THE

BOOK

JUNGLE

BY

KIPLING

RUDYARD

ILLUSTRATIONS

WITH

BY

J.

L.

KIIM.IXG,

MACMILLAN

ST.

MARTIN'S

W.

H.

DRAKE,

AND

AND

CO.,

STREET,

P.

FRENZENY

LIMITED
LONDON

Pi
4854

J8

'44

"3 383

10

COPYRIGHT

First

Edition

1896,

Uniform

Edition

May

1894.

1897,

1898,

1899.

Reprinted
1899.

Reprinted

1910,

Edition

1900,

1911,

19131

(twice),

1894
de

1901,

1915

Luxe

1902,

1895

(twice)

1898

1903,

1905,

1906,

ic

PREFACE

by

made

demands

THE

of this

work

the

are
generosity of specialists

and

the

the

generous

fullest

the

make

all title

in

received

has

upon

numerous,

very

wanting

he

treatment

willingto

not

be

would

Editor

nature

to

he

were

ledgment
possibleacknow-

of his indebtedness.
His

thanks

are

scholarlyand

"4

his amiable

of

much

collected

places from
whom

Yet,

desire
at

this

at

The
various

multitude

to

preserve

Register,who,
courteously

most

Elephants*
in

contained

adventures
times

of
the

of

and

in

informants,
strictest

distance,the Editor

the

Shah, baggage

of the

'Toomai

information

the

place to

Bahadur

sister Pudmini,

Majesty's Servants.'
were

first

Indian

the

on

suppliedthe historyof
and

the

accomplished

elephant
with

in

due

feels

'

1 ler

Mowgli
various
most

of

anonymity.
at

libertyto

thank

Hindu

for
of

industry,

Sahi,

local

the

muzzled

and

in

fairs

of

Southern

with

his

culture

of

outlines

and

of

indebted

Upper

to

'

India,

resolving

the

study

happy

accident

passenger

some

of

Seal'

Tiger

the

'

may

most

his

youth,
tributed
con-

freely

Tiger

the

'

drawn
*

Kaa's

For

Editor

and

independent

not

to

the

stands

were

judge

for

-application

over

Thanatophidia.

enabled

to

gator
investi-

know,'

but

live

through

Empress

services

the

Brothers.'

Eastern

our

of travel

on

poor

'

life

slightassistance

richly his
'White

his

at

leading herpetologistsof

the

fearless

known

been

Mowgli's

of

one

lately sacrificed

'

disbanded

people, manners,

on

Rikki-tikki-tavi

'

who,

to

data

of

and

villages,have

have

stories

the

the

"

research

attracts

many

valuable

estimate

India, where

master

These

Hunting,'

well

an

Jakko,

caste

recently

the

artist

customs.

upon,

of

his

infinite

an

most

and

of

of

of

caustic

somewhat

savant

rock,

slopes

upper

and

dance

beauty,

if

member

Pack,

Seeonee

the

old

the

characteristics

national

the

Presbytes.

of

of

convincing

his

of

gentleman

resident

esteemed

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

vi

the

Editor, when

of India^

be

to

fellow-voyager.
repaid, readers
themselves.

of

How

of

the

CONTENTS

FAGK

Brothers

Mowgli's

3
.....

of

Hunting-Song

Scconcc

the

Pack
42
.
.

Kaa's

Hunting

45
.

of

Road-Song

the

Bandar-Log

-84
.

Tiger!'

'Tiger!

-87
.

Mowgli's

White

Song

.122
.

The

Seal

127
...

Lukannon

158
.

.163

'Rikki-Tikki-Tavi'
.

Darzcc's

Chaunt

198
.

Toomai

of

the

and

201

the

Majesty's

Grasshopper

244
.

Her

Elephants
.

Shiv

Servants

249
....

Parade-Song

of

the

Camp-Animal*

"74
.

MOWGLI'S

BROTHERS

Brothers

Mowgli's
Now

Rann

Mang

That
herds

The

is

Talon
Oh

shut

are

the

Bat
in

till

pride

and

tush

and

we.

power,

claw.

