaterandroc edthere,gaspingmiserably.''What'shere?''saidasealiongruffly,forasarulethesealions eepthemselvestothemselves.''Scoochnie!Ochenscoochnie!''(''I'mlonesome,verylonesome!'')saidKotic.''They're illingalltheholluschic ieonallthebeaches!''TheSeaLionturnedhisheadinshore.''Nonsense!''hesaid.''Yourfriendsarema ingasmuchnoiseasever.YoumusthaveseenoldKeric polishingoffadrove.He'sdonethatforthirtyyears.''''It'shorrible,''saidKotic ,bac ingwaterasawavewentoverhim,andst

eadyinghimselfwithascrewstro eofhisflippersthatbroughthimallstandingwithinthreeinchesofajaggededgeofroc .''Welldoneforayearling!''saidtheSeaLion,whocouldappreciategoodswimming.''Isupposeitisratherawfulfromyourwayofloo ingatit,butifyousealswillcomehereyearafteryear,ofcoursethemengetto nowofit,andunlessyoucanfindanislandwherenomenevercomeyouwillalwaysbedriven.''''Isn'tthereanysuchisland?''beganKotic .''I'vefollowedthepoltoosthehalibutfortwentyyears,andIcan'tsayI'vefoundityet.Butloo here-youseemtohaveafondnessfortal ingtoyourbetters-supposeyougotoWalrusIsletandtal toSeaVitch.Hemay nowsomething.Don'tflounceoffli ethat.It'sasix-mileswim,andifIwereyouIshouldhauloutandta eanapfirst,littleone.''

Kotic thoughtthatthatwasgoodadvice,soheswamroundtohisownbeach,hauledout,andsleptforhalfanhour,twitchingallover,assealswill.ThenheheadedstraightforWalrusIslet,alittlelowsheetofroc yislandalmostduenortheastfromNovastoshnah,allledgesandroc andgulls'nests,wherethewalrusherdedbythemselves.HelandedclosetooldSeaVitch-thebig,ugly,bloated,pimpled,fat-nec ed,long-tus edwalrusoftheNorthPacific,whohasnomannersexceptwhenheisasleep-ashewasthen,withhishindflippershalfinandhalfoutofthesurf.''Wa eup!''bar edKotic ,forthegullswerema ingagreatnoise.''Hah!Ho!Hmph!What'sthat?''saidSeaVitch,andhestruc thenextwalrusablowwithhistus sandwa edhimup,andthenextstruc thenext,andsoontilltheywereallawa eandstaringineverydirectionbuttherightone.''Hi!It'sme,''saidKotic ,bobbinginthesurfandloo ingli ealittlew

hiteslug.''Well!MayIbe-s inned!''saidSeaVitch,andtheyallloo edatKotic asyoucanfancyaclubfullofdrowsyoldgentlemenwouldloo atalittleboy.Kotic didnotcaretohearanymoreabouts inningjustthen;hehadseenenoughofit.Sohecalledout:''Isn'tthereanyplaceforsealstogowheremendon'tevercome?''''Goandfindout,''saidSeaVitch,shuttinghiseyes.''Runaway.We'rebusyhere.''Kotic madehisdolphin-jumpintheairandshoutedasloudashecould:''Clam-eater!Clam-eater!''He newthatSeaVitchnevercaughtafishinhislifeb



utalwaysrootedforclamsandseaweed;thoughhepretendedtobeaveryterribleperson.NaturallytheChic iesandtheGooveroos iesandtheEpat as-theBurgomasterGullsandtheKittiwa esandthePuffins,whoarealwaysloo ingforachancetoberude,too upthecry,and-soLimmershintoldme-fornearlyfiveminutesyoucouldnothaveheardagunfiredonWalrusIslet.Allthepopulationwasyellingandscreaming''Clam-eater!Staree oldman!''whileSeaVitchrolledfromsidetosidegruntingandcoughing.''Nowwillyoutell?''saidKotic ,alloutofbreath.''Goandas SeaCow,''saidSeaVitch.''Ifheislivingstill,he'llbeabletotellyou.''''HowshallI nowSeaCowwhenImeethim?''saidKotic ,sheeringoff.''He'stheonlythingintheseauglierthanSeaVitch,''screamedaBurgomastergull,wheelingunderSeaVitch'snose.''Uglier,andwithworsemanners!Staree !''Kotic swambac toNovastoshnah,leavingthegullstoscream.Therehefoundthatnoonesympathizedwithhiminhislittleattempttodiscoveraquietplacefortheseals.Theytoldhimthatmenhadalwaysdriventheholluschic ie-itwaspartoftheday'swor -andthatifhedidnotli etoseeuglythingsheshouldnothavegonetothe illinggrounds.Butnoneoftheothersealshadseenthe illing,andthatmadethedifferencebetweenhimandhisfriends.Besides,Kotic wasawhiteseal.''Whatyoumustdo,''saidoldSeaCatch,afterhehadheardhisson'sadventures,''istogrowupandbeabigsealli eyourfather,andhaveanurseryonthebeach,andthentheywillleaveyoualone.Inanotherfiveyearsyououghtt

obeabletofightforyourself.''EvengentleMat ah,hismother,said:''Youwillneverbeabletostopthe illing.Goandplayinthesea,Kotic .''AndKotic wentoffanddancedtheFire-dancewithaveryheavylittleheart.Thatautumnheleftthebeachassoonashecould,andsetoffalonebecauseofanotioninhisbullet-head.HewasgoingtofindSeaCow,iftherewassuchapersoninthesea,andhewasgoingtofindaquietislandwithgoodfirmbeachesforsealstoliveon,wheremencouldnotgetatthem.SoheexploredandexploredbyhimselffromtheNorthtotheSouthPacific,swimmingasmuchasthreehundredmilesinadayandanight.Hemetwithmoreadventuresthancanbetold,andnarrowlyescapedbeingcaughtbytheBas ingShar ,andtheSpottedShar,andtheHammerhead,andhemetalltheuntrustworthyruffiansthatloafupanddowntheseas,andtheheavypolitefish,andthescarletspottedscallopsthataremooredinoneplaceforhundredsofyears,andgrowveryproudofit;buth

enevermetSeaCow,andheneverfoundanislandthathecouldfancy.Ifthebeachwasgoodandhard,withaslopebehinditforsealstoplayon,therewasalwaysthesmo eofawhaleronthehorizon,boilingdownblubber,andKotic newwhatthatmeant.Orelsehecouldseethatsealshadoncevisitedtheislandandbeen illedoff,andKotic newthatwheremenhadcomeoncetheywouldcomeagain.Hepic edupwithanoldstumpy-tailedalbatross,whotoldhimthatKerguelenIslandwastheveryplaceforpeaceandquiet,andwhenKotic wentdowntherehewasallbutsmashedtopiecesagainstsomewic edblac cliffsinaheavysleet-stormwithlightningandthunder.Yetashepulledoutagainstthegalehecouldseethateventherehadoncebeenasealnursery.Anditwassoinalltheotherislandsthathevisited.Limmershingavealonglistofthem,forhesaidthatKotic spentfiveseaso

nsexploring,withafourmonths'resteachyearatNovastoshnah,whentheholluschic ieusedtoma efunofhimandhisimaginaryislands.HewenttotheGallapagos,ahorriddryplaceontheEquator,wherehewasnearlyba edtodeath;hewenttotheGeorgiaIslands,theOr neys,EmeraldIsland,LittleNightingaleIsland,Gough'sIsland,Bouvet'sIsland,theCrossets,andeventoalittlespec ofanislandsouthoftheCapeofGoodHope.ButeverywherethePeopleoftheSeatoldhimthesamethings.Sealshadcometothoseislandsonceuponatime,butmenhad illedthemalloff.EvenwhenheswamthousandsofmilesoutofthePacificandgottoaplacecalledCapeCorrientes(thatwaswhenhewascomingbac fromGough'sIsland),hefoundafewhundredmangysealsonaroc andtheyt



oldhimthatmencametheretoo.Thatnearlybro ehisheart,andheheadedroundtheHornbac tohisownbeaches;andonhiswaynorthhehauledoutonanislandfullofgreentrees,wherehefoundanold,oldsealwhowasdying,andKotic caughtfishforhimandtoldhimallhissorrows.''Now,''saidKotic ,''Iamgoingbac toNovastoshnah,andifIamdriventothe illing-penswiththeholluschic ieIshallnotcare.''Theoldsealsaid,''Tryoncemore.IamthelastoftheLostRoo eryofMasafuera,andinthedayswhenmen illedusbythehundredthousandtherewasastoryonthebeachesthatsomedayawhitesealwouldcomeoutoftheNorthandleadthesealpeopletoaquietplace.Iamold,andIshallneverlivetoseethatday,butotherswill.Tryoncemore.''AndKotic curleduphismustache(itwasabeauty)andsaid,''Iamtheonlywhitesealthathaseverbeenbornonthebeaches,andIamtheonlyseal,blacorwhite,whoeverthoughtofloo ingfornewislands.''Thischeeredhimimmensely;andwhenhecamebac toNovastoshnahthatsummer,Mat ah,hismother,beggedhimtomarryandsettledown,forhewasnolongeraholluschic butafull-grownsea-catch,withacurlywhitemaneonhisshoulders,asheavy,asbig,andasfierceashisfather.''Givemeanotherseason,''hesaid.''Remember,Mother,itisalwaystheseventhwavethatgoesfarthestupthebeach.''Curiouslyenough,therewasanothersealwhothoughtthatshewouldputoffmarryingtillthenextyear,andKotic dancedtheFire-dancewithheralldownLu annonBeachthenightbeforehesetoffonhislastexploration.Thistimehe

wentwestward,becausehehadfallenonthetrailofagreatshoalofhalibut,andheneededatleastonehundredpoundsoffishadayto eephimingoodcondition.Hechasedthemtillhewastired,andthenhecurledhimselfupandwenttosleeponthehollowsofthegroundswellthatsetsintoCopperIsland.He newthecoastperfectlywell,soaboutmidnight,whenhefelthimselfgentlybumpedonaweed-bed,hesaid,''Hm,tide'srunningstrongtonight,''andturningoverunderwateropenedhiseyesslowlyandstretched.Thenhejumpedli eacat,forhesawhugethingsnosingaboutintheshoalwaterandbrowsingontheheavyfringesoftheweeds.''BytheGreatCombersofMagellan!''hesaid,beneathhismustache.''WhointheDeepSeaarethesepeople?''Theywereli enowalrus,sealion,seal,bear,whale,shar ,fish,squid,orscallopthatKotic hadeverseenbefore.Theywerebetweentwentyandthirtyf

eetlong,andtheyhadnohindflippers,butashovel-li etailthatloo edasifithadbeenwhittledoutofwetleather.Theirheadswerethemostfoolish-looingthingsyoueversaw,andtheybalancedontheendsoftheirtailsindeepwaterwhentheyweren'tgrazing,bowingsolemnlytoeachotherandwavingtheirfrontflippersasafatmanwaveshisarm.''Ahem!''saidKotic .''Goodsport,gentlemen?''Thebigthingsansweredbybowingandwavingtheirflippersli etheFrogFootman.WhentheybeganfeedingagainKotic sawthattheirupperlipwassplitintotwopiecesthattheycouldtwitchapartaboutafootandbringtogetheragainwithawholebushelofseaweedbetweenthesplits.Theytuc edthestuffintotheirmouthsandchumpedsolemnly.''Messystyleoffeeding,that,''saidKotic .Theybowedagain,andKotic begantolosehistemper.''Verygood,''hesaid.''Ifyoudohappentohaveane

xtrajointinyourfrontflipperyouneedn'tshowoffso.Iseeyoubowgracefully,butIshouldli eto nowyournames.''Thesplitlipsmovedandtwitched;andtheglassygreeneyesstared,buttheydidnotspea .''Well!''saidKotic .''You'retheonlypeopleI'veevermetuglierthanSeaVitch-andwithworsemanners.''ThenherememberedinaflashwhattheBurgomastergullhadscreamedtohimwhenhewasalittleyearlingatWalrusIslet,andhetumbledbac wardinthewater,forhe newthathehadfoundSeaCowatlast.Theseacowswentonschloopingandgrazingandchumpingintheweed,andKotic as edthemquestionsineverylanguagethathehadpic edupinhistravels;



andtheSeaPeopletal nearlyasmanylanguagesashumanbeings.ButtheseacowsdidnotanswerbecauseSeaCowcannottal .Hehasonlysixbonesinhisnecwhereheoughttohaveseven,andtheysayundertheseathatthatpreventshimfromspea ingeventohiscompanions.But,asyou now,hehasanextrajointinhisforeflipper,andbywavingitupanddownandabouthema eswhatanswerstoasortofclumsytelegraphiccode.BydaylightKotic 'smanewasstandingonendandhistemperwasgonewherethedeadcrabsgo.ThentheSeaCowbegantotravelnorthwardveryslowly,stoppingtoholdabsurdbowingcouncilsfromtimetotime,andKotic followedthem,sayingtohimself,''Peoplewhoaresuchidiotsasthesearewouldhavebeen illedlongagoiftheyhadn'tfoundoutsomesafeisland.AndwhatisgoodenoughfortheSeaCowisgoodenoughfortheSeaCatch.Allthesame,Iwishthey'dhurry.''Itwaswearywor forKotic .Theherdneverwentmorethanfortyorfiftymilesaday,andstoppedtofeedatnight,and eptclosetotheshoreallthetime;whileKotic swamroundthem,andoverthem,andunderthem,buthecouldnothurrythemupone-halfmile.Astheywentfarthernorththeyheldabowingcouncileveryfewhours,andKotic nearlybitoffhismustachewithimpatiencetillhesawthattheywerefollowingupawarmcurrentofwater,andthenherespectedthemmore.Onenighttheysan throughtheshinywater-san li estones-andforthefirsttimesincehehad nownthembegantoswimquic ly.Kotic followed,andthepaceastonishedhim,forheneverdreamedthatSeaCowwasanythingofaswimmer.Theyheadedforacliffbytheshore-acliffthatrandownintodeepwater,and

plungedintoadar holeatthefootofit,twentyfathomsunderthesea.Itwasalong,longswim,andKotic badlywantedfreshairbeforehewasoutofthedar tunneltheyledhimthrough.''Mywig!''hesaid,whenherose,gaspingandpuffing,intoopenwateratthefartherend.''Itwasalongdive,butitwasworthit.''TheseacowshadseparatedandwerebrowsinglazilyalongtheedgesofthefinestbeachesthatKotic hadeverseen.Therewerelongstretchesofsmooth-wornroc runningformiles,exactlyfittedtoma eseal-nurseries,andtherewereplay-groundsofhardsandslopinginlandbehindthem,andtherewererollersforsealstodancein,andlonggrasstorollin,andsanddunestoclimbupanddown,and,bestofall,Kotic newbythefeelofthewater,whichneverdeceivesatrueseacatch,thatnomenhadevercomethere.Thefirstthinghedidwastoassurehimselfthatthefishingwasgood,andt

henheswamalongthebeachesandcountedupthedelightfullowsandyislandshalfhiddeninthebeautifulrollingfog.Awaytothenorthward,outtosea,ranalineofbarsandshoalsandroc sthatwouldneverletashipcomewithinsixmilesofthebeach,andbetweentheislandsandthemainlandwasastretchofdeepwaterthatranuptotheperpendicularcliffs,andsomewherebelowthecliffswasthemouthofthetunnel.''It'sNovastoshnahoveragain,buttentimesbetter,''saidKotic .''SeaCowmustbewiserthanIthought.Mencan'tcomedownthecliffs,eveniftherewereanymen;andtheshoalstoseawardwould noc ashiptosplinters.Ifanyplaceintheseaissafe,thisisit.''Hebegantothin ofthesealhehadleftbehindhim,butthoughhewasinahurrytogobac toNovastoshnah,hethoroughlyexploredthenewcountry,sothathewouldbeabletoanswerallquestions.

