Meantime，BalooandBagheerawerefuriouswithrageandgrief。
　　Bagheeraclimbedashehadneverclimbedbefore，butthethinbranchesbrokebeneathhisweight，andheslippeddown，hisclawsfullofbark。
　　"Whydidstthounotwarntheman—cub？"heroaredtopoorBaloo，whohadsetoffataclumsytrotinthehopeofovertakingthemonkeys。"Whatwastheuseofhalfslayinghimwithblowsifthoudidstnotwarnhim？"
　　"Haste！Ohaste！We——wemaycatchthemyet！"Baloopanted。
　　"Atthatspeed！Itwouldnottireawoundedcow。TeacheroftheLaw——cub—beater——amileofthatrollingtoandfrowouldbursttheeopen。Sitstillandthink！Makeaplan。Thisisnotimeforchasing。Theymaydrophimifwefollowtooclose。"
　　"Arrula！Whoo！Theymayhavedroppedhimalready，beingtiredofcarryinghim。WhocantrusttheBandar—log？Putdeadbatsonmyhead！Givemeblackbonestoeat！RollmeintothehivesofthewildbeesthatImaybestungtodeath，andburymewiththeHyaena，forIammostmiserableofbears！Arulala！
　　Wahooa！OMowgli，Mowgli！WhydidInotwarntheeagainsttheMonkey—Folkinsteadofbreakingthyhead？NowperhapsImayhaveknockedtheday’slessonoutofhismind，andhewillbealoneinthejunglewithouttheMasterWords。"
　　Balooclaspedhispawsoverhisearsandrolledtoandfromoaning。
　　"AtleasthegavemealltheWordscorrectlyalittletimeago，"saidBagheeraimpatiently。"Baloo，thouhastneithermemorynorrespect。WhatwouldthejunglethinkifI，theBlackPanther，curledmyselfuplikeIkkithePorcupine，andhowled？"
　　"WhatdoIcarewhatthejunglethinks？Hemaybedeadbynow。"
　　"Unlessanduntiltheydrophimfromthebranchesinsport，orkillhimoutofidleness，Ihavenofearfortheman—cub。Heiswiseandwelltaught，andaboveallhehastheeyesthatmaketheJungle—Peopleafraid。But（anditisagreatevil）heisinthepoweroftheBandar—log，andthey，becausetheyliveintrees，havenofearofanyofourpeople。"Bagheeralickedoneforepawthoughtfully。
　　"FoolthatIam！Oh，fat，brown，root—diggingfoolthatI
　　am，"saidBaloo，uncoilinghimselfwithajerk，"itistruewhatHathitheWildElephantsays：`Toeachhisownfear’;andthey，theBandar—log，fearKaatheRockSnake。Hecanclimbaswellastheycan。Hestealstheyoungmonkeysinthenight。Thewhisperofhisnamemakestheirwickedtailscold。LetusgotoKaa。"
　　"Whatwillhedoforus？Heisnotofourtribe，beingfootless——andwithmostevileyes，"saidBagheera。
　　"Heisveryoldandverycunning。Aboveall，heisalwayshungry，"saidBaloohopefully。"Promisehimmanygoats。"
　　"Hesleepsforafullmonthafterhehasonceeaten。Hemaybeasleepnow，andevenwereheawakewhatifhewouldratherkillhisowngoats？"Bagheera，whodidnotknowmuchaboutKaa，wasnaturallysuspicious。
　　"Theninthatcase，thouandItogether，oldhunter，mightmakehimseereason。"HereBaloorubbedhisfadedbrownshoulderagainstthePanther，andtheywentofftolookforKaatheRockPython。
　　Theyfoundhimstretchedoutonawarmledgeintheafternoonsun，admiringhisbeautifulnewcoat，forhehadbeeninretirementforthelasttendayschanginghisskin，andnowhewasverysplendid——dartinghisbigblunt—nosedheadalongtheground，andtwistingthethirtyfeetofhisbodyintofantasticknotsandcurves，andlickinghislipsashethoughtofhisdinnertocome。
　　"Hehasnoteaten，"saidBaloo，withagruntofrelief，assoonashesawthebeautifullymottledbrownandyellowjacket。
　　"Becareful，Bagheera！Heisalwaysalittleblindafterhehaschangedhisskin，andveryquicktostrike。"
　　Kaawasnotapoisonsnake——infactheratherdespisedthepoisonsnakesascowards——buthisstrengthlayinhishug，andwhenhehadoncelappedhishugecoilsroundanybodytherewasnomoretobesaid。"Goodhunting！"criedBaloo，sittinguponhishaunches。LikeallsnakesofhisbreedKaawasratherdeaf，anddidnothearthecallatfirst。Thenhecurledupreadyforanyaccident，hisheadlowered。
　　"Goodhuntingforusall，"heanswered。"Oho，Baloo，whatdostthoudohere？Goodhunting，Bagheera。Oneofusatleastneedsfood。Isthereanynewsofgameafoot？Adoenow，orevenayoungbuck？Iamasemptyasadriedwell。"
　　"Wearehunting，"saidBaloocarelessly。HeknewthatyoumustnothurryKaa。Heistoobig。
　　"Givemepermissiontocomewithyou，"saidKaa。"Ablowmoreorlessisnothingtothee，BagheeraorBaloo，butI——Ihavetowaitandwaitfordaysinawood—pathandclimbhalfanightonthemerechanceofayoungape。Psshaw！ThebranchesarenotwhattheywerewhenIwasyoung。Rottentwigsanddryboughsaretheyall。"
　　"Maybethygreatweighthassomethingtodowiththematter，"
　　saidBaloo。
　　"Iamafairlength——afairlength，"saidKaawithalittlepride。"Butforallthat，itisthefaultofthisnew—growntimber。Icameveryneartofallingonmylasthunt——verynearindeed——andthenoiseofmyslipping，formytailwasnottightwrappedaroundthetree，wakedtheBandar—log，andtheycalledmemostevilnames。"
　　"Footless，yellowearth—worm，"saidBagheeraunderhiswhiskers，asthoughheweretryingtoremembersomething。
　　"Sssss！Havetheyevercalledmethat？"saidKaa。
　　"Somethingofthatkinditwasthattheyshoutedtouslastmoon，butwenevernoticedthem。Theywillsayanything——eventhatthouhastlostallthyteeth，andwiltnotfaceanythingbiggerthanakid，because（theyareindeedshameless，theseBandar—log）——becausethouartafraidofthehe—goat’shorns，"
　　Bagheerawentonsweetly。
　　Nowasnake，especiallyawaryoldpythonlikeKaa，veryseldomshowsthatheisangry，butBalooandBagheeracouldseethebigswallowingmusclesoneithersideofKaa’sthroatrippleandbulge。
　　"TheBandar—loghaveshiftedtheirgrounds，"hesaidquietly。
　　"WhenIcameupintothesuntodayIheardthemwhoopingamongthetree—tops。"
　　"It——itistheBandar—logthatwefollownow，"saidBaloo，butthewordsstuckinhisthroat，forthatwasthefirsttimeinhismemorythatoneoftheJungle—Peoplehadownedtobeinginterestedinthedoingsofthemonkeys。
　　"Beyonddoubtthenitisnosmallthingthattakestwosuchhunters——leadersintheirownjungleIamcertain——onthetrailoftheBandar—log，"Kaarepliedcourteously，asheswelledwithcuriosity。
　　"Indeed，"Baloobegan，"IamnomorethantheoldandsometimesveryfoolishTeacheroftheLawtotheSeeoneewolf—cubs，andBagheerahere——"
　　"IsBagheera，"saidtheBlackPanther，andhisjawsshutwithasnap，forhedidnotbelieveinbeinghumble。"Thetroubleisthis，Kaa。Thosenut—stealersandpickersofpalmleaveshavestolenawayourman—cubofwhomthouhastperhapsheard。"