Good

hunting
Law

Jungle

the

keep

hut

and

"

That

"

and
arc

of

call

free

byre

dawn

was

the
his

his

out

big

of

the

going

with
*

Good

and

and

where

good

it is

tail

go
luck

and

you,

strong

the
O

the

teeth

with

little

the

go

mouth
!

'

and

of

the

tumbling,

Augrh

threshold

white

of

again

when

Chief

rid

four

'

hunt

hill

spread

lay

into

lived.

to

down

crossed
with

shone

all

and

Wolf
her

moon

time

get

Mother

from

up

yawned,

across

they

spring

to

bushy
luck

"

the

woke

to

in

evening

Wolf

other

tips.

dropped

cubs,

cave

the

Jungle.

the

in

warm

very

himself,

their

nose

gray

Wolf,

Father

was

in

Father

after

one

paws

squealing

when

scratched

rest,

feeling

sleepy
her

hills

Seeonee

day's

of

o'clock

seven

all
!

Nigtt-Song

IT

night

the

home
sets

hour

the

hear

brings

the

loosed

For
This

Kite

the

'

said

and

he

shadow
whined

Wolves
with

the

THE

noble

children,

forget

never

may

the

he

making mischief, and tellingtales,and

and
pieces of leather from the village

eating rags
rubbish-heaps.
because

"

"

wolves

about

runs

they

jackal Tabaqui, the Dish-licker

of India despiseTabaqui because

the

was

the

and

that

in this world.'

hungry
It

BOOK

JUNGLE

But

Tabaqui,

jungle,is

they

afraid

are

than

more

then

him

else

one

any

and

mad,

of

too,
in

the

he

forgetsthat
afraid of any one, and runs
he was
ever
through the
forest bitingeverythingin his
Even
the tiger
way.
and
little Tabaqui
hides when
runs
goes mad, for
is the
madness
most
disgracefulthing that can
overtake
wild creature.
We
call it hydrophobia,
to

apt

go

but

they

call it dewanee

'Enter,

stiffly
;
'

For

mean

Who

are

pick and

'

but

person

choose

meat

on

his
How

All

he

it,and
thanks

lips.

is

"

How

large are

food

no

said

Now,

Father

run.

Wolf,

here.'

Tabaqui

'

He

found
sat

scuttled

but

for

so

cracking the

for this

end

the

are

eyes !

of

kings are men

Tabaqui knew

buck

with

some

merrily.

good meal,' he said, licking

beautiful
their

of the

the back

to

of

the bone

Indeed, indeed, I might have

children

and

"

myself a dry bone is a good feast.

Gidur-log [thejackal people],to

as

the

we,

where

there

said

look,'

wolf, no,'

cave,

and

then,

the madness

"

And

so

well

the
as

children

too

young

remembered

from
as

noble

that

the

beginning.'

any

one

else that

MOWGLI'S
is

there

nothing

children

had

then

the

Khan,

next

moon,

Khan

Shere

compliment

to

as

pleased him

it

to

the

was

has

will hunt
has

that

:
spitefully

Big One,
he

so

see

uncomfortable.

look

he said

hunting-grounds. He
for the

in the mischief
still,
rejoicing

sat

made, and

'Shere

Wolf

Father

and

Tabaqui
he

unlucky

so

their faces ; and

to

Mother

BROTHERS

shifted

his

these

hills

near

the

among

told me/
lived

tigerwho

W.iingunga River, twenty miles away.

has no
He
right! Father Wolf began angrily
By the Law of the Jungle he has no right to
ch;mge his quarters without due warning. He will
frightenevery head of game within ten miles, and
I
I have to kill for two, these days.'
His mother
did not call him Lungri [theLame
Wrolf, quietly.
One] for nothing,'said Mother
'

'

"

"

He

has

That

is

been

lame

in

foot

one

why he has only killed

of the Waingunga are
villagers

and

he

has

They

will

away,

and
is

grass
Shore
*

and

we

thy
one

make

our

'

we

his

cattle.
angry

our

Now

the

with

him,

he is far

when

must
are

birth.

villagers
angry.

him

children

alight. Indeed,

set

when

run

very

the

to
grateful

'

Shall I tell him

Out

to

jungle for

the

scour

Khan

with
for

here

come

from

of your

snapped

master.

night.'