Thenhedivedandmadesureofthemouthofthetunnel,andracedthroughtothesouthward.Noonebutaseacoworasealwouldhavedreamedoftherebeingsuchaplace,andwhenheloo edbac atthecliffsevenKotic couldhardlybelievethathehadbeenunderthem.Hewassixdaysgoinghome,thoughhewasnotswimmingslowly;andwhenhehauledoutjustaboveSeaLion'sNec thefirstpersonhemetwasthesealwhohadbeenwaitingforhim,andshesawbytheloo inhiseyesthathehadfoundhisislandatlast.Buttheholluschic ieandSeaCatch,hisfather,andalltheothersealslaughedathimwhenhetoldthemwhathehaddiscovered,andayoungsealabouthis



ownagesaid,''Thisisallverywell,Kotic ,butyoucan'tcomefromnoone nowswhereandorderusoffli ethis.Rememberwe'vebeenfightingforournurseries,andthat'sathingyouneverdid.Youpreferredprowlingaboutinthesea.''Theothersealslaughedatthis,andtheyoungsealbegantwistinghisheadfromsidetoside.Hehadjustmarriedthatyear,andwasma ingagreatfussaboutit.''I'venonurserytofightfor,''saidKotic .''Ionlywanttoshowyouallaplacewhereyouwillbesafe.What'stheuseoffighting?''''Oh,ifyou'retryingtobac out,ofcourseI'venomoretosay,''saidtheyoungsealwithanuglychuc le.''WillyoucomewithmeifIwin?''saidKotic .Andagreenlightcameintohiseye,forhewasveryangryathavingtofightatall.''Verygood,''saidtheyoungsealcarelessly.''Ifyouwin,I'llcome.''Hehadnotimetochangehismind,forKotic 'sheadwasoutandhisteethsun intheblubberoftheyoungseal'snec .Thenhethrewhimselfbac onhishaunchesandhauledhisenemydownthebeach,shoo him,and noc edhimover.ThenKotic roaredtotheseals:''I'vedonemybestforyouthesefiveseasonspast.I'vefoundyoutheislandwhereyou'llbesafe,butunlessyourheadsaredraggedoffyoursillynec syouwon'tbelieve.I'mgoingtoteachyounow.Loo outforyourselves!''Limmershintoldmethatneverinhislife-andLimmershinseestenthousandbigsealsfightingeveryyear-neverinallhislittlelifedidheseeanythinglieKotic 'schargeintothenurseries.Heflunghimselfatthebiggestseacatch

hecouldfind,caughthimbythethroat,cho edhimandbumpedhimandbangedhimtillhegruntedformercy,andthenthrewhimasideandattac edthenext.Yousee,Kotic hadneverfastedforfourmonthsasthebigsealsdideveryyear,andhisdeep-seaswimmingtrips epthiminperfectcondition,and,bestofall,hehadneverfoughtbefore.Hiscurlywhitemanestoodupwithrage,andhiseyesflamed,andhisbigdogteethglistened,andhewassplendidtoloo at.OldSeaCatch,hisfather,sawhimtearingpast,haulingthegrizzledoldsealsaboutasthoughtheyhadbeenhalibut,andupsettingtheyoungbachelorsinalldirections;andSeaCatchgavearoarandshouted:''Hemaybeafool,butheisthebestfighteronthebeaches!Don'ttac leyourfather,myson!He'swithyou!''Kotic roaredinanswer,andoldSeaCatchwaddledinwithhismustacheonend,blowingli ealocomotive,whileMat ahandthesealthatwasgoingtomarryKotic cowereddownandadmiredtheirmen-fol .Itwasagorgeousfight,forthe

twofoughtaslongastherewasasealthatdaredliftuphishead,andwhentherewerenonetheyparadedgrandlyupanddownthebeachsidebyside,bellowing.Atnight,justastheNorthernLightswerewin ingandflashingthroughthefog,Kotic climbedabareroc andloo eddownonthescatterednurseriesandthetornandbleedingseals.''Now,''hesaid,''I'vetaughtyouyourlesson.''''Mywig!''saidoldSeaCatch,boostinghimselfupstiffly,forhewasfearfullymauled.''TheKillerWhalehimselfcouldnothavecutthemupworse.Son,I'mproudofyou,andwhat'smore,I'llcomewithyoutoyourisland-ifthereissuchaplace.''''Hearyou,fatpigsofthesea.WhocomeswithmetotheSeaCow'stunnel?Answer,orIshallteachyouagain,''roaredKotic .Therewasamurmurli etherippleofthetideallupanddownthebeaches.'

'Wewillcome,''saidthousandsoftiredvoices.''WewillfollowKotic ,theWhiteSeal.''ThenKotic droppedhisheadbetweenhisshouldersandshuthiseyesproudly.Hewasnotawhitesealanymore,butredfromheadtotail.Allthesamehewouldhavescornedtoloo atortouchoneofhiswounds.Awee laterheandhisarmy(nearlytenthousandholluschic ieandoldseals)wentawaynorthtotheSeaCow'stunnel,Kotic leadingthem,andthesealsthatstayedatNovastoshnahcalledthemidiots.Butnextspring,whentheyallmetoffthefishingban softhePacific,Kotic 'ssealstoldsuchtalesofthenewbeachesbeyondSeaCow'stunnelthatmoreandmoresealsleftNovastoshnah.Of



courseitwasnotalldoneatonce,forthesealsarenotveryclever,andtheyneedalongtimetoturnthingsoverintheirminds,butyearafteryearmoresealswentawayfromNovastoshnah,andLu annon,andtheothernurseries,tothequiet,shelteredbeacheswhereKotic sitsallthesummerthrough,gettingbiggerandfatterandstrongereachyear,whiletheholluschic ieplayaroundhim,inthatseawherenomancomes.Lu annonThisisthegreatdeep-seasongthatalltheSt.Paulsealssingwhentheyareheadingbac totheirbeachesinthesummer.ItisasortofverysadsealNationalAnthem.Imetmymatesinthemorning(and,oh,butIamold!)Whereroaringontheledgesthesummerground-swellrolled;Iheardthemliftthechorusthatdrownedthebrea ers'song-TheBeachesofLu annon-twomillionvoicesstrong.Thesongofpleasantstationsbesidethesaltlagoons,Thesongofblowingsquadronsthatshuffleddownthedunes,Thesongofmidnightdancesthatchurnedtheseatoflame-TheBeachesofLu annon-beforethesealerscame!Imetmymatesinthemorning(I'llnevermeetthemmore!);Theycameandwentinlegionsthatdar enedalltheshore.Ando'erthefoam-flec edoffingasfarasvoicecouldreachWehailedthelanding-partiesandwesangthemupthebeach.TheBeachesofLu annon-thewinterwheatsotall-Thedripping,crin ledlichens,andthesea-fogdrenchingall!

Theplatformsofourplayground,allshiningsmoothandworn!TheBeachesofLu annon-thehomewherewewereborn!Imetmymatesinthemorning,abro en,scatteredband.Menshootusinthewaterandclubusontheland;MendriveustotheSaltHouseli esillysheepandtame,AndstillwesingLu annon-beforethesealerscame.Wheeldown,wheeldowntosouthward;oh,Gooveroos a,go!AndtelltheDeep-SeaViceroysthestoryofourwoe;Ere,emptyastheshar 'seggthetempestflingsashore,TheBeachesofLu annonshall nowtheirsonsnomore!''Ri i-Ti i-Tavi''AttheholewherehewentinRed-EyecalledtoWrin le-S in.

HearwhatlittleRed-Eyesaith:''Nag,comeupanddancewithdeath!''Eyetoeyeandheadtohead,(Keepthemeasure,Nag.)Thisshallendwhenoneisdead;(Atthypleasure,Nag.)Turnforturnandtwistfortwist-(Runandhidethee,Nag.)Hah!ThehoodedDeathhasmissed!(Woebetidethee,Nag!)ThisisthestoryofthegreatwarthatRi i-ti i-tavifoughtsingle-handed,throughthebath-roomsofthebigbungalowinSegowleecantonment.Darzee,theTailorbird,helpedhim,andChuchundra,themus -rat,whonevercomesoutinto

themiddleofthefloor,butalwayscreepsroundbythewall,gavehimadvice,butRi i-ti ididtherealfighting.Hewasamongoose,ratherli ealittlecatinhisfurandhistail,butquiteli eaweaselinhisheadandhishabits.Hiseyesandtheendofhisrestlessnosewerepin .Hecouldscratchhimselfanywherehepleasedwithanyleg,frontorbac ,thathechosetouse.Hecouldfluffuphistailtillitloo edli eabottlebrush,andhiswarcryashescuttledthroughthelonggrasswas:''Ri-ti -ti i-ti i-tch !''Oneday,ahighsummerfloodwashedhimoutoftheburrowwherehelivedwithhisfatherandmother,andcarriedhim, ic ingandcluc ing,downaroadsided



itch.Hefoundalittlewispofgrassfloatingthere,andclungtoittillhelosthissenses.Whenherevived,hewaslyinginthehotsunonthemiddleofagardenpath,verydraggledindeed,andasmallboywassaying,''Here'sadeadmongoose.Let'shaveafuneral.''''No,''saidhismother,''let'sta ehiminanddryhim.Perhapsheisn'treallydead.''Theytoo himintothehouse,andabigmanpic edhimupbetweenhisfingerandthumbandsaidhewasnotdeadbuthalfcho ed.Sotheywrappedhimincottonwool,andwarmedhimoveralittlefire,andheopenedhiseyesandsneezed.''Now,''saidthebigman(hewasanEnglishmanwhohadjustmovedintothebungalow),''don'tfrightenhim,andwe'llseewhathe'lldo.''Itisthehardestthingintheworldtofrightenamongoose,becauseheiseatenupfromnosetotailwithcuriosity.Themottoofallthemongoosefamilyis''Runandfindout,''andRi i-ti iwasatruemongoose.Heloo edatthecottonwool,decidedthatitwasnotgoodtoeat,ranallroundthetable,satupandputhisfurinorder,scratchedhimself,andjumpedonthesmallboy'sshoulder.''Don'tbefrightened,Teddy,''saidhisfather.''That'shiswayofma ingfriends.''''Ouch!He'stic lingundermychin,''saidTeddy.Ri i-ti iloo eddownbetweentheboy'scollarandnec ,snuffedathisear,andclimbeddowntothefloor,wherehesatrubbinghisnose.''Goodgracious,''saidTeddy'smother,''andthat'sawildcreature!Isupposehe'ssotamebecausewe'vebeen indtohim.''

''Allmongoosesareli ethat,''saidherhusband.''IfTeddydoesn'tpic himupbythetail,ortrytoputhiminacage,he'llruninandoutofthehousealldaylong.Let'sgivehimsomethingtoeat.''Theygavehimalittlepieceofrawmeat.Ri i-ti ili editimmensely,andwhenitwasfinishedhewentoutintotheverandaandsatinthesunshineandfluffeduphisfurtoma eitdrytotheroots.Thenhefeltbetter.''Therearemorethingstofindoutaboutinthishouse,''hesaidtohimself,''thanallmyfamilycouldfindoutinalltheirlives.Ishallcertainlystayandfindout.''Hespentallthatdayroamingoverthehouse.Henearlydrownedhimselfinthebath-tubs,puthisnoseintothein onawritingtable,andburneditontheendofthebigman'scigar,forheclimbedupinthebigman'slaptoseehowwritingwasdone.AtnightfallheranintoTeddy'snurserytowatchhow erosenel

ampswerelighted,andwhenTeddywenttobedRi i-ti iclimbeduptoo.Buthewasarestlesscompanion,becausehehadtogetupandattendtoeverynoiseallthroughthenight,andfindoutwhatmadeit.Teddy'smotherandfathercamein,thelastthing,toloo attheirboy,andRi i-ti iwasawa eonthepillow.''Idon'tli ethat,''saidTeddy'smother.''Hemaybitethechild.''''He'lldonosuchthing,''saidthefather.''Teddy'ssaferwiththatlittlebeastthanifhehadabloodhoundtowatchhim.Ifasna ecameintothenurserynow-''ButTeddy'smotherwouldn'tthin ofanythingsoawful.EarlyinthemorningRi i-ti icametoearlybrea fastintheverandaridingonTeddy'sshoulder,andtheygavehimbananaandsomeboiledegg.Hesatonalltheirlapsoneaftertheother,becauseeverywell-brought-upmongoosealwayshopestobeahousemongoosesomedayandhaveroomstorunaboutin;andRi i-ti i'smother(sheusedtoliveinthegeneral'shouseatSegowlee)hadcarefu

llytoldRi iwhattodoifeverhecameacrosswhitemen.ThenRi i-ti iwentoutintothegardentoseewhatwastobeseen.Itwasalargegarden,onlyhalfcultivated,withbushes,asbigassummer-houses,ofMarshalNielroses,limeandorangetrees,clumpsofbamboos,andthic etsofhighgrass.Ri i-ti ilic edhislips.''Thisisasplendidhunting-ground,''hesaid,andhistailgrewbottle-brushyatthethoughtofit,andhescuttledupanddownthegarden,snuffinghereandtheretillheheardverysorrowfulvoicesinathorn-bush.ItwasDarzee,theTailorbird,andhiswife.Theyhadmadeabeautifulnestbypullingtwobigleavestogetherandstitchingthemuptheedgeswithfibers,a



ndhadfilledthehollowwithcottonanddownyfluff.Thenestswayedtoandfro,astheysatontherimandcried.''Whatisthematter?''as edRi i-ti i.''Weareverymiserable,''saidDarzee.''OneofourbabiesfelloutofthenestyesterdayandNagatehim.''''H'm!''saidRi i-ti i,''thatisverysad-butIamastrangerhere.WhoisNag?''Darzeeandhiswifeonlycowereddowninthenestwithoutanswering,forfromthethic grassatthefootofthebushtherecamealowhiss-ahorridcoldsoundthatmadeRi i-ti ijumpbac twoclearfeet.TheninchbyinchoutofthegrassroseuptheheadandspreadhoodofNag,thebigblac cobra,andhewasfivefeetlongfromtonguetotail.Whenhehadliftedone-thirdofhimselfclearoftheground,hestayedbalancingtoandfroexactlyasadandeliontuftbalancesinthewind,andheloo edatRi i-ti iwiththewic edsna e'seyesthatneverchangetheirexpression,whateverthesna emaybethin ingof.''WhoisNag?''saidhe.''IamNag.ThegreatGodBrahmputhismar uponallourpeople,whenthefirstcobraspreadhishoodto eepthesunoffBrahmasheslept.Loo ,andbeafraid!''Hespreadouthishoodmorethanever,andRi i-ti isawthespectacle-maronthebac ofitthatloo sexactlyli etheeyepartofahoo -and-eyefastening.Hewasafraidfortheminute,butitisimpossibleforamongoosetostayfrightenedforanylengthoftime,andthoughRi i-ti ihadnevermetalivecobrabefore,hismotherhadfedhimondeadones,andhe newthatallagrownmongoose'sbusinessinlifewastofightandeatsna es.Nag newthattooand,at

thebottomofhiscoldheart,hewasafraid.''Well,''saidRi i-ti i,andhistailbegantofluffupagain,''mar sornomar s,doyouthin itisrightforyoutoeatfledglingsoutofanest?''Nagwasthin ingtohimself,andwatchingtheleastlittlemovementinthegrassbehindRi i-ti i.He newthatmongoosesinthegardenmeantdeathsoonerorlaterforhimandhisfamily,buthewantedtogetRi i-ti ioffhisguard.Sohedroppedhisheadalittle,andputitononeside.''Letustal ,''hesaid.''Youeateggs.WhyshouldnotIeatbirds?''''Behindyou!Loo behindyou!''sangDarzee.Ri i-ti i newbetterthantowastetimeinstaring.Hejumpedupintheairashighashecouldgo,andjustunderhimwhizzedbytheheadofNagaina,Nag'swic edwife.Shehadcreptupbehindhimashewastal ing,toma eanendofhim.Heheardhersavagehissasthestro emissed.Hecamedownalmostacross

herbac ,andifhehadbeenanoldmongoosehewouldhave nownthatthenwasthetimetobrea herbac withonebite;buthewasafraidoftheterriblelashingreturnstro eofthecobra.Hebit,indeed,butdidnotbitelongenough,andhejumpedclearofthewhis ingtail,leavingNagainatornandangry.''Wic ed,wic edDarzee!''saidNag,lashingupashighashecouldreachtowardthenestinthethorn-bush.ButDarzeehadbuiltitoutofreachofsna es,anditonlyswayedtoandfro.Ri i-ti ifelthiseyesgrowingredandhot(whenamongoose'seyesgrowred,heisangry),andhesatbac onhistailandhindlegsli ealittle angaroo,andloo edallroundhim,andchatteredwithrage.ButNagandNagainahaddisappearedintothegrass.Whenasna emissesitsstro e,itneversaysanythingorgivesanysignofwhatitmeanstodonext.Ri i-ti ididnotcaretofollowthem,forhedidnotfeelsurethathecouldmanagetwosna esatonce.Sohe

trottedofftothegravelpathnearthehouse,andsatdowntothin .Itwasaseriousmatterforhim.Ifyoureadtheoldboo sofnaturalhistory,youwillfindtheysaythatwhenthemongoosefightsthesna eandhappenstogetbitten,herunsoffandeatssomeherbthatcureshim.Thatisnottrue.Thevictoryisonlyamatterofquicnessofeyeandquic nessoffoot-sna e'sblowagainstmongoose'sjump-andasnoeyecanfollowthemotionofasna e'sheadwhenitstri es,thisma esthingsmuchmorewonderfulthananymagicherb.Ri i-ti i newhewasayoungmongoose,anditmadehimallthemorepleasedtothin thathehadmanagedtoescapeablowfrombehind.Itgavehimconfidenceinhimself,andwhenTeddycamerunni