　　"IheardsomenewsfromIkki（hisquillsmakehimpresumptuous）ofaman—thingthatwasenteredintoawolfpack，butIdidnotbelieve。Ikkiisfullofstorieshalfheardandverybadlytold。"
　　"Butitistrue。Heissuchaman—cubasneverwas，"saidBaloo。"Thebestandwisestandboldestofman—cubs——myownpupil，whoshallmakethenameofBaloofamousthroughallthejungles;andbesides，I——we——lovehim，Kaa。"
　　"Ts！Ts！"saidKaa，weavinghisheadtoandfro。"Ialsohaveknownwhatloveis。TherearetalesIcouldtellthat——"
　　"Thatneedaclearnightwhenweareallwellfedtopraiseproperly，"saidBagheeraquickly。"Ourman—cubisinthehandsoftheBandar—lognow，andweknowthatofalltheJungle—PeopletheyfearKaaalone。"
　　"Theyfearmealone。Theyhavegoodreason，"saidKaa。
　　"Chattering，foolish，vain——vain，foolish，andchattering，arethemonkeys。Butaman—thingintheirhandsisinnogoodluck。
　　Theygrowtiredofthenutstheypick，andthrowthemdown。Theycarryabranchhalfaday，meaningtodogreatthingswithit，andthentheysnapitintwo。Thatman—thingisnottobeenvied。
　　Theycalledmealso——`yellowfish’wasitnot？"
　　"Worm——worm——earth—worm，"saidBagheera，"aswellasotherthingswhichIcannotnowsayforshame。"
　　"Wemustremindthemtospeakwelloftheirmaster。Aaa—ssp！
　　Wemusthelptheirwanderingmemories。Now，whitherwenttheywiththecub？"
　　"Thejunglealoneknows。Towardthesunset，Ibelieve，"saidBaloo。"Wehadthoughtthatthouwouldstknow，Kaa。"
　　"I？How？Itakethemwhentheycomeinmyway，butIdonothunttheBandar—log，orfrogs——orgreenscumonawater—hole，forthatmatter。"
　　"Up，Up！Up，Up！Hillo！Illo！Illo，lookup，BaloooftheSeeoneeWolfPack！"
　　Baloolookeduptoseewherethevoicecamefrom，andtherewasRanntheKite，sweepingdownwiththesunshiningontheupturnedflangesofhiswings。ItwasnearRann’sbedtime，buthehadrangedalloverthejunglelookingfortheBearandhadmissedhiminthethickfoliage。
　　"Whatisit？"saidBaloo。
　　"IhaveseenMowgliamongtheBandar—log。Hebademetellyou。Iwatched。TheBandar—loghavetakenhimbeyondtherivertothemonkeycity——totheColdLairs。Theymaystaythereforanight，ortennights，oranhour。Ihavetoldthebatstowatchthroughthedarktime。Thatismymessage。Goodhunting，allyoubelow！"
　　"Fullgorgeandadeepsleeptoyou，Rann，"criedBagheera。
　　"Iwillremembertheeinmynextkill，andputasidetheheadfortheealone，Obestofkites！"
　　"Itisnothing。Itisnothing。TheboyheldtheMasterWord。
　　Icouldhavedonenoless，"andRanncircledupagaintohisroost。
　　"Hehasnotforgottentousehistongue，"saidBaloowithachuckleofpride。"TothinkofonesoyoungrememberingtheMasterWordforthebirdstoowhilehewasbeingpulledacrosstrees！"
　　"Itwasmostfirmlydrivenintohim，"saidBagheera。"ButI
　　amproudofhim，andnowwemustgototheColdLairs。"
　　Theyallknewwherethatplacewas，butfewoftheJunglePeopleeverwentthere，becausewhattheycalledtheColdLairswasanolddesertedcity，lostandburiedinthejungle，andbeastsseldomuseaplacethatmenhaveonceused。Thewildboarwill，butthehuntingtribesdonot。Besides，themonkeyslivedthereasmuchastheycouldbesaidtoliveanywhere，andnoself—respectinganimalwouldcomewithineyeshotofitexceptintimesofdrought，whenthehalf—ruinedtanksandreservoirsheldalittlewater。
　　"Itishalfanight’sjourney——atfullspeed，"saidBagheera，andBaloolookedveryserious。"IwillgoasfastasI
　　can，"hesaidanxiously。
　　"Wedarenotwaitforthee。Follow，Baloo。Wemustgoonthequick—foot——KaaandI。"
　　"Feetornofeet，Icankeepabreastofallthyfour，"saidKaashortly。Baloomadeoneefforttohurry，buthadtositdownpanting，andsotheylefthimtocomeonlater，whileBagheerahurriedforward，atthequickpanther—canter。Kaasaidnothing，but，striveasBagheeramight，thehugeRock—pythonheldlevelwithhim。Whentheycametoahillstream，Bagheeragained，becauseheboundedacrosswhileKaaswam，hisheadandtwofeetofhisneckclearingthewater，butonlevelgroundKaamadeupthedistance。
　　"BytheBrokenLockthatfreedme，"saidBagheera，whentwilighthadfallen，"thouartnoslowgoer！"
　　"Iamhungry，"saidKaa。"Besides，theycalledmespeckledfrog。"
　　"Worm——earth—worm，andyellowtoboot。"
　　"Allone。Letusgoon，"andKaaseemedtopourhimselfalongtheground，findingtheshortestroadwithhissteadyeyes，andkeepingtoit。
　　IntheColdLairstheMonkey—PeoplewerenotthinkingofMowgli’sfriendsatall。TheyhadbroughttheboytotheLostCity，andwereverymuchpleasedwiththemselvesforthetime。
　　MowglihadneverseenanIndiancitybefore，andthoughthiswasalmostaheapofruinsitseemedverywonderfulandsplendid。
　　Somekinghadbuiltitlongagoonalittlehill。Youcouldstilltracethestonecausewaysthatleduptotheruinedgateswherethelastsplintersofwoodhungtotheworn，rustedhinges。Treeshadgrownintoandoutofthewalls;thebattlementsweretumbleddownanddecayed，andwildcreepershungoutofthewindowsofthetowersonthewallsinbushyhangingclumps。
　　Agreatrooflesspalacecrownedthehill，andthemarbleofthecourtyardsandthefountainswassplit，andstainedwithredandgreen，andtheverycobblestonesinthecourtyardwheretheking’selephantsusedtolivehadbeenthrustupandapartbygrassesandyoungtrees。Fromthepalaceyoucouldseetherowsandrowsofrooflesshousesthatmadeupthecitylookinglikeemptyhoneycombsfilledwithblackness;theshapelessblockofstonethathadbeenanidolinthesquarewherefourroadsmet;
　　thepitsanddimplesatstreetcornerswherethepublicwellsoncestood，andtheshattereddomesoftempleswithwildfigssproutingontheirsides。Themonkeyscalledtheplacetheircity，andpretendedtodespisetheJungle—Peoplebecausetheylivedintheforest。Andyettheyneverknewwhatthebuildingsweremadefornorhowtousethem。Theywouldsitincirclesonthehalloftheking’scouncilchamber，andscratchforfleasandpretendtobemen;ortheywouldruninandoutoftherooflesshousesandcollectpiecesofplasterandoldbricksinacorner，andforgetwheretheyhadhiddenthem，andfightandcryinscufflingcrowds，andthenbreakofftoplayupanddowntheterracesoftheking’sgarden，wheretheywouldshaketherosetreesandtheorangesinsporttoseethefruitandflowersfall。Theyexploredallthepassagesanddarktunnelsinthepalaceandthehundredsoflittledarkrooms，buttheyneverrememberedwhattheyhadseenandwhattheyhadnot;andsodriftedaboutinonesandtwosorcrowdstellingeachotherthattheyweredoingasmendid。Theydrankatthetanksandmadethewaterallmuddy，andthentheyfoughtoverit，andthentheywouldallrushtogetherinmobsandshout：