Father

Thou

gratitude?
Wolf.
hast

done

'

said
Out
harm

Tabaqui.
and

hunt

enough

go,' said Tabaqui, quietly.

'

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

thickets.

in the

below

Shere

Khan

saved

myself the message.'

that

down

ran

to

of

snarly,singsong whine
caught nothing and does not
fool !

The

'

said

with

night'swork
'

valley

the

dry,

tigerwho

if all the

noise

like his fat

buck

are

H'sh

! It is neither

seemed

to

It

compass.
and
them

has

jungle

from

the

buck

noise

into

hunts

of

purr

humming
quarter

of

bewilders

the open,

the

he

'

The

that

gipsiessleepingin

'It is Man.'

every

the

cutters
wood-

and

makes
of

the

all

his

mouth

very

that

bullocks

nor

sort

begin
think

he

Waingunga

To

Does

bullock

to

sometimes

run

Wolf.

come

was

Wolf.

Father

that

said Mother
to-night,'
had
whine
changed
that

the

heard

care

have

might

it.

knows

our

hear

can

in

little river, he

angry,

'

below

listened,and

Wolf

Father

Ye

'

tiger.
'

Man

white

'

said

teeth.

Father

beetles and

Faugh
frogsin the

and

ground

on

our

The

"

without
Man
how

except
to

when

kill, and

Are

tanks

reason,

he

is

then

for this is that

his

showing
there

that

he

enough

not

must

Man,

eat

'

Jungle, which

hunting-grounds of
reason

too

of the

Law

Wolf,

forbids

never

every

orders
beast

thing
anyto

eat

killingto

show

his children

he

hunt

outside

must

pack

or

tribe.

man-killing
means,

The
sooner

the
real
or

MOWGLI'S
of

hitcr,

the

arrival

guns,

and

hundreds

rockets

and

defenceless

of

all

with

the
is the

in

beasts

give

among

and

most

weakest

become

man-caters

and

gongs

everybody

livingthings,and
him.
They say

touch

that

with
elephants,

men

reason

Man

on

Then

The

is that

to

men

of brown

themselves

"

white

torches.

jungle suffers.

true

BROTHERS

the

it is unsportsmanlike
too

and

it is

and

lose

in the

full-

"

mangy,

their teeth.
The

purr

throated
Then
from

Aaarh

\V,,lf.

he

at

The

muttering

fool

is with

has missed,' said

out

ran

about

feet,'said

"

has

Father

few

and

had

no

more

camp-fire, and
Wolf, with

bushes
Wolf

ready for

made

than

sense

jump

burned

has

'

grunt.

to

his

Tabaqui

him.'

The

the

heard

in the scrub.

Something is coming
Wolf, twitchingone
ear.

you

and

paces

mumbling savagely,as

up

hill,'said

'Get

ready.'

Father

Mother

is it?'

woodcutter's

tiger's
charge.
howl
howl"
an
untigerish

'He

Wolf

Khan

ended

of the

Khan.

tumbled
*

'

was

'What

Father
Shere

there

Shere

louder, and

grew

his

would
world

"

rustled

little in the

Mother

thicket,and

dropped with his haunches under him,

leap. Then, if you had been watching,

have

seen

the

wolf

his bound

the

most

in

checked

before

he

wonderful

saw

thing in

mid-spring.

what

it

was

he

He
was

jumping
The

result

for

four

left

and

at,

to

himself.

stop

straightinto the
where
feet, landing almost

five

! ' he

Man

shot

snapped.

air

up

branch, stood
walk

to

came

wolf's

Wolf's

Father
*

soft and

as

"

Is that

have

he

can,

if necessary,

and

though

not

hide.

He

is

wolf

in

never
'

He

kill him

with

looks

and

up

could

is

and

into

'

the

righton

skin, as

the

baby
his

bold

how

"

the

to

cub.
of

'

pushing

was

meal

again of

and

now

touch
not

closed

boast

in my

or

is altogether
without
a

up

warm

with

the

Now,

was

man's

cub

'

Pack

our

ever

Wolf.