ngdownthepath,Ri i-ti iwasreadytobepetted.ButjustasTeddywasstooping,somethingwriggledalittleinthedust,andatinyvoicesaid:''Becareful.IamDeath!''ItwasKarait,thedustybrownsna elingthatliesforchoiceonthedustyearth;andhisbiteisasdangerousasthecobra's.Butheissosmallthatnobodythin sofhim,andsohedoesthemoreharmtopeople.Ri i-ti i'seyesgrewredagain,andhedanceduptoKaraitwiththepeculiarroc ing,swayingmotionthathehadinheritedfromhisfamily.Itloo sveryfunny,butitissoperfectlybalancedagaitthatyoucanflyofffromitatanyangleyouplease,andindealingwithsna esthisisanadvantage.IfRi i-ti

ihadonly nown,hewasdoingamuchmoredangerousthingthanfightingNag,forKaraitissosmall,andcanturnsoquic ly,thatunlessRi ibithimclosetothebac ofthehead,hewouldgetthereturnstro einhiseyeorhislip.ButRi ididnot now.Hiseyeswereallred,andheroc edbac andforth,looingforagoodplacetohold.Karaitstruc out.Ri ijumpedsidewaysandtriedtorunin,butthewic edlittledustygrayheadlashedwithinafractionofhisshoulder,andhehadtojumpoverthebody,andtheheadfollowedhisheelsclose.Teddyshoutedtothehouse:''Oh,loo here!Ourmongooseis illingasna e.''AndRi i-ti iheardascreamfromTeddy'smother.Hisfatherranoutwithastic ,butbythetimehecameup,Karaithadlungedoutoncetoofar,andRii-ti ihadsprung,jumpedonthesna e'sbac ,droppedhisheadfarbetweenhisforelegs,bittenashighupthebac ashecouldgethold,androlledaway.ThatbiteparalyzedKarait,andRi i-ti iwasjustgoingtoeathimupfromthet

ail,afterthecustomofhisfamilyatdinner,whenherememberedthatafullmealma esaslowmongoose,andifhewantedallhisstrengthandquic nessready,hemust eephimselfthin.Hewentawayforadustbathunderthecastor-oilbushes,whileTeddy'sfatherbeatthedeadKarait.''Whatistheuseofthat?''thoughtRi i-ti i.''Ihavesettleditall;''andthenTeddy'smotherpic edhimupfromthedustandhuggedhim,cryingthathehadsavedTeddyfromdeath,andTeddy'sfathersaidthathewasaprovidence,andTeddyloo edonwithbigscaredeyes.Ri i-ti iwasratheramusedatallthefuss,which,ofcourse,hedidnotunderstand.Teddy'smothermightjustaswellhavepettedTeddyforplayinginthedust.Ri iwasthoroughlyenjoyinghimself.Thatnightatdinner,wal ingtoandfroamongthewine-glassesonthetable,hemighthavestuffedhimselfthreetimesoverwithnicethings.Butheremembe

redNagandNagaina,andthoughitwasverypleasanttobepattedandpettedbyTeddy'smother,andtositonTeddy'sshoulder,hiseyeswouldgetredfromtimetotime,andhewouldgooffintohislongwarcryof''Ri -ti -ti i-ti i-tch !''Teddycarriedhimofftobed,andinsistedonRi i-ti isleepingunderhischin.Ri i-ti iwastoowellbredtobiteorscratch,butassoonasTeddywasasleephewentoffforhisnightlywal roundthehouse,andinthedar heranupagainstChuchundra,themus -rat,creepingaroundbythewall.Chuchundraisabro en-heartedlittlebeast.Hewhimpersandcheepsallthenight,tryingtoma euphismindtorunintothemiddleoftheroom.Buthenevergetsthere.''Don't illme,''saidChuchundra,almostweeping.''Ri i-ti i,don't illme!''''Doyouthin asna e- iller illsmus rats?''saidRi i-ti iscornfully.

''Thosewho illsna esget illedbysna es,''saidChuchundra,moresorrowfullythanever.''AndhowamItobesurethatNagwon'tmista emeforyousomedar night?''''There'snottheleastdanger,''saidRi i-ti i.''ButNagisinthegarden,andI nowyoudon'tgothere.''''MycousinChua,therat,toldme-''saidChuchundra,andthenhestopped.''Toldyouwhat?''''H'sh!Nagiseverywhere,Ri i-ti i.Youshouldhavetal edtoChuainthegarden.''''Ididn't-soyoumusttellme.Quic ,Chuchundra,orI'llbiteyou!''



Chuchundrasatdownandcriedtillthetearsrolledoffhiswhis ers.''Iamaverypoorman,''hesobbed.''Ineverhadspiritenoughtorunoutintothemiddleoftheroom.H'sh!Imustn'ttellyouanything.Can'tyouhear,Ri i-ti i?''Ri i-ti ilistened.Thehousewasasstillasstill,buthethoughthecouldjustcatchthefaintestscratch-scratchintheworld-anoiseasfaintasthatofawaspwal ingonawindow-pane-thedryscratchofasna e'sscalesonbric -wor .''That'sNagorNagaina,''hesaidtohimself,''andheiscrawlingintothebath-roomsluice.You'reright,Chuchundra;Ishouldhavetal edtoChua.''HestoleofftoTeddy'sbath-room,buttherewasnothingthere,andthentoTeddy'smother'sbathroom.Atthebottomofthesmoothplasterwalltherewasabric pulledouttoma easluiceforthebathwater,andasRi i-ti istoleinbythemasonrycurbwherethebathisput,heheardNagandNagainawhisperingtogetheroutsideinthemoonlight.''Whenthehouseisemptiedofpeople,''saidNagainatoherhusband,''hewillhavetogoaway,andthenthegardenwillbeourownagain.Goinquietly,andrememberthatthebigmanwho illedKaraitisthefirstonetobite.Thencomeoutandtellme,andwewillhuntforRi i-ti itogether.''''Butareyousurethatthereisanythingtobegainedby illingthepeople?''saidNag.''Everything.Whentherewerenopeopleinthebungalow,didwehaveanymongooseinthegarden?Solongasthebungalowisempty,weare ingandqueenofthegarden;andrememberthatassoonasoureggsinthemelonbedhatch(asthey

maytomorrow),ourchildrenwillneedroomandquiet.''''Ihadnotthoughtofthat,''saidNag.''Iwillgo,butthereisnoneedthatweshouldhuntforRi i-ti iafterward.Iwill illthebigmanandhiswife,andthechildifIcan,andcomeawayquietly.Thenthebungalowwillbeempty,andRi i-ti iwillgo.''Ri i-ti itingledalloverwithrageandhatredatthis,andthenNag'sheadcamethroughthesluice,andhisfivefeetofcoldbodyfollowedit.Angryashewas,Ri i-ti iwasveryfrightenedashesawthesizeofthebigcobra.Nagcoiledhimselfup,raisedhishead,andloo edintothebathroominthedar ,andRi icouldseehiseyesglitter.''Now,ifI illhimhere,Nagainawill now;andifIfighthimontheopenfloor,theoddsareinhisfavor.WhatamItodo?''saidRi i-ti i-tavi.Nagwavedtoandfro,andthenRi i-ti iheardhimdrin ingfromthebigges

twater-jarthatwasusedtofillthebath.''Thatisgood,''saidthesna e.''Now,whenKaraitwas illed,thebigmanhadastic .Hemayhavethatstic still,butwhenhecomesintobatheinthemorninghewillnothaveastic .Ishallwaitheretillhecomes.Nagaina-doyouhearme?-Ishallwaithereinthecooltilldaytime.''Therewasnoanswerfromoutside,soRi i-ti i newNagainahadgoneaway.Nagcoiledhimselfdown,coilbycoil,roundthebulgeatthebottomofthewaterjar,andRi i-ti istayedstillasdeath.Afteranhourhebegantomove,musclebymuscle,towardthejar.Nagwasasleep,andRi i-ti iloo edathisbigbac ,wonderingwhichwouldbethebestplaceforagoodhold.''IfIdon'tbrea hisbac atthefirstjump,''saidRi i,''hecanstillfight.Andifhefights-ORi i!''Heloo edatthethic nessofthenec belowthehood,butthatwastoomuchforhim;andabitenearthetailwouldonlyma eNagsavage.

''Itmustbethehead"'hesaidatlast;''theheadabovethehood.And,whenIamoncethere,Imustnotletgo.''Thenhejumped.Theheadwaslyingalittleclearofthewaterjar,underthecurveofit;and,ashisteethmet,Ri ibracedhisbac againstthebulgeoftheredearthenwaretoholddownthehead.Thisgavehimjustonesecond'spurchase,andhemadethemostofit.Thenhewasbatteredtoandfroasaratisshaenbyadog-toandfroonthefloor,upanddown,andaroundingreatcircles,buthiseyeswereredandheheldonasthebodycart-whippedoverthefloor,upsettingthetindipperandthesoapdishandthefleshbrush,andbangedagainstthetinsideofthebath.Asheheldheclosedhisjawstighterandtighter,fo



rhemadesurehewouldbebangedtodeath,and,forthehonorofhisfamily,hepreferredtobefoundwithhisteethloc ed.Hewasdizzy,aching,andfeltshaentopieceswhensomethingwentoffli eathunderclapjustbehindhim.Ahotwind noc edhimsenselessandredfiresingedhisfur.Thebigmanhadbeenwaenedbythenoise,andhadfiredbothbarrelsofashotgunintoNagjustbehindthehood.Ri i-ti iheldonwithhiseyesshut,fornowhewasquitesurehewasdead.Buttheheaddidnotmove,andthebigmanpic edhimupandsaid,''It'sthemongooseagain,Alice.Thelittlechaphassavedourlivesnow.''ThenTeddy'smothercameinwithaverywhiteface,andsawwhatwasleftofNag,andRi i-ti idraggedhimselftoTeddy'sbedroomandspenthalftherestofthenightsha inghimselftenderlytofindoutwhetherhereallywasbro enintofortypieces,ashefancied.Whenmorningcamehewasverystiff,butwellpleasedwithhisdoings.''NowIhaveNagainatosettlewith,andshewillbeworsethanfiveNags,andthere'sno nowingwhentheeggsshespo eofwillhatch.Goodness!ImustgoandseeDarzee,''hesaid.Withoutwaitingforbrea fast,Ri i-ti irantothethornbushwhereDarzeewassingingasongoftriumphatthetopofhisvoice.ThenewsofNag'sdeathwasalloverthegarden,forthesweeperhadthrownthebodyontherubbish-heap.''Oh,youstupidtuftoffeathers!''saidRi i-ti iangrily.''Isthisthetimetosing?''''Nagisdead-isdead-isdead!''sangDarzee.''ThevaliantRi i-ti icaughthimbytheheadandheldfast.Thebigmanbroughtthebang-stic ,andNagfel

lintwopieces!Hewillnevereatmybabiesagain.''''Allthat'strueenough.Butwhere'sNagaina?''saidRi i-ti i,loo ingcarefullyroundhim.''NagainacametothebathroomsluiceandcalledforNag,''Darzeewenton,''andNagcameoutontheendofastic -thesweeperpic edhimupontheendofastic andthrewhimupontherubbishheap.Letussingaboutthegreat,thered-eyedRi i-ti i!''AndDarzeefilledhisthroatandsang.''IfIcouldgetuptoyournest,I'drollyourbabiesout!''saidRi i-tii.''Youdon't nowwhentodotherightthingattherighttime.You'resafeenoughinyournestthere,butit'swarformedownhere.Stopsingingaminute,Darzee.''''Forthegreat,thebeautifulRi i-ti i'ssa eIwillstop,''saidDarzee.''Whatisit,OKilleroftheterribleNag?''

''WhereisNagaina,forthethirdtime?''''Ontherubbishheapbythestables,mourningforNag.GreatisRi i-ti iwiththewhiteteeth.''''Bothermywhiteteeth!Haveyoueverheardwhereshe eepshereggs?''''Inthemelonbed,ontheendnearestthewall,wherethesunstri esnearlyallday.Shehidthemtherewee sago.''''Andyouneverthoughtitworthwhiletotellme?Theendnearestthewall,yousaid?''''Ri i-ti i,youarenotgoingtoeathereggs?''''Noteatexactly;no.Darzee,ifyouhaveagrainofsenseyouwillflyofftothestablesandpretendthatyourwingisbro en,andletNagainachaseyouawaytothisbush.Imustgettothemelon-bed,andifIwenttherenowshe'dseeme.''

Darzeewasafeather-brainedlittlefellowwhocouldneverholdmorethanoneideaatatimeinhishead.Andjustbecausehe newthatNagaina'schildrenwerebornineggsli ehisown,hedidn'tthin atfirstthatitwasfairto illthem.Buthiswifewasasensiblebird,andshe newthatcobra'seggsmeantyoungcobraslateron.Sosheflewofffromthenest,andleftDarzeeto eepthebabieswarm,andcontinuehissongaboutthedeathofNag.Darzeewasveryli eamaninsomeways.SheflutteredinfrontofNagainabytherubbishheapandcriedout,''Oh,mywingisbro en!Theboyinthehousethrewastoneatmeandbro eit.''Thensheflutteredmoredesperatelythanever.



Nagainaliftedupherheadandhissed,''YouwarnedRi i-ti iwhenIwouldhave illedhim.Indeedandtruly,you'vechosenabadplacetobelamein.''AndshemovedtowardDarzee'swife,slippingalongoverthedust.''Theboybro eitwithastone!''shrie edDarzee'swife.''Well!Itmaybesomeconsolationtoyouwhenyou'redeadto nowthatIshallsettleaccountswiththeboy.Myhusbandliesontherubbishheapthismorning,butbeforenighttheboyinthehousewilllieverystill.Whatistheuseofrunningaway?Iamsuretocatchyou.Littlefool,loo atme!''Darzee'swife newbetterthantodothat,forabirdwholoo satasna e'seyesgetssofrightenedthatshecannotmove.Darzee'swifeflutteredon,pipingsorrowfully,andneverleavingtheground,andNagainaquic enedherpace.Ri i-ti iheardthemgoingupthepathfromthestables,andheracedfortheendofthemelonpatchnearthewall.There,inthewarmlitterabovethemelons,verycunninglyhidden,hefoundtwenty-fiveeggs,aboutthesizeofabantam'seggs,butwithwhitishs ininsteadofshell.''Iwasnotadaytoosoon,''hesaid,forhecouldseethebabycobrascurledupinsidethes in,andhe newthattheminutetheywerehatchedtheycouldeach illamanoramongoose.Hebitoffthetopsoftheeggsasfastashecould,ta ingcaretocrushtheyoungcobras,andturnedoverthelitterfromtimetotimetoseewhetherhehadmissedany.Atlasttherewereonlythreeeggsleft,andRi i-ti ibegantochuc letohimself,whenheheardDarzee'swifescreaming:''Ri i-ti i,IledNagainatowardthehouse,andshehasgoneintotheveranda,and-oh,comequic ly-shemeans illing!''

Ri i-ti ismashedtwoeggs,andtumbledbac warddownthemelon-bedwiththethirdegginhismouth,andscuttledtotheverandaashardashecouldputfoottotheground.Teddyandhismotherandfatherwerethereatearlybrea fast,butRi i-ti isawthattheywerenoteatinganything.Theysatstone-still,andtheirfaceswerewhite.NagainawascoileduponthemattingbyTeddy'schair,withineasystri ingdistanceofTeddy'sbareleg,andshewasswayingtoandfro,singingasongoftriumph.''Sonofthebigmanthat illedNag,''shehissed,''staystill.Iamnotreadyyet.Waitalittle.Keepverystill,allyouthree!IfyoumoveIstri e,andifyoudonotmoveIstri e.Oh,foolishpeople,who illedmyNag!''Teddy'seyeswerefixedonhisfather,andallhisfathercoulddowastowhisper,''Sitstill,Teddy.Youmustn'tmove.Teddy, eepstill.''ThenRi i-ti icameupandcried,''Turnround,Nagaina.Turnandfight!''

''Allingoodtime,''saidshe,withoutmovinghereyes.''Iwillsettlemyaccountwithyoupresently.Loo atyourfriends,Ri i-ti i.Theyarestillandwhite.Theyareafraid.Theydarenotmove,andifyoucomeastepnearerIstri e.''''Loo atyoureggs,''saidRi i-ti i,''inthemelonbednearthewall.Goandloo ,Nagaina!''Thebigsna eturnedhalfaround,andsawtheeggontheveranda.''Ah-h!Giveittome,''shesaid.Ri i-ti iputhispawsoneoneachsideoftheegg,andhiseyeswereblood-red.''Whatpriceforasna e'segg?Forayoungcobra?Forayoung ingcobra?Forthelast-theverylastofthebrood?Theantsareeatingalltheothersdownbythemelonbed.''Nagainaspunclearround,forgettingeverythingforthesa eoftheoneegg.