　　"ThereisnooneinthejunglesowiseandgoodandcleverandstrongandgentleastheBandar—log。"Thenallwouldbeginagaintilltheygrewtiredofthecityandwentbacktothetree—tops，hopingtheJungle—Peoplewouldnoticethem。
　　Mowgli，whohadbeentrainedundertheLawoftheJungle，didnotlikeorunderstandthiskindoflife。ThemonkeysdraggedhimintotheColdLairslateintheafternoon，andinsteadofgoingtosleep，asMowgliwouldhavedoneafteralongjourney，theyjoinedhandsanddancedaboutandsangtheirfoolishsongs。OneofthemonkeysmadeaspeechandtoldhiscompanionsthatMowgli’scapturemarkedanewthinginthehistoryoftheBandar—log，forMowgliwasgoingtoshowthemhowtoweavesticksandcanestogetherasaprotectionagainstrainandcold。Mowglipickedupsomecreepersandbegantoworktheminandout，andthemonkeystriedtoimitate;butinaveryfewminutestheylostinterestandbegantopulltheirfriends’tailsorjumpupanddownonallfours，coughing。
　　"Iwishtoeat，"saidMowgli。"Iamastrangerinthispartofthejungle。Bringmefood，orgivemeleavetohunthere。"
　　Twentyorthirtymonkeysboundedawaytobringhimnutsandwildpawpaws。Buttheyfelltofightingontheroad，anditwastoomuchtroubletogobackwithwhatwasleftofthefruit。
　　Mowgliwassoreandangryaswellashungry，andheroamedthroughtheemptycitygivingtheStrangers’HuntingCallfromtimetotime，butnooneansweredhim，andMowglifeltthathehadreachedaverybadplaceindeed。"AllthatBaloohassaidabouttheBandar—logistrue，"hethoughttohimself。"TheyhavenoLaw，noHuntingCall，andnoleaders——nothingbutfoolishwordsandlittlepickingthievishhands。SoifIamstarvedorkilledhere，itwillbeallmyownfault。ButImusttrytoreturntomyownjungle。Baloowillsurelybeatme，butthatisbetterthanchasingsillyroseleaveswiththeBandar—log。"
　　Nosoonerhadhewalkedtothecitywallthanthemonkeyspulledhimback，tellinghimthathedidnotknowhowhappyhewas，andpinchinghimtomakehimgrateful。Hesethisteethandsaidnothing，butwentwiththeshoutingmonkeystoaterraceabovetheredsandstonereservoirsthatwerehalf—fullofrainwater。Therewasaruinedsummer—houseofwhitemarbleinthecenteroftheterrace，builtforqueensdeadahundredyearsago。
　　Thedomedroofhadhalffalleninandblockeduptheundergroundpassagefromthepalacebywhichthequeensusedtoenter。Butthewallsweremadeofscreensofmarbletracery——beautifulmilk—whitefretwork，setwithagatesandcorneliansandjasperandlapislazuli，andasthemooncameupbehindthehillitshonethroughtheopenwork，castingshadowsonthegroundlikeblackvelvetembroidery。Sore，sleepy，andhungryashewas，MowglicouldnothelplaughingwhentheBandar—logbegan，twentyatatime，totellhimhowgreatandwiseandstrongandgentletheywere，andhowfoolishhewastowishtoleavethem。"Wearegreat。Wearefree。Wearewonderful。Wearethemostwonderfulpeopleinallthejungle！Weallsayso，andsoitmustbetrue，"
　　theyshouted。"NowasyouareanewlistenerandcancarryourwordsbacktotheJungle—Peoplesothattheymaynoticeusinfuture，wewilltellyouallaboutourmostexcellentselves。"
　　Mowglimadenoobjection，andthemonkeysgatheredbyhundredsandhundredsontheterracetolistentotheirownspeakerssingingthepraisesoftheBandar—log，andwheneveraspeakerstoppedforwantofbreaththeywouldallshouttogether："Thisistrue;weallsayso。"Mowglinoddedandblinked，andsaid"Yes"whentheyaskedhimaquestion，andhisheadspunwiththenoise。"TabaquitheJackalmusthavebittenallthesepeople，"hesaidtohimself，"andnowtheyhavemadness。Certainlythisisdewanee，themadness。Dotheynevergotosleep？Nowthereisacloudcomingtocoverthatmoon。IfitwereonlyabigenoughcloudImighttrytorunawayinthedarkness。ButIamtired。"
　　Thatsamecloudwasbeingwatchedbytwogoodfriendsintheruinedditchbelowthecitywall，forBagheeraandKaa，knowingwellhowdangeroustheMonkey—Peoplewereinlargenumbers，didnotwishtorunanyrisks。Themonkeysneverfightunlesstheyareahundredtoone，andfewinthejunglecareforthoseodds。
　　"Iwillgotothewestwall，"Kaawhispered，"andcomedownswiftlywiththeslopeofthegroundinmyfavor。Theywillnotthrowthemselvesuponmybackintheirhundreds，but——"
　　"Iknowit，"saidBagheera。"WouldthatBaloowerehere，butwemustdowhatwecan。WhenthatcloudcoversthemoonIshallgototheterrace。Theyholdsomesortofcouncilthereovertheboy。"
　　"Goodhunting，"saidKaagrimly，andglidedawaytothewestwall。Thathappenedtobetheleastruinedofany，andthebigsnakewasdelayedawhilebeforehecouldfindawayupthestones。
　　Thecloudhidthemoon，andasMowgliwonderedwhatwouldcomenextheheardBagheera’slightfeetontheterrace。TheBlackPantherhadraceduptheslopealmostwithoutasoundandwasstriking——heknewbetterthantowastetimeinbiting——rightandleftamongthemonkeys，whowereseatedroundMowgliincirclesfiftyandsixtydeep。Therewasahowloffrightandrage，andthenasBagheeratrippedontherollingkickingbodiesbeneathhim，amonkeyshouted："Thereisonlyonehere！Killhim！
　　Kill。"Ascufflingmassofmonkeys，biting，scratching，tearing，andpulling，closedoverBagheera，whilefiveorsixlaidholdofMowgli，draggedhimupthewallofthesummerhouseandpushedhimthroughtheholeofthebrokendome。Aman—trainedboywouldhavebeenbadlybruised，forthefallwasagoodfifteenfeet，butMowglifellasBaloohadtaughthimtofall，andlandedonhisfeet。
　　"Staythere，"shoutedthemonkeys，"tillwehavekilledthyfriends，andlaterwewillplaywiththee——ifthePoison—Peopleleavetheealive。"
　　"Webeofoneblood，yeandI，"saidMowgli，quicklygivingtheSnake’sCall。HecouldhearrustlingandhissingintherubbishallroundhimandgavetheCallasecondtime，tomakesure。
　　"Evenssso！Downhoodsall！"saidhalfadozenlowvoices（everyruininIndiabecomessoonerorlateradwellingplaceofsnakes，andtheoldsummerhousewasalivewithcobras）。"Standstill，LittleBrother，forthyfeetmaydousharm。"