Mother

man's

that

heard

as

looked

get close

taking

is

The

to

this

children

I have

Wolf.

so

her

'

naked,

Ahai

ever

among

How

cubs

And

just

the cubs.

among

little atom
He

low

could

who

scratched

even

the

others.
there

jaws

between
*

said

Wolf, softly.

said Mother

by

on

'

Bring it here.'
cubs
to
moving his own.
an
breaking it,
egg without

tooth

little !

his way

'

Wolf's

laid it down
How

mouth

Father

child's back

cub

accustomed

wolf

Look

laughed.

one.

seen

night.

at

cave

man's

baby

dimpled

as

face, and

never

him, holding

brown

naked

cub.

man's

'

of

front

Directly in

but

tried

ground.

'

he

he

then

that he

was

or

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

io

of

afraid.'

my

such

thing,

time,' said Father

hair, and
foot.

But

I could
see,

he

BROTHERS

MOWGLI'S

moonlight was

The

of

the

for Shere

cave,

shoulders

and

behind

Tabaqui,

lord, it

my

Shere

him,

does

Khan

My

lord,

My

great honour,' said Father

us

What

angry.

very

does

'

cub

man's

way,'

this

went

Its parents have

from

Father

Wolf

too

he

off.

run

and

not

man's

cub

is

Give

choose

is this of

Mother

nosing

ye do

By

tiger's

roar

Wolf

shook

cave

Even

by.

fore

and

man's

as

room,

Father

of

Head

the

But

the

shoulders

not

choose

your

cave

What

the bull that

filled the

the
The

choose.'

dog's den
Khan, who speak

into

It is I, Shere

of
in

from

kill if we

to

"

feet.

mouth
come

was

stripedcattle-killer.

any

choosing?

stand

The

from

said, and

burned

of

want

orders

take

and

the

woodcutter's

fightin a barrel.
free people,'said
a

to

are

ours

his

Khan's
for

at

had

tigerto

Shere

They

Pack,

for

was,

of

that

knew

Wolves

'The

Ye

pain

if he tried

be

would

Wolf.

the

cramped

were

paws

Wolf

Father

narrow

where

jumped

had

as

furious

dues

head

entrance.
*

Khan

camp-fire,

to

the

into

squeaking:

was

Khan.

Shere

great square

me/

it to

Khan's

were

quarry.

said Shere

was

need

Khan

mouth

the

out

in here !

went

Wolf, but his eyes

Shere

of

blocked

thrust

were

1 1

killed,am

for my
!

with

talk

fair

'

thunder.

herself clear of the cubs

and

THE

12

forward, her eyes, like

sprang

two

in

moons

green

blazing

the

facing

darkness,

the

BOOK

JUNGLE

of

eyes

Shere

Khan.
And

'

to
run

with

and

in

cubs

end, look

the

eat

starved

no

thou

ever

Wolf

Father

Wolf

fair

in

in

ran

for

Demon

faced

have

the

compliment's
Father

she

was

and

would

of

the

clear
'

see

all the

fightto

shouted

Each

dog

what

the

man-cubs.
will

had

Wolf,

the

come

Mother

Go

sake.

could

he

knew

advantage of
So

growling,

and

Mother

called

he

death.

had

wolves, when

Shere

for

than

'

won

not

was

thy

to

He

other

but

Wolf,

cave-mouth

he

and

thee !

goest

he

I killed

that

when

five

Pack

hunt

amazed.

on

fight from

Pack

jungle, lamer

world

looked

againstMother

up

the

to

little naked

thou

the

forgottenthe days

almost

she

of

into

earnest

of
shall

cattle),back
beast

burned

mother,

the

with

he

"

mine

"

shall live

Sambhur

the

by

He

hunter

you,

or

mine, Lungri

hunt

to

fish-killer

"

get hence,

(7

and

Pack

the

is

who

Demon],

be killed.

not

frog-eater

"

Now

he

shall

He

me

[The

cub

man's

The

answer.