Ri i-ti isawTeddy'sfathershootoutabighand,catchTeddybytheshoulder,anddraghimacrossthelittletablewiththetea-cups,safeandoutofreachofNagaina.''Tric ed!Tric ed!Tric ed!Ri -tc -tc !''chuc ledRi i-ti i.''Theboyissafe,anditwasI-I-IthatcaughtNagbythehoodlastnightinthebathroom.''Thenhebegantojumpupanddown,allfourfeettogether,hisheadclosetothefloor.''Hethrewmetoandfro,buthecouldnotsha emeoff.Hewasdeadbeforethebigmanblewhimintwo.Ididit!Ri i-ti i-tc -tc !Comethen,Nagaina.Comeandfightwithme.Youshallnotbeawidowlong.''Nagainasawthatshehadlostherchanceof illingTeddy,andtheegglaybe



tweenRi i-ti i'spaws.''Givemetheegg,Ri i-ti i.Givemethelastofmyeggs,andIwillgoawayandnevercomebac ,''shesaid,loweringherhood.''Yes,youwillgoaway,andyouwillnevercomebac .ForyouwillgototherubbishheapwithNag.Fight,widow!Thebigmanhasgoneforhisgun!Fight!''Ri i-ti iwasboundingallroundNagaina, eepingjustoutofreachofherstro e,hislittleeyesli ehotcoals.Nagainagatheredherselftogetherandflungoutathim.Ri i-ti ijumpedupandbac ward.Againandagainandagainshestruc ,andeachtimeherheadcamewithawhac onthemattingoftheverandaandshegatheredherselftogetherli eawatchspring.ThenRi i-ti idancedinacircletogetbehindher,andNagainaspunroundto eepherheadtohishead,sothattherustleofhertailonthemattingsoundedli edryleavesblownalongbythewind.Hehadforgottentheegg.Itstilllayontheveranda,andNagainacamenearerandnearertoit,tillatlast,whileRi i-ti iwasdrawingbreath,shecaughtitinhermouth,turnedtotheverandasteps,andflewli eanarrowdownthepath,withRi i-ti ibehindher.Whenthecobrarunsforherlife,shegoesli eawhip-lashflic edacrossahorse'snec .Ri i-ti i newthathemustcatchher,orallthetroublewouldbeginagain.Sheheadedstraightforthelonggrassbythethorn-bush,andashewasrunningRi i-ti iheardDarzeestillsinginghisfoolishlittlesongoftriumph.ButDarzee'swifewaswiser.SheflewoffhernestasNagainacamealong,andflappedherwingsaboutNagaina'shead.IfDarzeehadhelpedtheymighthaveturnedher,butNagainaonlyloweredherhoodandwenton.Still,theinstant'sdelaybroughtRi i-ti iuptoher,andassheplungedintotherat-holewheresheand

Nagusedtolive,hislittlewhiteteethwereclenchedonhertail,andhewentdownwithher-andveryfewmongooses,howeverwiseandoldtheymaybe,caretofollowacobraintoitshole.Itwasdar inthehole;andRi i-ti inever newwhenitmightopenoutandgiveNagainaroomtoturnandstri eathim.Heheldonsavagely,andstuc outhisfeettoactasbra esonthedar slopeofthehot,moistearth.Thenthegrassbythemouthoftheholestoppedwaving,andDarzeesaid,''ItisalloverwithRi i-ti i!Wemustsinghisdeathsong.ValiantRi i-ti iisdead!ForNagainawillsurely illhimunderground.''Sohesangaverymournfulsongthathemadeuponthespuroftheminute,andjustashegottothemosttouchingpart,thegrassquiveredagain,andRi i-ti i,coveredwithdirt,draggedhimselfoutoftheholelegbyleg,lic inghiswhis ers.Darzeestoppedwithalittleshout.Ri i-ti ishoo someofthedu

stoutofhisfurandsneezed.''Itisallover,''hesaid.''Thewidowwillnevercomeoutagain.''Andtheredantsthatlivebetweenthegrassstemsheardhim,andbegantotroopdownoneafteranothertoseeifhehadspo enthetruth.Ri i-ti icurledhimselfupinthegrassandsleptwherehewas-sleptandslepttillitwaslateintheafternoon,forhehaddoneahardday'swor .''Now,''hesaid,whenheawo e,''Iwillgobac tothehouse.TelltheCoppersmith,Darzee,andhewilltellthegardenthatNagainaisdead.''TheCoppersmithisabirdwhoma esanoiseexactlyli ethebeatingofalittlehammeronacopperpot;andthereasonheisalwaysma ingitisbecauseheisthetowncriertoeveryIndiangarden,andtellsallthenewstoeverybodywhocarestolisten.AsRi i-ti iwentupthepath,heheardhis''attention''notesli eatinydinnergong,andthenthesteady''Ding-dong-toc !Nagisdead-dong!Nagainaisdead!Ding-dong-toc !''Thatsetallthebirdsinthegardensi

nging,andthefrogscroa ing,forNagandNagainausedtoeatfrogsaswellaslittlebirds.WhenRi igottothehouse,TeddyandTeddy'smother(sheloo edverywhitestill,forshehadbeenfainting)andTeddy'sfathercameoutandalmostcriedoverhim;andthatnightheateallthatwasgivenhimtillhecouldeatnomore,andwenttobedonTeddy'sshoulder,whereTeddy'smothersawhimwhenshecametoloo lateatnight.''HesavedourlivesandTeddy'slife,''shesaidtoherhusband.''Justthin,hesavedallourlives.''Ri i-ti iwo eupwithajump,forthemongoosesarelightsleepers.



''Oh,it'syou,''saidhe.''Whatareyoubotheringfor?Allthecobrasaredead.Andiftheyweren't,I'mhere.''Ri i-ti ihadarighttobeproudofhimself.Buthedidnotgrowtooproud,andhe eptthatgardenasamongooseshould eepit,withtoothandjumpandspringandbite,tillneveracobradaredshowitsheadinsidethewalls.Darzee'sChant(SunginhonorofRi i-Ti i-Tavi)SingerandtailoramI-DoubledthejoysthatI now-Proudofmylilttothes y,ProudofthehousethatIsew-Overandunder,soweaveImymusic-soweaveIthehousethatIsew.Singtoyourfledglingsagain,Mother,ohliftupyourhead!Evilthatplaguedusisslain,Deathinthegardenliesdead.Terrorthathidintherosesisimpotent-flungonthedung-hillanddead!Whohasdeliveredus,who?Tellmehisnestandhisname.Ri i,thevaliant,thetrue,Ti i,witheyeballsofflame,Ri -ti i-ti i,theivory-fanged,thehunterwitheyeballsof

flame!GivehimtheThan softheBirds,Bowingwithtailfeathersspread!Praisehimwithnightingalewords-Nay,Iwillpraisehiminstead.Hear!Iwillsingyouthepraiseofthebottle-tailedRi i,witheyeballsofred!(HereRi i-ti iinterrupted,andtherestofthesongislost.)ToomaioftheElephantsIwillrememberwhatIwas,Iamsic ofropeandchain-Iwillremembermyoldstrengthandallmyforestaffairs.Iwillnotsellmybac tomanforabundleofsugar-cane:Iwillgoouttomyown ind,andthewood-fol intheirlairs.

Iwillgooutuntiltheday,untilthemorningbrea -Outtothewind'suntainted iss,thewater'scleancaress;Iwillforgetmyan le-ringandsnapmypic etsta e.Iwillrevisitmylostloves,andplaymatesmasterless!KalaNag,whichmeansBlac Sna e,hadservedtheIndianGovernmentineverywaythatanelephantcouldserveitforforty-sevenyears,andashewasfullytwentyyearsoldwhenhewascaught,thatma eshimnearlyseventy-aripeageforanelephant.Herememberedpushing,withabigleatherpadonhisforehead,atagunstuc indeepmud,andthatwasbeforetheAfghanWarof1842,andhehadnotthencometohisfullstrength.HismotherRadhaPyari,-Radhathedarling,-whohadbeencaughtinthesamedrivewithKalaNag,toldhim,beforehislittlemil tus shaddroppedout,thatelephantswhowereafraidalwaysgothurt.KalaNag newthatthatadvicewasgo

od,forthefirsttimethathesawashellbursthebac ed,screaming,intoastandofpiledrifles,andthebayonetspric edhiminallhissoftestplaces.So,beforehewastwenty-five,hegaveupbeingafraid,andsohewasthebest-lovedandthebest-loo ed-afterelephantintheserviceoftheGovernmentofIndia.Hehadcarriedtents,twelvehundredpounds'weightoftents,onthemarchinUpperIndia.Hehadbeenhoistedintoashipattheendofasteamcraneandta enfordaysacrossthewater,andmadetocarryamortaronhisbac inastrangeandroc ycountryveryfarfromIndia,andhadseentheEmperorTheodorelyingdeadinMagdala,andhadcomebac againinthesteamerentitled,sothesoldierssaid,totheAbyssinianWarmedal.Hehadseenhisfellowelephantsdieofcold



andepilepsyandstarvationandsunstro eupataplacecalledAliMusjid,tenyearslater;andafterwardhehadbeensentdownthousandsofmilessouthtohaulandpilebigbal softea inthetimberyardsatMoulmein.Therehehadhalfilledaninsubordinateyoungelephantwhowasshir inghisfairshareofwor .Afterthathewasta enofftimber-hauling,andemployed,withafewscoreotherelephantswhoweretrainedtothebusiness,inhelpingtocatchwildelephantsamongtheGarohills.ElephantsareverystrictlypreservedbytheIndianGovernment.Thereisonewholedepartmentwhichdoesnothingelsebuthuntthem,andcatchthem,andbrea themin,andsendthemupanddownthecountryastheyareneededforwor .KalaNagstoodtenfairfeetattheshoulders,andhistus shadbeencutoffshortatfivefeet,andboundroundtheends,topreventthemsplitting,withbandsofcopper;buthecoulddomorewiththosestumpsthananyuntrainedelephantcoulddowiththerealsharpenedones.When,afterwee sandwee sofcautiousdrivingofscatteredelephantsacrossthehills,thefortyorfiftywildmonstersweredrivenintothelaststoc ade,andthebigdropgate,madeoftreetrunslashedtogether,jarreddownbehindthem,KalaNag,atthewordofcommand,wouldgointothatflaring,trumpetingpandemonium(generallyatnight,whentheflic erofthetorchesmadeitdifficulttojudgedistances),and,pic ingoutthebiggestandwildesttus erofthemob,wouldhammerhimandhustlehimintoquietwhilethemenonthebac softheotherelephantsropedandtiedthesmallerones.TherewasnothinginthewayoffightingthatKalaNag,theoldwiseBlac Sna e,didnot now,forhehadstoodupmorethanonceinhistimetothecharge

ofthewoundedtiger,and,curlinguphissofttrun tobeoutofharm'sway,had noc edthespringingbrutesidewaysinmid-airwithaquic sic lecutofhishead,thathehadinventedallbyhimself;had noc edhimover,and neeleduponhimwithhishuge neestillthelifewentoutwithagaspandahowl,andtherewasonlyafluffystripedthingonthegroundforKalaNagtopullbythetail.''Yes,''saidBigToomai,hisdriver,thesonofBlac Toomaiwhohadta enhimtoAbyssinia,andgrandsonofToomaioftheElephantswhohadseenhimcaught,''thereisnothingthattheBlac Sna efearsexceptme.Hehasseenthreegenerationsofusfeedhimandgroomhim,andhewilllivetoseefour.''''Heisafraidofmealso,''saidLittleToomai,standinguptohisfullheightoffourfeet,withonlyoneraguponhim.Hewastenyearsold,theeldestsonofBigToomai,and,accordingtocustom,hewouldta ehisfather'splaceonK

alaNag'snec whenhegrewup,andwouldhandletheheavyironan us,theelephantgoad,thathadbeenwornsmoothbyhisfather,andhisgrandfather,andhisgreat-grandfather.He newwhathewastal ingof;forhehadbeenbornunderKalaNag'sshadow,hadplayedwiththeendofhistrun beforehecouldwal ,hadta enhimdowntowaterassoonashecouldwal ,andKalaNagwouldnomorehavedreamedofdisobeyinghisshrilllittleordersthanhewouldhavedreamedof illinghimonthatdaywhenBigToomaicarriedthelittlebrownbabyunderKalaNag'stus s,andtoldhimtosalutehismasterthatwastobe.''Yes,''saidLittleToomai,''heisafraidofme,''andhetoo longstridesuptoKalaNag,calledhimafatoldpig,andmadehimliftuphisfeetoneaftertheother.''Wah!''saidLittleToomai,''thouartabigelephant,''andhewaggedhisf

luffyhead,quotinghisfather.''TheGovernmentmaypayforelephants,buttheybelongtousmahouts.Whenthouartold,KalaNag,therewillcomesomerichrajah,andhewillbuytheefromtheGovernment,onaccountofthysizeandthymanners,andthenthouwilthavenothingtodobuttocarrygoldearringsinthyears,andagoldhowdahonthybac ,andaredclothcoveredwithgoldonthysides,andwal attheheadoftheprocessionsoftheKing.ThenIshallsitonthynec ,OKalaNag,withasilveran us,andmenwillrunbeforeuswithgoldenstic s,crying,`RoomfortheKing'selephant!'Thatwillbegood,KalaNag,butnotsogoodasthishuntinginthejungles.''''Umph!''saidBigToomai.''Thouartaboy,andaswildasabuffalo-calf.T



hisrunningupanddownamongthehillsisnotthebestGovernmentservice.Iamgettingold,andIdonotlovewildelephants.Givemebric elephantlines,onestalltoeachelephant,andbigstumpstotiethemtosafely,andflat,broadroadstoexerciseupon,insteadofthiscome-and-gocamping.Aha,theCawnporebarrac sweregood.Therewasabazaarcloseby,andonlythreehours'wor aday.''LittleToomairememberedtheCawnporeelephant-linesandsaidnothing.Heverymuchpreferredthecamplife,andhatedthosebroad,flatroads,withthedailygrubbingforgrassintheforagereserve,andthelonghourswhentherewasnothingtodoexcepttowatchKalaNagfidgetinginhispic ets.WhatLittleToomaili edwastoscrambleupbridlepathsthatonlyanelephantcouldta e;thedipintothevalleybelow;theglimpsesofthewildelephantsbrowsingmilesaway;therushofthefrightenedpigandpeacoc underKalaNag'sfeet;theblindingwarmrains,whenallthehillsandvalleyssmo ed;thebeautifulmistymorningswhennobody newwheretheywouldcampthatnight;thesteady,cautiousdriveofthewildelephants,andthemadrushandblazeandhullabalooofthelastnight'sdrive,whentheelephantspouredintothestoc adeli ebouldersinalandslide,foundthattheycouldnotgetout,andflungthemselvesattheheavypostsonlytobedrivenbac byyellsandflaringtorchesandvolleysofblan cartridge.Evenalittleboycouldbeofusethere,andToomaiwasasusefulasthreeboys.Hewouldgethistorchandwaveit,andyellwiththebest.Butthereallygoodtimecamewhenthedrivingoutbegan,andtheKeddah-thatis,thestoc ade-loo edli eapictureoftheendoftheworld,andmenhadtoma esignstoone

another,becausetheycouldnothearthemselvesspea .ThenLittleToomaiwouldclimbuptothetopofoneofthequiveringstoc adeposts,hissun-bleachedbrownhairflyingloosealloverhisshoulders,andheloo ingli eagoblininthetorch-light.Andassoonastherewasalullyoucouldhearhishigh-pitchedyellsofencouragementtoKalaNag,abovethetrumpetingandcrashing,andsnappingofropes,andgroansofthetetheredelephants.''Mael,mael,KalaNag!(Goon,goon,Blac Sna e!)Dantdo!(Givehimthetus !)Somalo!Somalo!(Careful,careful!)Maro!Mar!(Hithim,hithim!)Mindthepost!Arre!Arre!Hai!Yai!Kya-a-ah!''hewouldshout,andthebigfightbetweenKalaNagandthewildelephantwouldswaytoandfroacrosstheKeddah,andtheoldelephantcatcherswouldwipethesweatoutoftheireyes,andfindtimetonodtoLittleToomaiwrigglingwithjoyonthetopoftheposts.Hedidmorethanwriggle.Onenighthesliddownfromthepostandslippedin

betweentheelephantsandthrewupthelooseendofarope,whichhaddropped,toadriverwhowastryingtogetapurchaseonthelegofa ic ingyoungcalf(calvesalwaysgivemoretroublethanfull-grownanimals).KalaNagsawhim,caughthiminhistrun ,andhandedhimuptoBigToomai,whoslappedhimthenandthere,andputhimbac onthepost.Nextmorninghegavehimascoldingandsaid,''Arenotgoodbric elephantlinesandalittletentcarryingenough,thatthoumustneedsgoelephantcatchingonthyownaccount,littleworthless?Nowthosefoolishhunters,whosepayislessthanmypay,havespo entoPetersenSahibofthematter.''LittleToomaiwasfrightened.Hedidnot nowmuchofwhitemen,butPetersenSahibwasthegreatestwhitemanintheworldtohim.HewastheheadofalltheKeddahoperations-themanwhocaughtalltheelephantsfortheGovernmentofIndia,andwho newmoreaboutthewaysofelephantsthananylivingman.