　　Mowglistoodasquietlyashecould，peeringthroughtheopenworkandlisteningtothefuriousdinofthefightroundtheBlackPanther——theyellsandchatteringsandscufflings，andBagheera’sdeep，hoarsecoughashebackedandbuckedandtwistedandplungedundertheheapsofhisenemies。Forthefirsttimesincehewasborn，Bagheerawasfightingforhislife。
　　"Baloomustbeathand;Bagheerawouldnothavecomealone，"
　　Mowglithought。Andthenhecalledaloud："Tothetank，Bagheera。
　　Rolltothewatertanks。Rollandplunge！Gettothewater！"
　　Bagheeraheard，andthecrythattoldhimMowgliwassafegavehimnewcourage。Heworkedhiswaydesperately，inchbyinch，straightforthereservoirs，haltinginsilence。Thenfromtheruinedwallnearestthejungleroseuptherumblingwar—shoutofBaloo。TheoldBearhaddonehisbest，buthecouldnotcomebefore。"Bagheera，"heshouted，"Iamhere。Iclimb！Ihaste！
　　Ahuwora！Thestonesslipundermyfeet！Waitmycoming，OmostinfamousBandar—log！"Hepanteduptheterraceonlytodisappeartotheheadinawaveofmonkeys，buthethrewhimselfsquarelyonhishaunches，and，spreadingouthisforepaws，huggedasmanyashecouldhold，andthenbegantohitwitharegularbat—bat—bat，liketheflippingstrokesofapaddlewheel。AcrashandasplashtoldMowglithatBagheerahadfoughthiswaytothetankwherethemonkeyscouldnotfollow。ThePantherlaygaspingforbreath，hisheadjustoutofthewater，whilethemonkeysstoodthreedeepontheredsteps，dancingupanddownwithrage，readytospringuponhimfromallsidesifhecameouttohelpBaloo。ItwasthenthatBagheeralifteduphisdrippingchin，andindespairgavetheSnake’sCallforprotection——"Webeofoneblood，yeandI"——
　　forhebelievedthatKaahadturnedtailatthelastminute。EvenBaloo，halfsmotheredunderthemonkeysontheedgeoftheterrace，couldnothelpchucklingasheheardtheBlackPantheraskingforhelp。
　　Kaahadonlyjustworkedhiswayoverthewestwall，landingwithawrenchthatdislodgedacopingstoneintotheditch。Hehadnointentionoflosinganyadvantageoftheground，andcoiledanduncoiledhimselfonceortwice，tobesurethateveryfootofhislongbodywasinworkingorder。AllthatwhilethefightwithBaloowenton，andthemonkeysyelledinthetankroundBagheera，andMangtheBat，flyingtoandfro，carriedthenewsofthegreatbattleoverthejungle，tillevenHathitheWildElephanttrumpeted，and，faraway，scatteredbandsoftheMonkey—Folkwokeandcameleapingalongthetree—roadstohelptheircomradesintheColdLairs，andthenoiseofthefightrousedallthedaybirdsformilesround。ThenKaacamestraight，quickly，andanxioustokill。Thefightingstrengthofapythonisinthedrivingblowofhisheadbackedbyallthestrengthandweightofhisbody。Ifyoucanimaginealance，orabatteringram，orahammerweighingnearlyhalfatondrivenbyacool，quietmindlivinginthehandleofit，youcanroughlyimaginewhatKaawaslikewhenhefought。Apythonfourorfivefeetlongcanknockamandownifhehitshimfairlyinthechest，andKaawasthirtyfeetlong，asyouknow。HisfirststrokewasdeliveredintotheheartofthecrowdroundBaloo。Itwassenthomewithshutmouthinsilence，andtherewasnoneedofasecond。Themonkeysscatteredwithcriesof——"Kaa！ItisKaa！Run！Run！"
　　GenerationsofmonkeyshadbeenscaredintogoodbehaviorbythestoriestheirelderstoldthemofKaa，thenightthief，whocouldslipalongthebranchesasquietlyasmossgrows，andstealawaythestrongestmonkeythateverlived;ofoldKaa，whocouldmakehimselflooksolikeadeadbranchorarottenstumpthatthewisestweredeceived，tillthebranchcaughtthem。Kaawaseverythingthatthemonkeysfearedinthejungle，fornoneofthemknewthelimitsofhispower，noneofthemcouldlookhimintheface，andnonehadevercomealiveoutofhishug。Andsotheyran，stammeringwithterror，tothewallsandtheroofsofthehouses，andBaloodrewadeepbreathofrelief。HisfurwasmuchthickerthanBagheera’s，buthehadsufferedsorelyinthefight。
　　ThenKaaopenedhismouthforthefirsttimeandspokeonelonghissingword，andthefar—awaymonkeys，hurryingtothedefenseoftheColdLairs，stayedwheretheywere，cowering，tilltheloadedbranchesbentandcrackledunderthem。Themonkeysonthewallsandtheemptyhousesstoppedtheircries，andinthestillnessthatfelluponthecityMowgliheardBagheerashakinghiswetsidesashecameupfromthetank。Thentheclamorbrokeoutagain。Themonkeysleapedhigherupthewalls。Theyclungaroundthenecksofthebigstoneidolsandshriekedastheyskippedalongthebattlements，whileMowgli，dancinginthesummerhouse，puthiseyetothescreenworkandhootedowl—fashionbetweenhisfrontteeth，toshowhisderisionandcontempt。
　　"Gettheman—cuboutofthattrap;Icandonomore，"Bagheeragasped。"Letustaketheman—cubandgo。Theymayattackagain。"
　　"TheywillnotmovetillIorderthem。Stayyousssso！"Kaahissed，andthecitywassilentoncemore。"Icouldnotcomebefore，Brother，butIthinkIheardtheecall"——thiswastoBagheera。
　　"I——Imayhavecriedoutinthebattle，"Bagheeraanswered。
　　"Baloo，artthouhurt？
　　"Iamnotsurethattheydidnotpullmeintoahundredlittlebearlings，"saidBaloo，gravelyshakingonelegaftertheother。
　　"Wow！Iamsore。Kaa，weowethee，Ithink，ourlives——BagheeraandI。"
　　"Nomatter。Whereisthemanling？"
　　"Here，inatrap。Icannotclimbout，"criedMowgli。Thecurveofthebrokendomewasabovehishead。
　　"Takehimaway。HedanceslikeMaothePeacock。Hewillcrushouryoung，"saidthecobrasinside。
　　"Hah！"saidKaawithachuckle，"hehasfriendseverywhere，thismanling。Standback，manling。Andhideyou，OPoisonPeople。Ibreakdownthewall。"
　　Kaalookedcarefullytillhefoundadiscoloredcrackinthemarbletraceryshowingaweakspot，madetwoorthreelighttapswithhisheadtogetthedistance，andthenliftingupsixfeetofhisbodyclearoftheground，senthomehalfadozenfull—powersmashingblows，nose—first。Thescreen—workbrokeandfellawayinacloudofdustandrubbish，andMowglileapedthroughtheopeningandflunghimselfbetweenBalooandBagheera——anarmaroundeachbigneck。
　　"Artthouhurt？"saidBaloo，hugginghimsoftly。
　　"Iamsore，hungry，andnotalittlebruised。But，oh，theyhavehandledyegrievously，myBrothers！Yebleed。"
　　"Othersalso，"saidBagheera，lickinghislipsandlookingatthemonkey—deadontheterraceandroundthetank。
　　"Itisnothing，itisnothing，ifthouartsafe，oh，myprideofalllittlefrogs！"whimperedBaloo。
　　"Ofthatweshalljudgelater，"saidBagheera，inadryvoicethatMowglididnotatalllike。"ButhereisKaatowhomweowethebattleandthouowestthylife。Thankhimaccordingtoourcustoms，Mowgli。"