''What-whatwillhappen?''saidLittleToomai.''Happen!Theworstthatcanhappen.PetersenSahibisamadman.Elsewhyshouldhegohuntingthesewilddevils?Hemayevenrequiretheetobeanelephantcatcher,tosleepanywhereinthesefever-filledjungles,andatlasttobetrampledtodeathintheKeddah.Itiswellthatthisnonsenseendssafely.Nextweethecatchingisover,andweoftheplainsaresentbac toourstations.Thenwewillmarchonsmoothroads,andforgetallthishunting.But,son,IamangrythatthoushouldstmeddleinthebusinessthatbelongstothesedirtyAssamesejunglefol .KalaNagwillobeynonebutme,soImustgowithhimintotheKeddah,butheisonlyafightingelephant,andhedoesnothelptoropethem.SoI



sitatmyease,asbefitsamahout,-notamerehunter,-amahout,Isay,andamanwhogetsapensionattheendofhisservice.IsthefamilyofToomaioftheElephantstobetroddenunderfootinthedirtofaKeddah?Badone!Wic edone!Worthlessson!GoandwashKalaNagandattendtohisears,andseethattherearenothornsinhisfeet.OrelsePetersenSahibwillsurelycatchtheeandma etheeawildhunter-afollowerofelephant'sfoottrac s,ajunglebear.Bah!Shame!Go!''LittleToomaiwentoffwithoutsayingaword,buthetoldKalaNagallhisgrievanceswhilehewasexamininghisfeet.''Nomatter,''saidLittleToomai,turningupthefringeofKalaNag'shugerightear.''TheyhavesaidmynametoPetersenSahib,andperhaps-andperhaps-andperhaps-who nows?Hai!ThatisabigthornthatIhavepulledout!''Thenextfewdayswerespentingettingtheelephantstogether,inwal ingthenewlycaughtwildelephantsupanddownbetweenacoupleoftameonestopreventthemgivingtoomuchtroubleonthedownwardmarchtotheplains,andinta ingstoc oftheblan etsandropesandthingsthathadbeenwornoutorlostintheforest.PetersenSahibcameinonhisclevershe-elephantPudmini;hehadbeenpayingoffothercampsamongthehills,fortheseasonwascomingtoanend,andtherewasanativecler sittingatatableunderatree,topaythedriverstheirwages.Aseachmanwaspaidhewentbac tohiselephant,andjoinedthelinethatstoodreadytostart.Thecatchers,andhunters,andbeaters,themenoftheregularKeddah,whostayedinthejungleyearinandyearout,satonthebac softheelephantsthatbelongedtoPetersenSahib'spermanentforce,orleanedagai

nstthetreeswiththeirgunsacrosstheirarms,andmadefunofthedriverswhoweregoingaway,andlaughedwhenthenewlycaughtelephantsbro ethelineandranabout.BigToomaiwentuptothecler withLittleToomaibehindhim,andMachuaAppa,theheadtrac er,saidinanundertonetoafriendofhis,''Theregoesonepieceofgoodelephantstuffatleast.'Tisapitytosendthatyoungjungle-coctomoltintheplains.''NowPetersenSahibhadearsalloverhim,asamanmusthavewholistenstothemostsilentofalllivingthings-thewildelephant.HeturnedwherehewaslyingallalongonPudmini'sbac andsaid,''Whatisthat?Ididnot nowofamanamongtheplains-driverswhohadwitenoughtoropeevenadeadelephant.''''Thisisnotaman,butaboy.HewentintotheKeddahatthelastdrive,andthrewBarmaotheretherope,whenweweretryingtogetthatyoungcalfwitht

heblotchonhisshoulderawayfromhismother.''MachuaAppapointedatLittleToomai,andPetersenSahibloo ed,andLittleToomaibowedtotheearth.''Hethrowarope?Heissmallerthanapic et-pin.Littleone,whatisthyname?''saidPetersenSahib.LittleToomaiwastoofrightenedtospea ,butKalaNagwasbehindhim,andToomaimadeasignwithhishand,andtheelephantcaughthimupinhistrun andheldhimlevelwithPudmini'sforehead,infrontofthegreatPetersenSahib.ThenLittleToomaicoveredhisfacewithhishands,forhewasonlyachild,andexceptwhereelephantswereconcerned,hewasjustasbashfulasachildcouldbe.''Oho!''saidPetersenSahib,smilingunderneathhismustache,''andwhydidstthouteachthyelephantthattric ?Wasittohelptheestealgreencornfrom

theroofsofthehouseswhentheearsareputouttodry?''''Notgreencorn,ProtectorofthePoor,-melons,''saidLittleToomai,andallthemensittingaboutbro eintoaroaroflaughter.Mostofthemhadtaughttheirelephantsthattric whentheywereboys.LittleToomaiwashangingeightfeetupintheair,andhewishedverymuchthathewereeightfeetunderground.''HeisToomai,myson,Sahib,''saidBigToomai,scowling.''Heisaverybadboy,andhewillendinajail,Sahib.''''OfthatIhavemydoubts,''saidPetersenSahib.''AboywhocanfaceafullKeddahathisagedoesnotendinjails.See,littleone,herearefourannastospendinsweetmeatsbecausethouhastalittleheadunderthatgreatthatcho



fhair.Intimethoumayestbecomeahuntertoo.''BigToomaiscowledmorethanever.''Remember,though,thatKeddahsarenotgoodforchildrentoplayin,''PetersenSahibwenton.''MustInevergothere,Sahib?''as edLittleToomaiwithabiggasp.''Yes.''PetersenSahibsmiledagain.''Whenthouhastseentheelephantsdance.Thatisthepropertime.Cometomewhenthouhastseentheelephantsdance,andthenIwilllettheegointoalltheKeddahs.''Therewasanotherroaroflaughter,forthatisanoldjo eamongelephant-catchers,anditmeansjustnever.Therearegreatclearedflatplaceshiddenawayintheforeststhatarecalledelephants'ball-rooms,buteventheseareonlyfoundbyaccident,andnomanhaseverseentheelephantsdance.Whenadriverboastsofhiss illandbraverytheotherdriverssay,''Andwhendidstthouseetheelephantsdance?''KalaNagputLittleToomaidown,andhebowedtotheearthagainandwentawaywithhisfather,andgavethesilverfour-annapiecetohismother,whowasnursinghisbabybrother,andtheyallwereputuponKalaNag'sbac ,andthelineofgrunting,squealingelephantsrolleddownthehillpathtotheplains.Itwasaverylivelymarchonaccountofthenewelephants,whogavetroubleateveryford,andneededcoaxingorbeatingeveryotherminute.BigToomaiproddedKalaNagspitefully,forhewasveryangry,butLittleToomaiwastoohappytospea .PetersenSahibhadnoticedhim,andgivenhimmoney,sohefeltasaprivatesoldierwouldfeelifhehadbeencalledoutoftheransandpraisedbyhiscommander-in-chief.''WhatdidPetersenSahibmeanbytheelephantdance?''hesaid,atlast,sof

tlytohismother.BigToomaiheardhimandgrunted.''Thatthoushouldstneverbeoneofthesehillbuffaloesoftrac ers.Thatwaswhathemeant.Oh,youinfront,whatisbloc ingtheway?''AnAssamesedriver,twoorthreeelephantsahead,turnedroundangrily,crying:''BringupKalaNag,and noc thisyoungsterofmineintogoodbehavior.WhyshouldPetersenSahibhavechosenmetogodownwithyoudon eysofthericefields?Layyourbeastalongside,Toomai,andlethimprodwithhistus s.ByalltheGodsoftheHills,thesenewelephantsarepossessed,orelsetheycansmelltheircompanionsinthejungle.''KalaNaghitthenewelephantintheribsand noc edthewindoutofhim,asBigToomaisaid,''Wehavesweptthehillsofwildelephantsatthelastcatch.Itisonlyyourcarelessnessindriving.MustI eeporderalongthewholeline?''

''Hearhim!''saidtheotherdriver.''Wehavesweptthehills!Ho!Ho!Youareverywise,youplainspeople.Anyonebutamud-headwhoneversawthejunglewould nowthatthey nowthatthedrivesareendedfortheseason.Thereforeallthewildelephantsto-nightwill-butwhyshouldIwastewisdomonariver-turtle?''''Whatwilltheydo?''LittleToomaicalledout.''Ohe,littleone.Artthouthere?Well,Iwilltellthee,forthouhastacoolhead.Theywilldance,anditbehoovesthyfather,whohassweptallthehillsofalltheelephants,todouble-chainhispic etsto-night.''''Whattal isthis?''saidBigToomai.''Forfortyyears,fatherandson,wehavetendedelephants,andwehaveneverheardsuchmoonshineaboutdances.''''Yes;butaplainsmanwholivesinahut nowsonlythefourwallsofhishut.Well,leavethyelephantsunshac ledtonightandseewhatcomes.Asfortheir

dancing,Ihaveseentheplacewhere-Bapree-bap!HowmanywindingshastheDihangRiver?Hereisanotherford,andwemustswimthecalves.Stopstill,youbehindthere.''Andinthisway,tal ingandwranglingandsplashingthroughtherivers,theymadetheirfirstmarchtoasortofreceivingcampforthenewelephants.Buttheylosttheirtemperslongbeforetheygotthere.Thentheelephantswerechainedbytheirhindlegstotheirbigstumpsofpicets,andextraropeswerefittedtothenewelephants,andthefodderwaspiledbeforethem,andthehilldriverswentbac toPetersenSahibthroughtheafternoonlight,tellingtheplainsdriverstobeextracarefulthatnight,andlaugh



ingwhentheplainsdriversas edthereason.LittleToomaiattendedtoKalaNag'ssupper,andaseveningfell,wanderedthroughthecamp,unspea ablyhappy,insearchofatom-tom.WhenanIndianchild'sheartisfull,hedoesnotrunaboutandma eanoiseinanirregularfashion.Hesitsdowntoasortofrevelallbyhimself.AndLittleToomaihadbeenspoentobyPetersenSahib!Ifhehadnotfoundwhathewanted,Ibelievehewouldhavebeenill.Butthesweetmeatsellerinthecamplenthimalittletom-tom-adrumbeatenwiththeflatofthehand-andhesatdown,cross-legged,beforeKalaNagasthestarsbegantocomeout,thetom-tominhislap,andhethumpedandhethumpedandhethumped,andthemorehethoughtofthegreathonorthathadbeendonetohim,themorehethumped,allaloneamongtheelephantfodder.Therewasnotuneandnowords,butthethumpingmadehimhappy.Thenewelephantsstrainedattheirropes,andsquealedandtrumpetedfromtimetotime,andhecouldhearhismotherinthecamphutputtinghissmallbrothertosleepwithanold,oldsongaboutthegreatGodShiv,whooncetoldalltheanimalswhattheyshouldeat.Itisaverysoothinglullaby,andthefirstversesays:Shiv,whopouredtheharvestandmadethewindstoblow,Sittingatthedoorwaysofadayoflongago,Gavetoeachhisportion,foodandtoilandfate,FromtheKingupontheguddeetotheBeggaratthegate.Allthingsmadehe-ShivathePreserver.Mahadeo!Mahadeo!Hemadeall-Thornforthecamel,fodderforthe ine,

Andmother'sheartforsleepyhead,Olittlesonofmine!LittleToomaicameinwithajoyoustun -a-tun attheendofeachverse,tillhefeltsleepyandstretchedhimselfonthefodderatKalaNag'sside.Atlasttheelephantsbegantoliedownoneafteranotherasistheircustom,tillonlyKalaNagattherightofthelinewasleftstandingup;andheroc edslowlyfromsidetoside,hisearsputforwardtolistentothenightwindasitblewveryslowlyacrossthehills.Theairwasfullofallthenightnoisesthat,ta entogether,ma eonebigsilence-theclic ofonebamboostemagainsttheother,therustleofsomethingaliveintheundergrowth,thescratchandsquaw ofahalf-wa edbird(birdsareawa einthenightmuchmoreoftenthanweimagine),andthefallofwatereversofaraway.LittleToomaisleptforsometime,andwhenhewa editwasbrilliantmoonlight,andKalaNagwasstillstandingupwithhisearscoc ed.LittleToomaiturned,rustlinginthefodder,andwatchedthecu

rveofhisbigbac againsthalfthestarsinheaven,andwhilehewatchedheheard,sofarawaythatitsoundednomorethanapinholeofnoisepric edthroughthestillness,the''hoot-toot''ofawildelephant.Alltheelephantsinthelinesjumpedupasiftheyhadbeenshot,andtheirgruntsatlastwa edthesleepingmahouts,andtheycameoutanddroveinthepic etpegswithbigmallets,andtightenedthisropeand nottedthattillallwasquiet.Onenewelephanthadnearlygrubbeduphispic et,andBigToomaitoo offKalaNag'slegchainandshac ledthatelephantfore-foottohind-foot,butslippedaloopofgrassstringroundKalaNag'sleg,andtoldhimtorememberthathewastiedfast.He newthatheandhisfatherandhisgrandfatherhaddonetheverysamethinghundredsoftimesbefore.KalaNagdidnotanswertotheorderbygurgling,asheusuallydid.Hestoodstill,loo ingoutacrossthemoonlight,hisheadalittleraisedandhisearsspreadli efans,uptothegreatfo

ldsoftheGarohills.''Tendtohimifhegrowsrestlessinthenight,''saidBigToomaitoLittleToomai,andhewentintothehutandslept.LittleToomaiwasjustgoingtosleep,too,whenheheardthecoirstringsnapwithalittle''tang,''andKalaNagrolledoutofhispic etsasslowlyandassilentlyasacloudrollsoutofthemouthofavalley.LittleToomaipatteredafterhim,barefooted,downtheroadinthemoonlight,callingunderhisbreath,''KalaNag!KalaNag!Ta emewithyou,OKalaNag!''Theelephantturned,withoutasound,too threestridesbac totheboyinthemoonlight,putdownhistrun ,swunghimuptohisnec ,andalmostbeforeLittleToomaihadsettledhis nees,slippedintotheforest.



Therewasoneblastoffurioustrumpetingfromthelines,andthenthesilenceshutdownoneverything,andKalaNagbegantomove.Sometimesatuftofhighgrasswashedalonghissidesasawavewashesalongthesidesofaship,andsometimesaclusterofwild-peppervineswouldscrapealonghisbac ,orabamboowouldcrea wherehisshouldertouchedit.Butbetweenthosetimeshemovedabsolutelywithoutanysound,driftingthroughthethic Garoforestasthoughithadbeensmo e.Hewasgoinguphill,butthoughLittleToomaiwatchedthestarsintheriftsofthetrees,hecouldnottellinwhatdirection.ThenKalaNagreachedthecrestoftheascentandstoppedforaminute,andLittleToomaicouldseethetopsofthetreeslyingallspec ledandfurryunderthemoonlightformilesandmiles,andtheblue-whitemistovertheriverinthehollow.Toomaileanedforwardandloo ed,andhefeltthattheforestwasawa ebelowhim-awa eandaliveandcrowded.Abigbrownfruit-eatingbatbrushedpasthisear;aporcupine'squillsrattledinthethic et;andinthedar nessbetweenthetreestemsheheardahog-beardigginghardinthemoistwarmearth,andsnuffingasitdigged.Thenthebranchesclosedoverhisheadagain,andKalaNagbegantogodownintothevalley-notquietlythistime,butasarunawaygungoesdownasteepban-inonerush.Thehugelimbsmovedassteadilyaspistons,eightfeettoeachstride,andthewrin leds inoftheelbowpointsrustled.Theundergrowthoneithersideofhimrippedwithanoiseli etorncanvas,andthesaplingsthatheheavedawayrightandleftwithhisshoulderssprangbac againandbangedhimontheflan ,andgreattrailsofcreepers,allmattedtogether,hungfromhistussashethrewhisheadfromsidetosideandplowedouthispathway.ThenLittl

eToomailaidhimselfdownclosetothegreatnec lestaswingingboughshouldsweephimtotheground,andhewishedthathewerebac inthelinesagain.Thegrassbegantogetsquashy,andKalaNag'sfeetsuc edandsquelchedasheputthemdown,andthenightmistatthebottomofthevalleychilledLittleToomai.Therewasasplashandatrample,andtherushofrunningwater,andKalaNagstrodethroughthebedofariver,feelinghiswayateachstep.Abovethenoiseofthewater,asitswirledroundtheelephant'slegs,LittleToomaicouldhearmoresplashingandsometrumpetingbothupstreamanddown-greatgruntsandangrysnortings,andallthemistabouthimseemedtobefullofrolling,wavyshadows.''Ai!''hesaid,halfaloud,histeethchattering.''Theelephant-fol areouttonight.Itisthedance,then!''KalaNagswashedoutofthewater,blewhistrun clear,andbegananothercl