　　MowgliturnedandsawthegreatPython’sheadswayingafootabovehisown。
　　"Sothisisthemanling，"saidKaa。"Verysoftishisskin，andheisnotunliketheBandar—log。Haveacare，manling，thatI
　　donotmistaketheeforamonkeysometwilightwhenIhavenewlychangedmycoat。"
　　"Webeoneblood，thouandI，"Mowglianswered。"Itakemylifefromtheetonight。Mykillshallbethykillifeverthouarthungry，OKaa。"
　　"Allthanks，LittleBrother，"saidKaa，thoughhiseyestwinkled。"Andwhatmaysoboldahunterkill？IaskthatImayfollowwhennexthegoesabroad。"
　　"Ikillnothing，——Iamtoolittle，——butIdrivegoatstowardsuchascanusethem。WhenthouartemptycometomeandseeifIspeakthetruth。Ihavesomeskillinthese[heheldouthishands]，andifeverthouartinatrap，ImaypaythedebtwhichIowetothee，toBagheera，andtoBaloo，here。Goodhuntingtoyeall，mymasters。"
　　"Wellsaid，"growledBaloo，forMowglihadreturnedthanksveryprettily。ThePythondroppedhisheadlightlyforaminuteonMowgli’sshoulder。"Abraveheartandacourteoustongue，"
　　saidhe。"Theyshallcarrytheefarthroughthejungle，manling。
　　Butnowgohencequicklywiththyfriends。Goandsleep，forthemoonsets，andwhatfollowsitisnotwellthatthoushouldstsee。"
　　Themoonwassinkingbehindthehillsandthelinesoftremblingmonkeyshuddledtogetheronthewallsandbattlementslookedlikeraggedshakyfringesofthings。BaloowentdowntothetankforadrinkandBagheerabegantoputhisfurinorder，asKaaglidedoutintothecenteroftheterraceandbroughthisjawstogetherwitharingingsnapthatdrewallthemonkeys’eyesuponhim。
　　"Themoonsets，"hesaid。"Isthereyetlightenoughtosee？"
　　Fromthewallscameamoanlikethewindinthetree—tops——
　　"Wesee，OKaa。"
　　"Good。Beginsnowthedance——theDanceoftheHungerofKaa。Sitstillandwatch。"
　　Heturnedtwiceorthriceinabigcircle，weavinghisheadfromrighttoleft。Thenhebeganmakingloopsandfiguresofeightwithhisbody，andsoft，oozytrianglesthatmeltedintosquaresandfive—sidedfigures，andcoiledmounds，neverresting，neverhurrying，andneverstoppinghislowhummingsong。Itgrewdarkeranddarker，tillatlastthedragging，shiftingcoilsdisappeared，buttheycouldheartherustleofthescales。
　　BalooandBagheerastoodstillasstone，growlingintheirthroats，theirneckhairbristling，andMowgliwatchedandwondered。
　　"Bandar—log，"saidthevoiceofKaaatlast，"canyestirfootorhandwithoutmyorder？Speak！"
　　"Withoutthyorderwecannotstirfootorhand，OKaa！"
　　"Good！Comeallonepacenearertome。"
　　Thelinesofthemonkeysswayedforwardhelplessly，andBalooandBagheeratookonestiffstepforwardwiththem。
　　"Nearer！"hissedKaa，andtheyallmovedagain。
　　MowglilaidhishandsonBalooandBagheeratogetthemaway，andthetwogreatbeastsstartedasthoughtheyhadbeenwakedfromadream。
　　"Keepthyhandonmyshoulder，"Bagheerawhispered。"Keepitthere，orImustgoback——mustgobacktoKaa。Aah！"
　　"ItisonlyoldKaamakingcirclesonthedust，"saidMowgli。
　　"Letusgo。"Andthethreeslippedoffthroughagapinthewallstothejungle。
　　"Whoof！"saidBaloo，whenhestoodunderthestilltreesagain。"NevermorewillImakeanallyofKaa，"andheshookhimselfallover。
　　"Heknowsmorethanwe，"saidBagheera，trembling。"Inalittletime，hadIstayed，Ishouldhavewalkeddownhisthroat。"
　　"Manywillwalkbythatroadbeforethemoonrisesagain，"
　　saidBaloo。"Hewillhavegoodhunting——afterhisownfashion。"
　　"Butwhatwasthemeaningofitall？"saidMowgli，whodidnotknowanythingofapython’spowersoffascination。"Isawnomorethanabigsnakemakingfoolishcirclestillthedarkcame。Andhisnosewasallsore。Ho！Ho！"
　　"Mowgli，"saidBagheeraangrily，"hisnosewassoreonthyaccount，asmyearsandsidesandpaws，andBaloo’sneckandshouldersarebittenonthyaccount。NeitherBaloonorBagheerawillbeabletohuntwithpleasureformanydays。"
　　"Itisnothing，"saidBaloo;"wehavetheman—cubagain。"
　　"True，buthehascostusheavilyintimewhichmighthavebeenspentingoodhunting，inwounds，inhair——Iamhalfpluckedalongmyback——andlastofall，inhonor。For，remember，Mowgli，I，whoamtheBlackPanther，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（theywouldhardlyhavewakedoneofhisowncubs），butforaseven—year—oldboytheyamountedtoassevereabeatingasyoucouldwishtoavoid。WhenitwasalloverMowglisneezed，andpickedhimselfupwithoutaword。
　　"Now，"saidBagheera，"jumponmyback，LittleBrother，andwewillgohome。"
　　OneofthebeautiesofJungleLawisthatpunishmentsettlesallscores。Thereisnonaggingafterward。
　　MowglilaidhisheaddownonBagheera’sbackandsleptsodeeplythatheneverwakedwhenhewasputdowninthehome—cave。
　　Road—SongoftheBandar—LogHerewegoinaflungfestoon，Half—wayuptothejealousmoon！
　　Don’tyouenvyourprancefulbands？
　　Don’tyouwishyouhadextrahands？
　　Wouldn’tyoulikeifyourtailswere——so——
　　CurvedintheshapeofaCupid’sbow？
　　Nowyou’reangry，but——nevermind，Brother，thytailhangsdownbehind！
　　Herewesitinabranchyrow，Thinkingofbeautifulthingsweknow;
　　Dreamingofdeedsthatwemeantodo，Allcomplete，inaminuteortwo——
　　Somethingnobleandwiseandgood，Donebymerelywishingwecould。
　　We’veforgotten，but——nevermind，Brother，thytailhangsdownbehind！
　　AllthetalkweeverhaveheardUtteredbybatorbeastorbird——
　　Hideorfinorscaleorfeather——
　　Jabberitquicklyandalltogether！
　　Excellent！Wonderful！Onceagain！
　　Nowwearetalkingjustlikemen！
　　Let’spretendweare……nevermind，Brother，thytailhangsdownbehind！
　　ThisisthewayoftheMonkey—kind。
　　Thenjoinourleapinglinesthatscumfishthroughthepines，Thatrocketbywhere，lightandhigh，thewildgrapeswings。
　　Bytherubbishinourwake，andthenoblenoisewemake，Besure，besure，we’regoingtodosomesplendidthings！
　　"Tiger！Tiger！"
　　Whatofthehunting，hunterbold？
　　Brother，thewatchwaslongandcold。
　　Whatofthequarryyewenttokill？
　　Brother，hecropsinthejunglestill。
　　Whereisthepowerthatmadeyourpride？
　　Brother，itebbsfrommyflankandside。
　　Whereisthehastethatyehurryby？
　　Brother，Igotomylair——todie。