imb.Butthistimehewasnotalone,andhehadnottoma ehispath.Thatwasmadealready,sixfeetwide,infrontofhim,wherethebentjungle-grasswastryingtorecoveritselfandstandup.Manyelephantsmusthavegonethatwayonlyafewminutesbefore.LittleToomailoo edbac ,andbehindhimagreatwildtuserwithhislittlepig'seyesglowingli ehotcoalswasjustliftinghimselfoutofthemistyriver.Thenthetreesclosedupagain,andtheywentonandup,withtrumpetingsandcrashings,andthesoundofbrea ingbranchesoneverysideofthem.AtlastKalaNagstoodstillbetweentwotree-trun sattheverytopofthehill.Theywerepartofacircleoftreesthatgrewroundanirregularspaceofsomethreeorfouracres,andinallthatspace,asLittleToomaicouldsee,thegroundhadbeentrampleddownashardasabric floor.Sometreesgrewinthecenteroftheclearing,buttheirbar wasrubbedaway,andthewhitewoodbeneat

hshowedallshinyandpolishedinthepatchesofmoonlight.Therewerecreepershangingfromtheupperbranches,andthebellsoftheflowersofthecreepers,greatwaxywhitethingsli econvolvuluses,hungdownfastasleep.Butwithinthelimitsoftheclearingtherewasnotasinglebladeofgreen-nothingbutthetrampledearth.Themoonlightshoweditallirongray,exceptwheresomeelephantsstooduponit,andtheirshadowswerein yblac .LittleToomailoo ed,holdinghisbreath,withhiseyesstartingoutofhishead,andasheloo ed,moreandmoreandmoreelephantsswungoutintotheopenfrombetweenthetreetrun s.LittleToomaicouldonlycountuptoten,andhecountedagainandagainonhisfingerstill



helostcountofthetens,andhisheadbegantoswim.Outsidetheclearinghecouldhearthemcrashingintheundergrowthastheywor edtheirwayupthehillside,butassoonastheywerewithinthecircleofthetreetrun stheymovedlieghosts.Therewerewhite-tus edwildmales,withfallenleavesandnutsandtwigslyinginthewrin lesoftheirnec sandthefoldsoftheirears;fat,slow-footedshe-elephants,withrestless,littlepin yblac calvesonlythreeorfourfeethighrunningundertheirstomachs;youngelephantswiththeirtus sjustbeginningtoshow,andveryproudofthem;lan y,scraggyold-maidelephants,withtheirhollowanxiousfaces,andtrun sli eroughbar ;savageoldbullelephants,scarredfromshouldertoflan withgreatwealsandcutsofbygonefights,andtheca eddirtoftheirsolitarymudbathsdroppingfromtheirshoulders;andtherewasonewithabro entus andthemar softhefull-stro e,theterribledrawingscrape,ofatiger'sclawsonhisside.Theywerestandingheadtohead,orwal ingtoandfroacrossthegroundincouples,orroc ingandswayingallbythemselves-scoresandscoresofelephants.Toomai newthatsolongashelaystillonKalaNag'snec nothingwouldhappentohim,forevenintherushandscrambleofaKeddahdriveawildelephantdoesnotreachupwithhistrun anddragamanoffthenec ofatameelephant.Andtheseelephantswerenotthin ingofmenthatnight.Oncetheystartedandputtheirearsforwardwhentheyheardthechin ingofalegironintheforest,butitwasPudmini,PetersenSahib'spetelephant,herchainsnappedshortoff,grunting,snufflingupthehillside.Shemusthavebro enherpic etsandcome

straightfromPetersenSahib'scamp;andLittleToomaisawanotherelephant,onethathedidnot now,withdeepropegallsonhisbac andbreast.He,too,musthaverunawayfromsomecampinthehillsabout.Atlasttherewasnosoundofanymoreelephantsmovingintheforest,andKalaNagrolledoutfromhisstationbetweenthetreesandwentintothemiddleofthecrowd,cluc ingandgurgling,andalltheelephantsbegantotal intheirowntongue,andtomoveabout.Stilllyingdown,LittleToomailoo eddownuponscoresandscoresofbroadbac s,andwaggingears,andtossingtrun s,andlittlerollingeyes.Heheardtheclic oftus sastheycrossedothertus sbyaccident,andthedryrustleoftrun stwinedtogether,andthechafingofenormoussidesandshouldersinthecrowd,andtheincessantflic andhisshofthegreattails.Thenacloudcameoverthemoon,andhesatinblac dar ness.Butthequiet,steadyhustlingandpu

shingandgurglingwentonjustthesame.He newthattherewereelephantsallroundKalaNag,andthattherewasnochanceofbac inghimoutoftheassembly;sohesethisteethandshivered.InaKeddahatleasttherewastorchlightandshouting,butherehewasallaloneinthedar ,andonceatrun cameupandtouchedhimonthe nee.Thenanelephanttrumpeted,andtheyalltoo itupforfiveortenterribleseconds.Thedewfromthetreesabovespattereddownli erainontheunseenbacs,andadullboomingnoisebegan,notveryloudatfirst,andLittleToomaicouldnottellwhatitwas.Butitgrewandgrew,andKalaNaglifteduponeforefootandthentheother,andbroughtthemdownontheground-one-two,one-two,assteadilyastrip-hammers.Theelephantswerestampingalltogethernow,anditsoundedli eawardrumbeatenatthemouthofacave.Thedewfellfromthetreestilltherewasnomorelefttofall,andtheboomingwenton,andtheground

roc edandshivered,andLittleToomaiputhishandsuptohisearstoshutoutthesound.Butitwasallonegiganticjarthatranthroughhim-thisstampofhundredsofheavyfeetontherawearth.OnceortwicehecouldfeelKalaNagandalltheotherssurgeforwardafewstrides,andthethumpingwouldchangetothecrushingsoundofjuicygreenthingsbeingbruised,butinaminuteortwotheboomoffeetonhardearthbeganagain.Atreewascrea ingandgroaningsomewherenearhim.Heputouthisarmandfeltthebar ,butKalaNagmovedforward,stilltramping,andhecouldnottellwherehewasintheclearing.Therewasnosoundfromtheelephants,exceptonce,whentwoorthreelittlecalvessquea edtogether.Thenheheardathumpandashuffle,andtheboomingwenton.Itmust



havelastedfullytwohours,andLittleToomaiachedineverynerve,buthe newbythesmellofthenightairthatthedawnwascoming.Themorningbro einonesheetofpaleyellowbehindthegreenhills,andtheboomingstoppedwiththefirstray,asthoughthelighthadbeenanorder.BeforeLittleToomaihadgottheringingoutofhishead,beforeevenhehadshiftedhisposition,therewasnotanelephantinsightexceptKalaNag,Pudmini,andtheelephantwiththerope-galls,andtherewasneithersignnorrustlenorwhisperdownthehillsidestoshowwheretheothershadgone.LittleToomaistaredagainandagain.Theclearing,asherememberedit,hadgrowninthenight.Moretreesstoodinthemiddleofit,buttheundergrowthandthejunglegrassatthesideshadbeenrolledbac .LittleToomaistaredoncemore.Nowheunderstoodthetrampling.Theelephantshadstampedoutmoreroom-hadstampedthethic grassandjuicycanetotrash,thetrashintoslivers,thesliversintotinyfibers,andthefibersintohardearth.''Wah!''saidLittleToomai,andhiseyeswereveryheavy.''KalaNag,mylord,letus eepbyPudminiandgotoPetersenSahib'scamp,orIshalldropfromthynec .''Thethirdelephantwatchedthetwogoaway,snorted,wheeledround,andtoo hisownpath.Hemayhavebelongedtosomelittlenative ing'sestablishment,fiftyorsixtyorahundredmilesaway.Twohourslater,asPetersenSahibwaseatingearlybrea fast,hiselephants,whohadbeendoublechainedthatnight,begantotrumpet,andPudmini,miredtotheshoulders,withKalaNag,veryfootsore,shambledintothecamp.LittleToomai'sfacewasgrayandpinched,andhishairwasfullofleavesanddrenchedwi

thdew,buthetriedtosalutePetersenSahib,andcriedfaintly:''Thedance-theelephantdance!Ihaveseenit,and-Idie!''AsKalaNagsatdown,heslidoffhisnec inadeadfaint.But,sincenativechildrenhavenonervesworthspea ingof,intwohourshewaslyingverycontentedlyinPetersenSahib'shammoc withPetersenSahib'sshooting-coatunderhishead,andaglassofwarmmil ,alittlebrandy,withadashofquinine,insideofhim,andwhiletheoldhairy,scarredhuntersofthejunglessatthreedeepbeforehim,loo ingathimasthoughhewereaspirit,hetoldhistaleinshortwords,asachildwill,andwoundupwith:''Now,ifIlieinoneword,sendmentosee,andtheywillfindthattheelephantfol havetrampleddownmoreroomintheirdance-room,andtheywillfindtenandten,andmanytimesten,trac sleadingtothatdance-room.Theymademoreroomwiththeirfeet.Ihaveseenit.KalaNagtoo me,andIsaw.AlsoKala

Nagisveryleg-weary!''LittleToomailaybac andsleptallthroughthelongafternoonandintothetwilight,andwhilehesleptPetersenSahibandMachuaAppafollowedthetrac ofthetwoelephantsforfifteenmilesacrossthehills.PetersenSahibhadspenteighteenyearsincatchingelephants,andhehadonlyoncebeforefoundsuchadance-place.MachuaAppahadnoneedtoloo twiceattheclearingtoseewhathadbeendonethere,ortoscratchwithhistoeinthepac ed,rammedearth.''Thechildspea struth,''saidhe.''Allthiswasdonelastnight,andIhavecountedseventytrac scrossingtheriver.See,Sahib,wherePudmini'sleg-ironcutthebar ofthattree!Yes;shewastheretoo.''Theyloo edatoneanotherandupanddown,andtheywondered.Forthewaysofelephantsarebeyondthewitofanyman,blac orwhite,tofathom.''Fortyyearsandfive,''saidMachuaAppa,''haveIfollowedmylord,theel

ephant,butneverhaveIheardthatanychildofmanhadseenwhatthischildhasseen.ByalltheGodsoftheHills,itis-whatcanwesay?''andheshoo hishead.Whentheygotbac tocampitwastimefortheeveningmeal.PetersenSahibatealoneinhistent,buthegaveordersthatthecampshouldhavetwosheepandsomefowls,aswellasadoublerationofflourandriceandsalt,forhe newthattherewouldbeafeast.BigToomaihadcomeuphotfootfromthecampintheplainstosearchforhissonandhiselephant,andnowthathehadfoundthemheloo edatthemasthoughhewereafraidofthemboth.Andtherewasafeastbytheblazingcampfiresin



frontofthelinesofpic etedelephants,andLittleToomaiwastheheroofitall.Andthebigbrownelephantcatchers,thetrac ersanddriversandropers,andthemenwho nowallthesecretsofbrea ingthewildestelephants,passedhimfromonetotheother,andtheymar edhisforeheadwithbloodfromthebreastofanewly illedjungle-coc ,toshowthathewasaforester,initiatedandfreeofallthejungles.Andatlast,whentheflamesdieddown,andtheredlightofthelogsmadetheelephantsloo asthoughtheyhadbeendippedinbloodtoo,MachuaAppa,theheadofallthedriversofalltheKeddahs-MachuaAppa,PetersenSahib'sotherself,whohadneverseenamaderoadinfortyyears:MachuaAppa,whowassogreatthathehadnoothernamethanMachuaAppa,-leapedtohisfeet,withLittleToomaiheldhighintheairabovehishead,andshouted:''Listen,mybrothers.Listen,too,youmylordsinthelinesthere,forI,MachuaAppa,amspea ing!ThislittleoneshallnomorebecalledLittleToomai,butToomaioftheElephants,ashisgreat-grandfatherwascalledbeforehim.Whatnevermanhasseenhehasseenthroughthelongnight,andthefavoroftheelephant-fol andoftheGodsoftheJunglesiswithhim.Heshallbecomeagreattrac er.HeshallbecomegreaterthanI,evenI,MachuaAppa!Heshallfollowthenewtrail,andthestaletrail,andthemixedtrail,withacleareye!Heshallta enoharmintheKeddahwhenherunsundertheirbelliestoropethewildtus ers;andifheslipsbeforethefeetofthechargingbullelephant,thebullelephantshall nowwhoheisandshallnotcrushhim.Aihai!mylordsinthechains,''-hewhirledupthelineofpic ets-''hereisthelittleonethathasseenyourdancesinyourhiddenplaces,-thesightthatnevermansaw!Givehimhonor,mylords!Salaam aro

,mychildren.Ma eyoursalutetoToomaioftheElephants!GungaPershad,ahaa!HiraGuj,BirchiGuj,KuttarGuj,ahaa!Pudmini,-thouhastseenhimatthedance,andthoutoo,KalaNag,mypearlamongelephants!-ahaa!Together!ToToomaioftheElephants.Barrao!''Andatthatlastwildyellthewholelineflunguptheirtrun stillthetipstouchedtheirforeheads,andbro eoutintothefullsalute-thecrashingtrumpet-pealthatonlytheViceroyofIndiahears,theSalaamutoftheKeddah.Butitwasallforthesa eofLittleToomai,whohadseenwhatnevermanhadseenbefore-thedanceoftheelephantsatnightandaloneintheheartoftheGarohills!ShivandtheGrasshopper(ThesongthatToomai'smothersangtothebaby)Shiv,whopouredtheharvestandmadethewindstoblow,

Sittingatthedoorwaysofadayoflongago,Gavetoeachhisportion,foodandtoilandfate,FromtheKingupontheguddeetotheBeggaratthegate.Allthingsmadehe-ShivathePreserver.Mahadeo!Mahadeo!Hemadeall,-Thornforthecamel,fodderforthe ine,Andmother'sheartforsleepyhead,Olittlesonofmine!Wheathegavetorichfol ,millettothepoor,Bro enscrapsforholymenthatbegfromdoortodoor;Battletothetiger,carriontothe ite,Andragsandbonestowic edwolveswithoutthewallatnight.Naughthefoundtoolofty,nonehesawtoolow-Parbatibesidehimwatchedthemcomeandgo;

Thoughttocheatherhusband,turningShivtojest-Stolethelittlegrasshopperandhiditinherbreast.Soshetric edhim,ShivathePreserver.Mahadeo!Mahadeo!Turnandsee.Tallarethecamels,heavyarethe ine,ButthiswasLeastofLittleThings,Olittlesonofmine!Whenthedolewasended,laughinglyshesaid,Master,ofamillionmouths,isnotoneunfed?''Laughing,Shivmadeanswer,''Allhavehadtheirpart,Evenhe,thelittleone,hidden'neaththyheart.''



Fromherbreastshepluc edit,Parbatithethief,SawtheLeastofLittleThingsgnawedanew-grownleaf!Sawandfearedandwondered,ma ingprayertoShiv,Whohathsurelygivenmeattoallthatlive.Allthingsmadehe-ShivathePreserver.Mahadeo!Mahadeo!Hemadeall,-Thornforthecamel,fodderforthe ine,Andmother'sheartforsleepyhead,Olittlesonofmine!HerMajesty'sServantsYoucanwor itoutbyFractionsorbysimpleRuleofThree,ButthewayofTweedle-dumisnotthewayofTweedle-dee.Youcantwistit,youcanturnit,youcanplaitittillyoudrop,ButthewayofPillyWin y'snotthewayofWin iePop!Ithadbeenrainingheavilyforonewholemonth-rainingonacampofthirtythousandmenandthousandsofcamels,elephants,horses,bulloc s,andmulesallgatheredtogetherataplacecalledRawalPindi,tobereviewedbytheViceroyofIndia.HewasreceivingavisitfromtheAmirofAfghanistan-awild ingofaverywildcountry.TheAmirhadbroughtwithhimforabodyguardeighthundredmenandhorseswhohadneverseenacamporalocomotivebeforeintheirlives-savagemenandsavagehorsesfromsomewhereatthebac ofCentralAsia.Everynightamobofthesehorseswouldbesuretobrea theirheelropesandstampedeupanddownthecampthroughthemudinthedar ,orthecamelswouldbrea looseandrunaboutandfallovertheropesofthetents,andyoucanimaginehowpleasantthatwasformentryingtogotosleep.Mytentlayfarawayfromthecamel

lines,andIthoughtitwassafe.Butonenightamanpoppedhisheadinandshouted,''Getout,quic !They'recoming!Mytent'sgone!''I newwho''they''were,soIputonmybootsandwaterproofandscuttledoutintotheslush.LittleVixen,myfoxterrier,wentoutthroughtheotherside;andthentherewasaroaringandagruntingandbubbling,andIsawthetentcavein,asthepolesnapped,andbegintodanceaboutli eamadghost.Acamelhadblunderedintoit,andwetandangryasIwas,Icouldnothelplaughing.ThenIranon,becauseIdidnot nowhowmanycamelsmighthavegotloose,andbeforelongIwasoutofsightofthecamp,plowingmywaythroughthemud.AtlastIfelloverthetail-endofagun,andbythat newIwassomewhereneartheartillerylineswherethecannonwerestac edatnight.AsIdidnotwanttoplowteraboutanymoreinthedrizzleandthedar ,Iputmywaterproofoverthemuzzleofonegun,andmadeasortofwigwamwithtwoorthreerammerstha

tIfound,andlayalongthetailofanothergun,wonderingwhereVixenhadgotto,andwhereImightbe.JustasIwasgettingreadytogotosleepIheardajingleofharnessandagrunt,andamulepassedmesha inghiswetears.Hebelongedtoascrew-gunbattery,forIcouldheartherattleofthestrapsandringsandchainsandthingsonhissaddlepad.Thescrew-gunsaretinylittlecannonmadeintwopieces,thatarescrewedtogetherwhenthetimecomestousethem.Theyareta enupmountains,anywherethatamulecanfindaroad,andtheyareveryusefulforfightinginroc ycountry.Behindthemuletherewasacamel,withhisbigsoftfeetsquelchingandslippinginthemud,andhisnec bobbingtoandfroli eastrayedhen's.Luc ily,I newenoughofbeastlanguage-notwild-beastlanguage,butcamp-beastlanguage,ofcourse-fromthenativesto nowwhathewassaying.