　　Nowwemustgobacktothefirsttale。WhenMowglileftthewolf’scaveafterthefightwiththePackattheCouncilRock，hewentdowntotheplowedlandswherethevillagerslived，buthewouldnotstoptherebecauseitwastooneartothejungle，andheknewthathehadmadeatleastonebadenemyattheCouncil。Sohehurriedon，keepingtotheroughroadthatrandownthevalley，andfolloweditatasteadyjog—trotfornearlytwentymiles，tillhecametoacountrythathedidnotknow。Thevalleyopenedoutintoagreatplaindottedoverwithrocksandcutupbyravines。
　　Atoneendstoodalittlevillage，andattheotherthethickjunglecamedowninasweeptothegrazing—grounds，andstoppedthereasthoughithadbeencutoffwithahoe。Allovertheplain，cattleandbuffaloesweregrazing，andwhenthelittleboysinchargeoftheherdssawMowglitheyshoutedandranaway，andtheyellowpariahdogsthathangabouteveryIndianvillagebarked。Mowgliwalkedon，forhewasfeelinghungry，andwhenhecametothevillagegatehesawthebigthorn—bushthatwasdrawnupbeforethegateattwilight，pushedtooneside。
　　"Umph！"hesaid，forhehadcomeacrossmorethanonesuchbarricadeinhisnightramblesafterthingstoeat。"SomenareafraidofthePeopleoftheJungleherealso。"Hesatdownbythegate，andwhenamancameouthestoodup，openedhismouth，andpointeddownittoshowthathewantedfood。Themanstared，andranbackuptheonestreetofthevillageshoutingforthepriest，whowasabig，fatmandressedinwhite，witharedandyellowmarkonhisforehead。Thepriestcametothegate，andwithhimatleastahundredpeople，whostaredandtalkedandshoutedandpointedatMowgli。
　　"Theyhavenomanners，theseMenFolk，"saidMowglitohimself。"Onlythegrayapewouldbehaveastheydo。"Sohethrewbackhislonghairandfrownedatthecrowd。
　　"Whatistheretobeafraidof？"saidthepriest。"Lookatthemarksonhisarmsandlegs。Theyarethebitesofwolves。Heisbutawolf—childrunawayfromthejungle。"
　　Ofcourse，inplayingtogether，thecubshadoftennippedMowgliharderthantheyintended，andtherewerewhitescarsalloverhisarmsandlegs。Buthewouldhavebeenthelastpersonintheworldtocallthesebites，forheknewwhatrealbitingmeant。
　　"Arre！Arre！"saidtwoorthreewomentogether。"Tobebittenbywolves，poorchild！Heisahandsomeboy。Hehaseyeslikeredfire。Bymyhonor，Messua，heisnotunlikethyboythatwastakenbythetiger。"
　　"Letmelook，"saidawomanwithheavycopperringsonherwristsandankles，andshepeeredatMowgliunderthepalmofherhand。"Indeedheisnot。Heisthinner，buthehastheverylookofmyboy。"
　　Thepriestwasacleverman，andheknewthatMessuawaswifetotherichestvillagerintheplace。Sohelookedupattheskyforaminuteandsaidsolemnly："Whatthejunglehastakenthejunglehasrestored。Taketheboyintothyhouse，mysister，andforgetnottohonorthepriestwhoseessofarintothelivesofmen。"
　　"BytheBullthatboughtme，"saidMowglitohimself，"butallthistalkingislikeanotherlooking—overbythePack！Well，ifI
　　amaman，amanImustbecome。"
　　ThecrowdpartedasthewomanbeckonedMowglitoherhut，wheretherewasaredlacqueredbedstead，agreatearthengrainchestwithfunnyraisedpatternsonit，halfadozencoppercookingpots，animageofaHindugodinalittlealcove，andonthewallareallookingglass，suchastheysellatthecountryfairs。
　　Shegavehimalongdrinkofmilkandsomebread，andthenshelaidherhandonhisheadandlookedintohiseyes;forshethoughtperhapsthathemightbeherrealsoncomebackfromthejunglewherethetigerhadtakenhim。Soshesaid，"Nathoo，O
　　Nathoo！"Mowglididnotshowthatheknewthename。"DostthounotrememberthedaywhenIgavetheethynewshoes？"Shetouchedhisfoot，anditwasalmostashardashorn。"No，"shesaidsorrowfully，"thosefeethaveneverwornshoes，butthouartverylikemyNathoo，andthoushaltbemyson。"
　　Mowgliwasuneasy，becausehehadneverbeenunderaroofbefore。Butashelookedatthethatch，hesawthathecouldtearitoutanytimeifhewantedtogetaway，andthatthewindowhadnofastenings。"Whatisthegoodofaman，"hesaidtohimselfatlast，"ifhedoesnotunderstandman’stalk？NowIamassillyanddumbasamanwouldbewithusinthejungle。Imustspeaktheirtalk。"
　　Itwasnotforfunthathehadlearnedwhilehewaswiththewolvestoimitatethechallengeofbucksinthejungleandthegruntofthelittlewildpig。So，assoonasMessuapronouncedawordMowgliwouldimitateitalmostperfectly，andbeforedarkhehadlearnedthenamesofmanythingsinthehut。
　　Therewasadifficultyatbedtime，becauseMowgliwouldnotsleepunderanythingthatlookedsolikeapanthertrapasthathut，andwhentheyshutthedoorhewentthroughthewindow。
　　"Givehimhiswill，"saidMessua’shusband。"Rememberhecannevertillnowhavesleptonabed。Ifheisindeedsentintheplaceofoursonhewillnotrunaway。"
　　SoMowglistretchedhimselfinsomelong，cleangrassattheedgeofthefield，butbeforehehadclosedhiseyesasoftgraynosepokedhimunderthechin。
　　"Phew！"saidGrayBrother（hewastheeldestofMotherWolf’scubs）。"Thisisapoorrewardforfollowingtheetwentymiles。
　　Thousmellestofwoodsmokeandcattle——altogetherlikeamanalready。Wake，LittleBrother;Ibringnews。"
　　"Areallwellinthejungle？"saidMowgli，hugginghim。
　　"AllexceptthewolvesthatwereburnedwiththeRedFlower。
　　Now，listen。ShereKhanhasgoneawaytohuntfarofftillhiscoatgrowsagain，forheisbadlysinged。WhenhereturnsheswearsthathewilllaythybonesintheWaingunga。"
　　"Therearetwowordstothat。Ialsohavemadealittlepromise。Butnewsisalwaysgood。Iamtiredto—night，——verytiredwithnewthings，GrayBrother，——butbringmethenewsalways。"
　　"Thouwiltnotforgetthatthouartawolf？Menwillnotmaketheeforget？"saidGrayBrotheranxiously。
　　"Never。IwillalwaysrememberthatIlovetheeandallinourcave。ButalsoIwillalwaysrememberthatIhavebeencastoutofthePack。"
　　"Andthatthoumayestbecastoutofanotherpack。Menareonlymen，LittleBrother，andtheirtalkislikethetalkoffrogsinapond。WhenIcomedownhereagain，Iwillwaitfortheeinthebamboosattheedgeofthegrazing—ground。"
　　ForthreemonthsafterthatnightMowglihardlyeverleftthevillagegate，hewassobusylearningthewaysandcustomsofmen。
　　Firsthehadtowearaclothroundhim，whichannoyedhimhorribly;andthenhehadtolearnaboutmoney，whichhedidnotintheleastunderstand，andaboutplowing，ofwhichhedidnotseetheuse。Thenthelittlechildreninthevillagemadehimveryangry。Luckily，theLawoftheJunglehadtaughthimtokeephistemper，forinthejunglelifeandfooddependonkeepingyourtemper;butwhentheymadefunofhimbecausehewouldnotplaygamesorflykites，orbecausehemispronouncedsomeword，onlytheknowledgethatitwasunsportsmanliketokilllittlenakedcubskepthimfrompickingthemupandbreakingthemintwo。