Hemusthavebeentheonethatfloppedintomytent,forhecalledtothemule,''WhatshallIdo?WhereshallIgo?Ihavefoughtwithawhitethingthatwaved,andittoo astic andhitmeonthenec .''(Thatwasmybro ententpole,andIwasverygladto nowit.)''Shallwerunon?''''Oh,itwasyou,''saidthemule,''youandyourfriends,thathavebeendisturbingthecamp?Allright.You'llbebeatenforthisinthemorning.ButImayaswellgiveyousomethingonaccountnow.''Iheardtheharnessjingleasthemulebac edandcaughtthecameltwo ic sintheribsthatrangli eadrum.''Anothertime,''hesaid,''you'll nowbetterthantorunthroughamulebatteryatnight,shouting`Thievesandfire!'Sit



down,and eepyoursillynec quiet.''Thecameldoubledupcamel-fashion,li eatwo-footrule,andsatdownwhimpering.Therewasaregularbeatofhoofsinthedar ness,andabigtroop-horsecanteredupassteadilyasthoughhewereonparade,jumpedaguntail,andlandedclosetothemule.''It'sdisgraceful,''hesaid,blowingouthisnostrils.''Thosecamelshaverac etedthroughourlinesagain-thethirdtimethiswee .How'sahorseto eephisconditionifheisn'tallowedtosleep.Who'shere?''''I'mthebreech-piecemuleofnumbertwogunoftheFirstScrewBattery,''saidthemule,''andtheother'soneofyourfriends.He'swa edmeuptoo.Whoareyou?''''NumberFifteen,Etroop,NinthLancers-Dic Cunliffe'shorse.Standoveralittle,there.''''Oh,begyourpardon,''saidthemule.''It'stoodar toseemuch.Aren'tthesecamelstoosic eningforanything?Iwal edoutofmylinestogetalittlepeaceandquiethere.''''Mylords,''saidthecamelhumbly,''wedreamedbaddreamsinthenight,andwewereverymuchafraid.Iamonlyabaggagecamelofthe39thNativeInfantry,andIamnotasbraveasyouare,mylords.''''Thenwhydidn'tyoustayandcarrybaggageforthe39thNativeInfantry,insteadofrunningallroundthecamp?''saidthemule.''Theyweresuchverybaddreams,''saidthecamel.''Iamsorry.Listen!Whatisthat?Shallwerunonagain?''''Sitdown,''saidthemule,''oryou'llsnapyourlongstic -legsbetweenth

eguns.''Hecoc edoneearandlistened.''Bulloc s!''hesaid.''Gunbulloc s.Onmyword,youandyourfriendshavewa edthecampverythoroughly.Itta esagooddealofproddingtoputupagun-bulloc .''Iheardachaindraggingalongtheground,andayo eofthegreatsul ywhitebulloc sthatdragtheheavysiegegunswhentheelephantswon'tgoanynearertothefiring,cameshoulderingalongtogether.Andalmoststeppingonthechainwasanotherbatterymule,callingwildlyfor''Billy.''''That'soneofourrecruits,''saidtheoldmuletothetroophorse.''He'scallingforme.Here,youngster,stopsquealing.Thedar neverhurtanybodyyet.''Thegun-bulloc slaydowntogetherandbeganchewingthecud,buttheyoungmulehuddledclosetoBilly.''Things!''hesaid.''Fearfulandhorrible,Billy!Theycameintoourlines

whilewewereasleep.D'youthin they'll illus?''''I'veaverygreatmindtogiveyouanumber-one ic ing,''saidBilly.''Theideaofafourteen-handmulewithyourtrainingdisgracingthebatterybeforethisgentleman!''''Gently,gently!''saidthetroop-horse.''Remembertheyarealwaysli ethistobeginwith.ThefirsttimeIeversawaman(itwasinAustraliawhenIwasathree-year-old)Iranforhalfaday,andifI'dseenacamel,Ishouldhavebeenrunningstill.''NearlyallourhorsesfortheEnglishcavalryarebroughttoIndiafromAustralia,andarebro eninbythetroopersthemselves.''Trueenough,''saidBilly.''Stopsha ing,youngster.Thefirsttimetheyputthefullharnesswithallitschainsonmybac Istoodonmyforelegsand ic edeverybitofitoff.Ihadn'tlearnedtherealscienceof ic ingthen,but

thebatterysaidtheyhadneverseenanythingli eit.''''Butthiswasn'tharnessoranythingthatjingled,''saidtheyoungmule.''You nowIdon'tmindthatnow,Billy.ItwasThingsli etrees,andtheyfellupanddownthelinesandbubbled;andmyhead-ropebro e,andIcouldn'tfindmydriver,andIcouldn'tfindyou,Billy,soIranoffwith-withthesegentlemen.''''H'm!''saidBilly.''AssoonasIheardthecamelswerelooseIcameawayonmyownaccount.Whenabattery-ascrew-gunmulecallsgun-bulloc sgentlemen,hemustbeverybadlysha enup.Whoareyoufellowsonthegroundthere?''Thegunbulloc srolledtheircuds,andansweredbothtogether:''Theseventh



yo eofthefirstgunoftheBigGunBattery.Wewereasleepwhenthecamelscame,butwhenweweretrampledonwegotupandwal edaway.Itisbettertoliequietinthemudthantobedisturbedongoodbedding.Wetoldyourfriendherethattherewasnothingtobeafraidof,buthe newsomuchthathethoughtotherwise.Wah!''Theywentonchewing.''Thatcomesofbeingafraid,''saidBilly.''Yougetlaughedatbygun-bulloc s.Ihopeyouli eit,youngun.''Theyoungmule'steethsnapped,andIheardhimsaysomethingaboutnotbeingafraidofanybeefyoldbulloc intheworld.Butthebulloc sonlyclic edtheirhornstogetherandwentonchewing.''Now,don'tbeangryafteryou'vebeenafraid.That'stheworst indofcowardice,''saidthetroop-horse.''Anybodycanbeforgivenforbeingscaredinthenight,Ithin ,iftheyseethingstheydon'tunderstand.We'vebro enoutofourpic ets,againandagain,fourhundredandfiftyofus,justbecauseanewrecruitgottotellingtalesofwhipsna esathomeinAustraliatillwewerescaredtodeathofthelooseendsofourhead-ropes.''''That'sallverywellincamp,''saidBilly.''I'mnotabovestampedingmyself,forthefunofthething,whenIhaven'tbeenoutforadayortwo.Butwhatdoyoudoonactiveservice?''''Oh,that'squiteanothersetofnewshoes,''saidthetroophorse.''Dic Cunliffe'sonmybac then,anddriveshis neesintome,andallIhavetodoistowatchwhereIamputtingmyfeet,andto eepmyhindlegswellunderme,andbebridle-wise.''

''What'sbridle-wise?''saidtheyoungmule.''BytheBlueGumsoftheBac Bloc s,''snortedthetroop-horse,''doyoumeantosaythatyouaren'ttaughttobebridle-wiseinyourbusiness?Howcanyoudoanything,unlessyoucanspinroundatoncewhenthereinispressedonyournec ?Itmeanslifeordeathtoyourman,andofcoursethat'slifeanddeathtoyou.Getroundwithyourhindlegsunderyoutheinstantyoufeelthereinonyournec .Ifyouhaven'troomtoswinground,rearupalittleandcomeroundonyourhindlegs.That'sbeingbridle-wise.''''Wearen'ttaughtthatway,''saidBillythemulestiffly.''We'retaughttoobeythemanatourhead:stepoffwhenhesaysso,andstepinwhenhesaysso.Isupposeitcomestothesamething.Now,withallthisfinefancybusinessandrearing,whichmustbeverybadforyourhoc s,whatdoyoudo?''''Thatdepends,''saidthetroop-horse.''GenerallyIhavetogoinamongal

otofyelling,hairymenwith nives-longshiny nives,worsethanthefarrier's nives-andIhavetota ecarethatDic 'sbootisjusttouchingthenextman'sbootwithoutcrushingit.IcanseeDic 'slancetotherightofmyrighteye,andI nowI'msafe.Ishouldn'tcaretobethemanorhorsethatstooduptoDic andmewhenwe'reinahurry.''''Don'tthe niveshurt?''saidtheyoungmule.''Well,Igotonecutacrossthechestonce,butthatwasn'tDic 'sfault-''''AlotIshouldhavecaredwhosefaultitwas,ifithurt!''saidtheyoungmule.''Youmust,''saidthetroophorse.''Ifyoudon'ttrustyourman,youmayaswellrunawayatonce.That'swhatsomeofourhorsesdo,andIdon'tblamethem.AsIwassaying,itwasn'tDic 'sfault.Themanwaslyingontheground,andIstretchedmyselfnottotreadonhim,andheslashedupatme.NexttimeIha

vetogooveramanlyingdownIshallsteponhim-hard.''''H'm!''saidBilly.''Itsoundsveryfoolish.Knivesaredirtythingsatanytime.Theproperthingtodoistoclimbupamountainwithawell-balancedsaddle,hangonbyallfourfeetandyourearstoo,andcreepandcrawlandwrigglealong,tillyoucomeouthundredsoffeetaboveanyoneelseonaledgewherethere'sjustroomenoughforyourhoofs.Thenyoustandstilland eepquiet-neveras amantoholdyourhead,youngun- eepquietwhilethegunsarebeingputtogether,andthenyouwatchthelittlepoppyshellsdropdownintothetree-topseversofarbelow.''''Don'tyouevertrip?''saidthetroop-horse.



''Theysaythatwhenamuletripsyoucansplitahen'sear,''saidBilly.''Nowandagainperhapsabadlypac edsaddlewillupsetamule,butit'sveryseldom.IwishIcouldshowyouourbusiness.It'sbeautiful.Why,ittoo methreeyearstofindoutwhatthemenweredrivingat.Thescienceofthethingisnevertoshowupagainstthes yline,because,ifyoudo,youmaygetfiredat.Rememberthat,youngun.Always eephiddenasmuchaspossible,evenifyouhavetogoamileoutofyourway.Ileadthebatterywhenitcomestothatsortofclimbing.''''Firedatwithoutthechanceofrunningintothepeoplewhoarefiring!''saidthetroop-horse,thin inghard.''Icouldn'tstandthat.Ishouldwanttocharge-withDic .''''Oh,no,youwouldn't.You nowthatassoonasthegunsareinpositionthey'lldoallthecharging.That'sscientificandneat.But nives-pah!''Thebaggage-camelhadbeenbobbinghisheadtoandfroforsometimepast,anxioustogetawordinedgewise.ThenIheardhimsay,asheclearedhisthroat,nervously:''I-I-Ihavefoughtalittle,butnotinthatclimbingwayorthatrunningway.''''No.Nowyoumentionit,''saidBilly,''youdon'tloo asthoughyouweremadeforclimbingorrunning-much.Well,howwasit,oldHay-bales?''''Theproperway,''saidthecamel.''Weallsatdown-''''Oh,mycrupperandbreastplate!''saidthetroop-horseunderhisbreath.''Satdown!''''Wesatdown-ahundredofus,''thecamelwenton,''inabigsquare,andth

emenpiledourpac sandsaddles,outsidethesquare,andtheyfiredoverourbac s,themendid,onallsidesofthesquare.''''Whatsortofmen?Anymenthatcamealong?''saidthetroop-horse.''Theyteachusinridingschooltoliedownandletourmastersfireacrossus,butDicCunliffeistheonlymanI'dtrusttodothat.Ittic lesmygirths,and,besides,Ican'tseewithmyheadontheground.''''Whatdoesitmatterwhofiresacrossyou?''saidthecamel.''Thereareplentyofmenandplentyofothercamelscloseby,andagreatmanycloudsofsmo e.Iamnotfrightenedthen.Isitstillandwait.''''Andyet,''saidBilly,''youdreambaddreamsandupsetthecampatnight.Well,well!BeforeI'dliedown,nottospea ofsittingdown,andletamanfireacrossme,myheelsandhisheadwouldhavesomethingtosaytoeachother.Didyoueverhearanythingsoawfulasthat?''

Therewasalongsilence,andthenoneofthegunbulloc slifteduphisbigheadandsaid,''Thisisveryfoolishindeed.Thereisonlyonewayoffighting.''''Oh,goon,''saidBilly.''Pleasedon'tmindme.Isupposeyoufellowsfightstandingonyourtails?''''Onlyoneway,''saidthetwotogether.(Theymusthavebeentwins.)''Thisisthatway.Toputalltwentyyo eofustothebiggunassoonasTwoTailstrumpets.''(''TwoTails''iscampslangfortheelephant.)''WhatdoesTwoTailstrumpetfor?''saidtheyoungmule.''Toshowthatheisnotgoinganynearertothesmo eontheotherside.TwoTailsisagreatcoward.Thenwetugthebiggunalltogether-Heya-Hullah!Heeyah!Hullah!Wedonotclimbli ecatsnorrunli ecalves.Wegoacrossthelevelplain,twentyyo eofus,tillweareunyo edagain,andwegrazewhilethebi

ggunstal acrosstheplaintosometownwithmudwalls,andpiecesofthewallfallout,andthedustgoesupasthoughmanycattlewerecominghome.''''Oh!Andyouchoosethattimeforgrazing?''saidtheyoungmule.''Thattimeoranyother.Eatingisalwaysgood.Weeattillweareyo edupagainandtugthegunbac towhereTwoTailsiswaitingforit.Sometimestherearebiggunsinthecitythatspea bac ,andsomeofusare illed,andthenthereisallthemoregrazingforthosethatareleft.ThisisFate.Nonetheless,TwoTailsisagreatcoward.Thatistheproperwaytofight.WearebrothersfromHapur.OurfatherwasasacredbullofShiva.Wehavespo en.''''Well,I'vecertainlylearnedsomethingtonight,''saidthetroop-horse.''D



oyougentlemenofthescrew-gunbatteryfeelinclinedtoeatwhenyouarebeingfiredatwithbigguns,andTwoTailsisbehindyou?''''Aboutasmuchaswefeelinclinedtositdownandletmensprawlalloverus,orrunintopeoplewith nives.Ineverheardsuchstuff.Amountainledge,awell-balancedload,adriveryoucantrusttoletyoupic yourownway,andI'myourmule.But-theotherthings-no!''saidBilly,withastampofhisfoot.''Ofcourse,''saidthetroophorse,''everyoneisnotmadeinthesameway,andIcanquiteseethatyourfamily,onyourfather'sside,wouldfailtounderstandagreatmanythings.''''Neveryoumindmyfamilyonmyfather'sside,''saidBillyangrily,foreverymulehatestoberemindedthathisfatherwasadon ey.''MyfatherwasaSoutherngentleman,andhecouldpulldownandbiteand ic intoragseveryhorsehecameacross.Rememberthat,youbigbrownBrumby!''Brumbymeanswildhorsewithoutanybreeding.ImaginethefeelingsofSunolifacar-horsecalledhera''s ate,''andyoucanimaginehowtheAustralianhorsefelt.Isawthewhiteofhiseyeglitterinthedar .''Seehere,yousonofanimportedMalagajac ass,''hesaidbetweenhisteeth,''I'dhaveyou nowthatI'mrelatedonmymother'ssidetoCarbine,winneroftheMelbourneCup,andwhereIcomefromwearen'taccustomedtobeingriddenoverroughshodbyanyparrot-mouthed,pig-headedmuleinapop-gunpea-shooterbattery.Areyouready?''''Onyourhindlegs!''squealedBilly.Theybothrearedupfacingeachother,andIwasexpectingafuriousfight,whenagurgly,rumblyvoice,calledoutofthedar nesstotheright-''Children,whatareyoufightingaboutthere?Bequ

iet.''Bothbeastsdroppeddownwithasnortofdisgust,forneitherhorsenormulecanbeartolistentoanelephant'svoice.''It'sTwoTails!''saidthetroop-horse.''Ican'tstandhim.Atailateachendisn'tfair!''''Myfeelingsexactly,''saidBilly,crowdingintothetroop-horseforcompany.''We'reveryali einsomethings.''''Isupposewe'veinheritedthemfromourmothers,''saidthetroophorse.''It'snotworthquarrelingabout.Hi!TwoTails,areyoutiedup?''''Yes,''saidTwoTails,withalaughalluphistrun .''I'mpic etedforthenight.I'veheardwhatyoufellowshavebeensaying.Butdon'tbeafraid.I'mnotcomingover.''Thebulloc sandthecamelsaid,halfaloud,''AfraidofTwoTails-whatnonse

nse!''Andthebulloc swenton,''Wearesorrythatyouheard,butitistrue.TwoTails,whyareyouafraidofthegunswhentheyfire?''''Well,''saidTwoTails,rubbingonehindlegagainsttheother,exactlyliealittleboysayingapoem,''Idon'tquite nowwhetheryou'dunderstand.''''Wedon't,butwehavetopulltheguns,''saidthebulloc s.''I nowit,andI nowyouareagooddealbraverthanyouthin youare.Butit'sdifferentwithme.MybatterycaptaincalledmeaPachydermatousAnachronismtheotherday.''''That'sanotherwayoffighting,Isuppose?''saidBilly,whowasrecoveringhisspirits.''Youdon't nowwhatthatmeans,ofcourse,butIdo.Itmeansbetwixtandbetween,andthatisjustwhereIam.Icanseeinsidemyheadwhatwillhappenwhenashellbursts,andyoubulloc scan't.''