　　Hedidnotknowhisownstrengthintheleast。Inthejungleheknewhewasweakcomparedwiththebeasts，butinthevillagepeoplesaidthathewasasstrongasabull。
　　AndMowglihadnotthefaintestideaofthedifferencethatcastemakesbetweenmanandman。Whenthepotter’sdonkeyslippedintheclaypit，Mowglihauleditoutbythetail，andhelpedtostackthepotsfortheirjourneytothemarketatKhanhiwara。
　　Thatwasveryshocking，too，forthepotterisalow—casteman，andhisdonkeyisworse。Whenthepriestscoldedhim，Mowglithreatenedtoputhimonthedonkeytoo，andthepriesttoldMessua’shusbandthatMowglihadbetterbesettoworkassoonaspossible;andthevillagehead—mantoldMowglithathewouldhavetogooutwiththebuffaloesnextday，andherdthemwhiletheygrazed。NoonewasmorepleasedthanMowgli;andthatnight，becausehehadbeenappointedaservantofthevillage，asitwere，hewentofftoacirclethatmeteveryeveningonamasonryplatformunderagreatfig—tree。Itwasthevillageclub，andthehead—manandthewatchmanandthebarber，whoknewallthegossipofthevillage，andoldBuldeo，thevillagehunter，whohadaTowermusket，metandsmoked。Themonkeyssatandtalkedintheupperbranches，andtherewasaholeundertheplatformwhereacobralived，andhehadhislittleplatterofmilkeverynightbecausehewassacred;andtheoldmensataroundthetreeandtalked，andpulledatthebighuqas（thewater—pipes）tillfarintothenight。Theytoldwonderfultalesofgodsandmenandghosts;andBuldeotoldevenmorewonderfulonesofthewaysofbeastsinthejungle，tilltheeyesofthechildrensittingoutsidethecirclebulgedoutoftheirheads。Mostofthetaleswereaboutanimals，forthejunglewasalwaysattheirdoor。Thedeerandthewildpiggrubbeduptheircrops，andnowandagainthetigercarriedoffamanattwilight，withinsightofthevillagegates。
　　Mowgli，whonaturallyknewsomethingaboutwhattheyweretalkingof，hadtocoverhisfacenottoshowthathewaslaughing，whileBuldeo，theTowermusketacrosshisknees，climbedonfromonewonderfulstorytoanother，andMowgli’sshouldersshook。
　　BuldeowasexplaininghowthetigerthathadcarriedawayMessua’ssonwasaghost—tiger，andhisbodywasinhabitedbytheghostofawicked，oldmoney—lender，whohaddiedsomeyearsago。
　　"AndIknowthatthisistrue，"hesaid，"becausePurunDassalwayslimpedfromtheblowthathegotinariotwhenhisaccountbookswereburned，andthetigerthatIspeakofhelimps，too，forthetracksofhispadsareunequal。"
　　"True，true，thatmustbethetruth，"saidthegray—beards，noddingtogether。
　　"Areallthesetalessuchcobwebsandmoontalk？"saidMowgli。
　　"Thattigerlimpsbecausehewasbornlame，aseveryoneknows。Totalkofthesoulofamoney—lenderinabeastthatneverhadthecourageofajackalischild’stalk。"
　　Buldeowasspeechlesswithsurpriseforamoment，andthehead—manstared。
　　"Oho！Itisthejunglebrat，isit？"saidBuldeo。"Ifthouartsowise，betterbringhishidetoKhanhiwara，fortheGovernmenthassetahundredrupeesonhislife。Betterstill，talknotwhenthyeldersspeak。"
　　Mowglirosetogo。"AlltheeveningIhavelainherelistening，"hecalledbackoverhisshoulder，"and，exceptonceortwice，Buldeohasnotsaidonewordoftruthconcerningthejungle，whichisathisverydoors。How，then，shallIbelievethetalesofghostsandgodsandgoblinswhichhesayshehasseen？"
　　"Itisfulltimethatboywenttoherding，"saidthehead—man，whileBuldeopuffedandsnortedatMowgli’simpertinence。
　　ThecustomofmostIndianvillagesisforafewboystotakethecattleandbuffaloesouttograzeintheearlymorning，andbringthembackatnight。Theverycattlethatwouldtrampleawhitemantodeathallowthemselvestobebangedandbulliedandshoutedatbychildrenthathardlycomeuptotheirnoses。Solongastheboyskeepwiththeherdstheyaresafe，fornoteventhetigerwillchargeamobofcattle。Butiftheystraggletopickflowersorhuntlizards，theyaresometimescarriedoff。
　　Mowgliwentthroughthevillagestreetinthedawn，sittingonthebackofRama，thegreatherdbull。Theslaty—bluebuffaloes，withtheirlong，backward—sweepinghornsandsavageeyes，roseouttheirbyres，onebyone，andfollowedhim，andMowglimadeitverycleartothechildrenwithhimthathewasthemaster。Hebeatthebuffaloeswithalong，polishedbamboo，andtoldKamya，oneoftheboys，tograzethecattlebythemselves，whilehewentonwiththebuffaloes，andtobeverycarefulnottostrayawayfromtheherd。
　　AnIndiangrazinggroundisallrocksandscrubandtussocksandlittleravines，amongwhichtheherdsscatteranddisappear。
　　Thebuffaloesgenerallykeeptothepoolsandmuddyplaces，wheretheyliewallowingorbaskinginthewarmmudforhours。MowglidrovethemontotheedgeoftheplainwheretheWaingungacameoutofthejungle;thenhedroppedfromRama’sneck，trottedofftoabambooclump，andfoundGrayBrother。"Ah，"saidGrayBrother，"Ihavewaitedhereverymanydays。Whatisthemeaningofthiscattle—herdingwork？"
　　"Itisanorder，"saidMowgli。"Iamavillageherdforawhile。WhatnewsofShereKhan？"
　　"Hehascomebacktothiscountry，andhaswaitedherealongtimeforthee。Nowhehasgoneoffagain，forthegameisscarce。
　　Buthemeanstokillthee。"
　　"Verygood，"saidMowgli。"Solongasheisawaydothouoroneofthefourbrotherssitonthatrock，sothatIcanseetheeasIcomeoutofthevillage。Whenhecomesbackwaitformeintheravinebythedhaktreeinthecenteroftheplain。WeneednotwalkintoShereKhan’smouth。"
　　ThenMowglipickedoutashadyplace，andlaydownandsleptwhilethebuffaloesgrazedroundhim。HerdinginIndiaisoneofthelaziestthingsintheworld。Thecattlemoveandcrunch，andliedown，andmoveonagain，andtheydonotevenlow。Theyonlygrunt，andthebuffaloesveryseldomsayanything，butgetdownintothemuddypoolsoneafteranother，andworktheirwayintothemudtillonlytheirnosesandstaringchina—blueeyesshowabovethesurface，andthentheylielikelogs。Thesunmakestherocksdanceintheheat，andtheherdchildrenhearonekite（neveranymore）whistlingalmostoutofsightoverhead，andtheyknowthatiftheydied，oracowdied，thatkitewouldsweepdown，andthenextkitemilesawaywouldseehimdropandfollow，andthenext，andthenext，andalmostbeforetheyweredeadtherewouldbeascoreofhungrykitescomeoutofnowhere。Thentheysleepandwakeandsleepagain，andweavelittlebasketsofdriedgrassandputgrasshoppersinthem;orcatchtwoprayingmantisesandmakethemfight;orstringanecklaceofredandblackjunglenuts;orwatchalizardbaskingonarock，orasnakehuntingafrognearthewallows。Thentheysinglong，longsongswithoddnativequaversattheendofthem，andthedayseemslongerthanmostpeople’swholelives，andperhapstheymakeamudcastlewithmudfiguresofmenandhorsesandbuffaloes，andputreedsintothemen’shands，andpretendthattheyarekingsandthefiguresaretheirarmies，orthattheyaregodstobeworshiped。Theneveningcomesandthechildrencall，andthebuffaloeslumberupoutofthestickymudwithnoiseslikegunshotsgoingoffoneaftertheother，andtheyallstringacrossthegrayplainbacktothetwinklingvillagelights。
　　DayafterdayMowgliwouldleadthebuffaloesouttotheirwallows，anddayafterdayhewouldseeGrayBrother’sbackamileandahalfawayacrosstheplain（soheknewthatShereKhanhadnotcomeback），anddayafterdayhewouldlieonthegrasslisteningtothenoisesroundhim，anddreamingofolddaysinthejungle。IfShereKhanhadmadeafalsestepwithhislamepawupinthejunglesbytheWaingunga，Mowgliwouldhaveheardhiminthoselong，stillmornings。
　　AtlastadaycamewhenhedidnotseeGrayBrotheratthesignalplace，andhelaughedandheadedthebuffaloesfortheravinebythedhktree，whichwasallcoveredwithgolden—redflowers。TheresatGrayBrother，everybristleonhisbacklifted。
　　"Hehashiddenforamonthtothrowtheeoffthyguard。HecrossedtherangeslastnightwithTabaqui，hot—footonthytrail，"saidtheWolf，panting。
　　Mowglifrowned。"IamnotafraidofShereKhan，butTabaquiisverycunning。"
　　"Havenofear，"saidGrayBrother，lickinghislipsalittle。
　　"ImetTabaquiinthedawn。Nowheistellingallhiswisdomtothekites，buthetoldmeeverythingbeforeIbrokehisback。
　　ShereKhan’splanistowaitfortheeatthevillagegatethisevening——fortheeandfornooneelse。Heislyingupnow，inthebigdryravineoftheWaingunga。"
　　"Hasheeatentoday，ordoeshehuntempty？"saidMowgli，fortheanswermeantlifeanddeathtohim。
　　"Hekilledatdawn，——apig，——andhehasdrunktoo。
　　Remember，ShereKhancouldneverfast，evenforthesakeofrevenge。"
　　"Oh！Fool，fool！Whatacub’scubitis！Eatenanddrunktoo，andhethinksthatIshallwaittillhehasslept！Now，wheredoeshelieup？Iftherewerebuttenofuswemightpullhimdownashelies。Thesebuffaloeswillnotchargeunlesstheywindhim，andIcannotspeaktheirlanguage。Canwegetbehindhistracksothattheymaysmellit？"
　　"HeswamfardowntheWaingungatocutthatoff，"saidGrayBrother。
　　"Tabaquitoldhimthat，Iknow。Hewouldneverhavethoughtofitalone。"Mowglistoodwithhisfingerinhismouth，thinking。"ThebigravineoftheWaingunga。Thatopensoutontheplainnothalfamilefromhere。Icantaketheherdroundthroughthejungletotheheadoftheravineandthensweepdown——buthewouldslinkoutatthefoot。Wemustblockthatend。
　　GrayBrother，canstthoucuttheherdintwoforme？"
　　"NotI，perhaps——butIhavebroughtawisehelper。"GrayBrothertrottedoffanddroppedintoahole。ThenthereliftedupahugegrayheadthatMowgliknewwell，andthehotairwasfilledwiththemostdesolatecryofallthejungle——thehuntinghowlofawolfatmidday。
　　"Akela！Akela！"saidMowgli，clappinghishands。"Imighthaveknownthatthouwouldstnotforgetme。Wehaveabigworkinhand。Cuttheherdintwo，Akela。Keepthecowsandcalvestogether，andthebullsandtheplowbuffaloesbythemselves。"
　　Thetwowolvesran，ladies’—chainfashion，inandoutoftheherd，whichsnortedandthrewupitshead，andseparatedintotwoclumps。Inone，thecow—buffaloesstoodwiththeircalvesinthecenter，andglaredandpawed，ready，ifawolfwouldonlystaystill，tochargedownandtramplethelifeoutofhim。Intheother，thebullsandtheyoungbullssnortedandstamped，butthoughtheylookedmoreimposingtheyweremuchlessdangerous，fortheyhadnocalvestoprotect。Nosixmencouldhavedividedtheherdsoneatly。
　　"Whatorders！"pantedAkela。"Theyaretryingtojoinagain。"
　　MowglislippedontoRama’sback。"Drivethebullsawaytotheleft，Akela。GrayBrother，whenwearegone，holdthecowstogether，anddrivethemintothefootoftheravine。"
　　"Howfar？"saidGrayBrother，pantingandsnapping。
　　"TillthesidesarehigherthanShereKhancanjump，"shoutedMowgli。"Keepthemtheretillwecomedown。"ThebullssweptoffasAkelabayed，andGrayBrotherstoppedinfrontofthecows。
　　Theychargeddownonhim，andheranjustbeforethemtothefootoftheravine，asAkeladrovethebullsfartotheleft。
　　"Welldone！Anotherchargeandtheyarefairlystarted。
　　Careful，now——careful，Akela。Asnaptoomuchandthebullswillcharge。Hujah！Thisiswilderworkthandrivingblack—buck。
　　Didstthouthinkthesecreaturescouldmovesoswiftly？"Mowglicalled。
　　"Ihave——havehuntedthesetooinmytime，"gaspedAkelainthedust。"ShallIturnthemintothejungle？"
　　"Ay！Turn。Swiftlyturnthem！Ramaismadwithrage。Oh，ifIcouldonlytellhimwhatIneedofhimto—day。"
　　Thebullswereturned，totherightthistime，andcrashedintothestandingthicket。Theotherherdchildren，watchingwiththecattlehalfamileaway，hurriedtothevillageasfastastheirlegscouldcarrythem，cryingthatthebuffaloeshadgonemadandrunaway。
　　ButMowgli’splanwassimpleenough。Allhewantedtodowastomakeabigcircleuphillandgetattheheadoftheravine，andthentakethebullsdownitandcatchShereKhanbetweenthebullsandthecows;forheknewthatafteramealandafulldrinkShereKhanwouldnotbeinanyconditiontofightortoclamberupthesidesoftheravine。Hewassoothingthebuffaloesnowbyvoice，andAkelahaddroppedfartotherear，onlywhimperingonceortwicetohurrytherear—guard。Itwasalong，longcircle，fortheydidnotwishtogettooneartheravineandgiveShereKhanwarning。AtlastMowgliroundedupthebewilderedherdattheheadoftheravineonagrassypatchthatslopedsteeplydowntotheravineitself。Fromthatheightyoucouldseeacrossthetopsofthetreesdowntotheplainbelow;butwhatMowglilookedatwasthesidesoftheravine，andhesawwithagreatdealofsatisfactionthattheyrannearlystraightupanddown，whilethevinesandcreepersthathungoverthemwouldgivenofootholdtoatigerwhowantedtogetout。
　　"Letthembreathe，Akela，"hesaid，holdinguphishand。