''Ican,''saidthetroop-horse.''Atleastalittlebit.Itrynottothin aboutit.''''Icanseemorethanyou,andIdothin aboutit.I nowthere'sagreatdealofmetota ecareof,andI nowthatnobody nowshowtocuremewhenI'msic .Alltheycandoistostopmydriver'spaytillIgetwell,andIcan'ttrustmydriver.''''Ah!''saidthetroophorse.''Thatexplainsit.IcantrustDic .''''YoucouldputawholeregimentofDic sonmybac withoutma ingmefeelanybetter.I nowjustenoughtobeuncomfortable,andnotenoughtogooninspiteofit.''



''Wedonotunderstand,''saidthebulloc s.''I nowyoudon't.I'mnottal ingtoyou.Youdon't nowwhatbloodis.''''Wedo,''saidthebulloc s.''Itisredstuffthatsoa sintothegroundandsmells.''Thetroop-horsegavea ic andaboundandasnort.''Don'ttal ofit,''hesaid.''Icansmellitnow,justthin ingofit.Itma esmewanttorun-whenIhaven'tDic onmybac .''''Butitisnothere,''saidthecamelandthebulloc s.''Whyareyousostupid?''''It'svilestuff,''saidBilly.''Idon'twanttorun,butIdon'twanttotal aboutit.''''Thereyouare!''saidTwoTails,wavinghistailtoexplain.''Surely.Yes,wehavebeenhereallnight,''saidthebulloc s.TwoTailsstampedhisfoottilltheironringonitjingled.''Oh,I'mnottal ingtoyou.Youcan'tseeinsideyourheads.''''No.Weseeoutofourfoureyes,''saidthebulloc s.''Weseestraightinfrontofus.''''IfIcoulddothatandnothingelse,youwouldn'tbeneededtopullthebiggunsatall.IfIwasli emycaptain-hecanseethingsinsidehisheadbeforethefiringbegins,andhesha esallover,buthe nowstoomuchtorunaway-ifIwasli ehimIcouldpulltheguns.ButifIwereaswiseasallthatIshouldneverbehere.Ishouldbea ingintheforest,asIusedtobe,sleepinghalfthedayandbathingwhenIli ed.Ihaven'thadagoodbathforamonth.''''That'sallveryfine,''saidBilly.''Butgivingathingalongnamedoesn'

tma eitanybetter.''''H'sh!''saidthetroophorse.''Ithin IunderstandwhatTwoTailsmeans.''''You'llunderstandbetterinaminute,''saidTwoTailsangrily.''Nowyoujustexplaintomewhyyoudon'tli ethis!''Hebegantrumpetingfuriouslyatthetopofhistrumpet.''Stopthat!''saidBillyandthetroophorsetogether,andIcouldhearthemstampandshiver.Anelephant'strumpetingisalwaysnasty,especiallyonadarnight.''Ishan'tstop,''saidTwoTails.''Won'tyouexplainthat,please?Hhrrmph!Rrrt!Rrrmph!Rrrhha!''Thenhestoppedsuddenly,andIheardalittlewhimperinthedar ,and newthatVixenhadfoundmeatlast.She newaswellasIdidthatifthereisonethingintheworldtheelephantismoreafraidofthanano

theritisalittlebar ingdog.SoshestoppedtobullyTwoTailsinhispic ets,andyappedroundhisbigfeet.TwoTailsshuffledandsquea ed.''Goaway,littledog!''hesaid.''Don'tsnuffatmyan les,orI'll ic atyou.Goodlittledog-nicelittledoggie,then!Gohome,youyelpinglittlebeast!Oh,whydoesn'tsomeoneta eheraway?She'llbitemeinaminute.''''Seemstome,''saidBillytothetroophorse,''thatourfriendTwoTailsisafraidofmostthings.Now,ifIhadafullmealforeverydogI've ic edacrosstheparade-groundIshouldbeasfatasTwoTailsnearly.''Iwhistled,andVixenranuptome,muddyallover,andlic edmynose,andtoldmealongtaleabouthuntingformeallthroughthecamp.Ineverlether nowthatIunderstoodbeasttal ,orshewouldhaveta enallsortsofliberties.SoIbuttonedherintothebreastofmyovercoat,andTwoTailsshuffledandstampedandgrowledtohimself.

''Extraordinary!Mostextraordinary!''hesaid.''Itrunsinourfamily.Now,wherehasthatnastylittlebeastgoneto?''Iheardhimfeelingaboutwithhistrun .''Weallseemtobeaffectedinvariousways,''hewenton,blowinghisnose.''Now,yougentlemenwerealarmed,Ibelieve,whenItrumpeted.''''Notalarmed,exactly,''saidthetroop-horse,''butitmademefeelasthoughIhadhornetswheremysaddleoughttobe.Don'tbeginagain.''''I'mfrightenedofalittledog,andthecamelhereisfrightenedbybaddreamsinthenight.''''Itisveryluc yforusthatwehaven'tallgottofightinthesameway,''



saidthetroop-horse.''WhatIwantto now,''saidtheyoungmule,whohadbeenquietforalongtime-''whatIwantto nowis,whywehavetofightatall.''''Becausewe'retoldto,''saidthetroop-horse,withasnortofcontempt.''Orders,''saidBillythemule,andhisteethsnapped.''Hu mhai!''(Itisanorder!),saidthecamelwithagurgle,andTwoTailsandthebulloc srepeated,''Hu mhai!''''Yes,butwhogivestheorders?''saidtherecruit-mule.''Themanwhowal satyourhead-Orsitsonyourbac -Orholdsthenoserope-Ortwistsyourtail,''saidBillyandthetroop-horseandthecamelandthebulloc soneaftertheother.''Butwhogivesthemtheorders?''''Nowyouwantto nowtoomuch,youngun,''saidBilly,''andthatisonewayofgetting ic ed.Allyouhavetodoistoobeythemanatyourheadandas noquestions.''''He'squiteright,''saidTwoTails.''Ican'talwaysobey,becauseI'mbetwixtandbetween.ButBilly'sright.Obeythemannexttoyouwhogivestheorder,oryou'llstopallthebattery,besidesgettingathrashing.''Thegun-bulloc sgotuptogo.''Morningiscoming,''theysaid.''Wewillgobac toourlines.Itistruethatweonlyseeoutofoureyes,andwearenotveryclever.Butstill,wearetheonlypeopleto-nightwhohavenotbeenafraid.Good-night,youbravepeople.''Nobodyanswered,andthetroop-horsesaid,tochangetheconversation,''Where'sthatlittledog?Adogmeansamansomewhereabout.''

''HereIam,''yappedVixen,''undertheguntailwithmyman.Youbig,blunderingbeastofacamelyou,youupsetourtent.Myman'sveryangry.''''Phew!''saidthebulloc s.''Hemustbewhite!''''Ofcourseheis,''saidVixen.''DoyousupposeI'mloo edafterbyablacbulloc -driver?''''Huah!Ouach!Ugh!''saidthebulloc s.''Letusgetawayquic ly.''Theyplungedforwardinthemud,andmanagedsomehowtoruntheiryo eonthepoleofanammunitionwagon,whereitjammed.''Nowyouhavedoneit,''saidBillycalmly.''Don'tstruggle.You'rehunguptilldaylight.Whatonearth'sthematter?''Thebulloc swentoffintothelonghissingsnortsthatIndiancattlegive,andpushedandcrowdedandsluedandstampedandslippedandnearlyfelldowninthemud,gruntingsavagely.

''You'llbrea yournec sinaminute,''saidthetroop-horse.''What'sthematterwithwhitemen?Ilivewith'em.''''They-eat-us!Pull!''saidthenearbulloc .Theyo esnappedwithatwang,andtheylumberedofftogether.Inever newbeforewhatmadeIndiancattlesoscaredofEnglishmen.Weeatbeef-athingthatnocattle-drivertouches-andofcoursethecattledonotli eit.''MayIbefloggedwithmyownpad-chains!Who'dhavethoughtoftwobiglumpsli ethoselosingtheirheads?''saidBilly.''Nevermind.I'mgoingtoloo atthisman.Mostofthewhitemen,I now,havethingsintheirpoc ets,''saidthetroop-horse.''I'llleaveyou,then.Ican'tsayI'mover-fondof'emmyself.Besides,whitemenwhohaven'taplacetosleepinaremorethanli elytobethieves,andI

'veagooddealofGovernmentpropertyonmybac .Comealong,youngun,andwe'llgobac toourlines.Good-night,Australia!Seeyouonparadeto-morrow,Isuppose.Good-night,oldHay-bale!-trytocontrolyourfeelings,won'tyou?Good-night,TwoTails!Ifyoupassusonthegroundtomorrow,don'ttrumpet.Itspoilsourformation.''BillytheMulestumpedoffwiththeswaggeringlimpofanoldcampaigner,asthetroop-horse'sheadcamenuzzlingintomybreast,andIgavehimbiscuits,whileVixen,whoisamostconceitedlittledog,toldhimfibsaboutthescoresofhorsesthatsheandI ept.''I'mcomingtotheparadeto-morrowinmydog-cart,''shesaid.''Wherewill



yoube?''''Onthelefthandofthesecondsquadron.Isetthetimeforallmytroop,littlelady,''hesaidpolitely.''NowImustgobac toDic .Mytail'sallmuddy,andhe'llhavetwohours'hardwor dressingmeforparade.''Thebigparadeofallthethirtythousandmenwasheldthatafternoon,andVixenandIhadagoodplaceclosetotheViceroyandtheAmirofAfghanistan,withhigh,bigblac hatofastra hanwoolandthegreatdiamondstarinthecenter.Thefirstpartofthereviewwasallsunshine,andtheregimentswentbyinwaveuponwaveoflegsallmovingtogether,andgunsallinaline,tilloureyesgrewdizzy.Thenthecavalrycameup,tothebeautifulcavalrycanterof''BonnieDundee,''andVixencoc edherearwhereshesatonthedog-cart.ThesecondsquadronoftheLancersshotby,andtherewasthetroop-horse,withhistailliespunsil ,hisheadpulledintohisbreast,oneearforwardandonebac ,settingthetimeforallhissquadron,hislegsgoingassmoothlyaswaltzmusic.Thenthebiggunscameby,andIsawTwoTailsandtwootherelephantsharnessedinlinetoaforty-poundersiegegun,whiletwentyyo eofoxenwal edbehind.Theseventhpairhadanewyo e,andtheyloo edratherstiffandtired.Lastcamethescrewguns,andBillythemulecarriedhimselfasthoughhecommandedallthetroops,andhisharnesswasoiledandpolishedtillitwin ed.IgaveacheerallbymyselfforBillythemule,butheneverloo edrightorleft.Therainbegantofallagain,andforawhileitwastoomistytoseewhatthetroopsweredoing.Theyhadmadeabighalfcircleacrosstheplain,andwerespreadingoutintoaline.Thatlinegrewandgrewandgrewtillitwasthree-quartersofamilelongfromwingtowing-onesolidwallofmen,horses,andguns.

ThenitcameonstraighttowardtheViceroyandtheAmir,andasitgotnearerthegroundbegantosha e,li ethedec ofasteamerwhentheenginesaregoingfast.Unlessyouhavebeenthereyoucannotimaginewhatafrighteningeffectthissteadycome-downoftroopshasonthespectators,evenwhenthey nowitisonlyareview.Iloo edattheAmir.Uptillthenhehadnotshowntheshadowofasignofastonishmentoranythingelse.Butnowhiseyesbegantogetbiggerandbigger,andhepic edupthereinsonhishorse'snec andloo edbehindhim.ForaminuteitseemedasthoughheweregoingtodrawhisswordandslashhiswayoutthroughtheEnglishmenandwomeninthecarriagesatthebac .Thentheadvancestoppeddead,thegroundstoodstill,thewholelinesaluted,andthirtybandsbegantoplayalltogether.Thatwastheendofthereview,andtheregimentswentofftotheircampsintherain,andaninfantrybandstruc upwith-

Theanimalswentintwobytwo,Hurrah!Theanimalswentintwobytwo,Theelephantandthebatterymul',andtheyallgotintotheArFortogetoutoftherain!ThenIheardanoldgrizzled,long-hairedCentralAsianchief,whohadcomedownwiththeAmir,as ingquestionsofanativeofficer.''Now,''saidhe,''inwhatmannerwasthiswonderfulthingdone?''Andtheofficeranswered,''Anorderwasgiven,andtheyobeyed.''''Butarethebeastsaswiseasthemen?''saidthechief.''Theyobey,asthemendo.Mule,horse,elephant,orbulloc ,heobeyshisdriver,andthedriverhissergeant,andthesergeanthislieutenant,andthelie

utenanthiscaptain,andthecaptainhismajor,andthemajorhiscolonel,andthecolonelhisbrigadiercommandingthreeregiments,andthebrigadierthegeneral,whoobeystheViceroy,whoistheservantoftheEmpress.Thusitisdone.''''WoulditweresoinAfghanistan!''saidthechief,''forthereweobeyonlyourownwills.''''Andforthatreason,''saidthenativeofficer,twirlinghismustache,''yourAmirwhomyoudonotobeymustcomehereandta eordersfromourViceroy.''ParadeSongoftheCampAnimals

ELEPHANTSOFTHEGUNTEAMS



WelenttoAlexanderthestrengthofHercules,Thewisdomofourforeheads,thecunningofour nees;Webowedournec stoservice:theyne'erwereloosedagain,-Ma ewaythere-wayfortheten-footteamsOftheForty-Poundertrain!

GUNBULLOCKS

Thoseheroesintheirharnessesavoidacannon-ball,Andwhatthey nowofpowderupsetsthemoneandall;Thenwecomeintoactionandtugthegunsagain-Ma ewaythere-wayforthetwentyyo eOftheForty-Poundertrain!

CAVALRYHORSES

Bythebrandonmyshoulder,thefinestoftunesIsplayedbytheLancers,Hussars,andDragoons,Andit'ssweeterthan''Stables''or''Water''tome-TheCavalryCanterof''BonnieDundee''!Thenfeedusandbrea usandhandleandgroom,Andgiveusgoodridersandplentyofroom,Andlaunchusincolumnofsquadronandsee

Thewayofthewar-horseto''BonnieDundee''!

SCREW-GUNMULES

Asmeandmycompanionswerescramblingupahill,Thepathwaslostinrollingstones,butwewentforwardstill;Forwecanwriggleandclimb,mylads,andturnupeverywhere,Oh,it'sourdelightonamountainheight,withalegortwotospare!Goodluc toeverysergeant,then,thatletsuspic ourroad;Badluc toallthedriver-menthatcannotpac aload:Forwecanwriggleandclimb,mylads,andturnupeverywhere,Oh,it'sourdelightonamountainheight,withalegortwotospare!

COMMISSARIATCAMELS

Wehaven'tacameltytuneofourownTohelpustrollopalong,Buteverynec isahairtrombone(Rtt-ta-ta-ta!isahairtrombone!)Andthisourmarching-song:Can't!Don't!Shan't!Won't!Passitalongtheline!Somebody'spac hasslidfromhisbac ,Wishitwereonlymine!Somebody'sloadhastippedoffintheroad-Cheerforahaltandarow!

Urrr!Yarrh!Grr!Arrh!Somebody'scatchingitnow!

ALLTHEBEASTSTOGETHER

ChildrenoftheCamparewe,Servingeachinhisdegree;Childrenoftheyo eandgoad,Pac andharness,padandload.Seeourlineacrosstheplain,



Li eaheel-ropebentagain,Reaching,writhing,rollingfar,Sweepingallawaytowar!Whilethementhatwal beside,Dusty,silent,heavy-eyed,CannottellwhyweortheyMarchandsufferdaybyday.ChildrenoftheCamparewe,Servingeachinhisdegree;Childrenoftheyo eandgoad,Pac andharness,padandload!

rudyard kipling#the jungle book

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