I, Raksha

is

it

Khan

The

might
stand

not

that
the

he

where

ground,

backed

when

out

he

was

barks

in

Pack

The
in the
Wolf

will

cub

end,

his
say

yard

own

to

this

is mine, and
O

threw

bush-tailed
herself

to

will

We

fosteringof
my

thieves

down

teeth

he

'

panting

MOWGLI'S

cubs, and

the

among

BROTHERS

15

Wolf

Father

said

her

to

gravely

Shere

be

must

speaks this

Khan
shown

Pack.

the

to

much

truth.

Wilt

thou

The

cub

still

keep

'

him, Mother?
him

'

she

naked,
gasped. He came
not
by night,alone and very hungry ; yet he was
afraid !
of my
babes to
Look, he has pushed one
butcher
side already. And
that lame
would
one

Keep

'

killed

have

and

him

Waingunga while

would

have

off

run

the

to

the

here hunted
villagers
through
all our
lairs in
Keep him ? Assuredly
revenge !
I will keep him.
Lie still,little frog. O
thou
for Mowgli the Frog I will call thee
Mowgli
"

the

"

will

time

Khan
'

he has

as

But

when

come

hunted

what

will

thou

wilt

hunt

Shere

thee.'
Pack

our

say ?

'

said

Father

very

clearly

Wolf.
The

wolf

that

any

from

the

cubs

of

Law

are

bring them
held
other

once

wolves

until
is

one

the Pack

month

at

marries, withdraw
but

on

full

free

are

have

accepted if
The

as

moon,

to

run

soon

as

their feet he

Council, which

identifythem.

may

they

of them.

he

he

the cubs
and

when

belongs to
enough to stand

to
a

Jungle lays down

may,

Pack
old

the

is

After

that the
that

their- first buck

grown

wolf

no

of the Pack
is death

spectio
in-

they please,

killed

punishment

must

generally

in order

where

his

where

cuse
ex-

kills
the

THE

murderer
minute

will

you

little,and

then

them

and

Council

Rock

the

Akela,

length

He

youth,

and

dead

so

cubs

The

and

place on

sure

again

cub

that

he

his

rock

from

know

the

anxious

Look"

look

him

twice
had

the

led
into

out

forty or
badger-

buck

for

beaten
and

fathers

would

go

at

far
had

him

and
carefully,

feet.
out
not

would
Law.
mothers

well, O

in the

Sometimes
into

the

been
:

Look
would
Wolves

sat, and

quietlyup
would

mother

well,

take
!

'

Wolves
up

be

to

Akela
the

know

his

to

moonlight,

Ye

of

centre

overlooked.
'

cry

Rock.

return
a

his

of

the

talking at
and

wolf

year

customs

their mothers
senior

left for

and

other

alone,

thought they

each

over

full

at

wolf-trapin

manners

little

and

all the

them

been

the

to

led

sat

handle

had

very

noiseless

her

push

'

was

tumbled

cub, look

the

he

circle where

now

Wolf

knew

There

men.

Meeting

colour, from

could

fallen

once

he

below

hide.

who

who
three-year-olds

had

now.

run

could

cunning, lay

who

Lone

The

the Pack

Wolf,

Lone

size and

every

black

could.

ye

of

veterans

young

could

wolves

rock, and

his

coloured

to

hundred

so.

Wolf
Mowgli and Mother
a
hilltop covered with stones

"

wolves

more

the

night of

great gray

on

be
cubs

the

on

for

think

you

must

till his

by strength and

Pack

to

this

waited

where

boulders

if

; and

that

see

Wolf

Father

took

found

be

can

BOOK

JUNGLE

the

Law"
!

'

and
call

BROTHERS

MOWGLI'S

as

"

time

the

came

he

where

Akela

of

mine.

Give

People

to

him

ears:

well !
was

year

Akela
a

of

chorus

fourth

his

with

do

'

be

who

Who

was

no

the
answer,

what

she

came

to

Then

for
not

are

speaks

'Among

Free

is

Free

the

never

'Look

was:

People

Free

the

knew

Free

have

cub ?

man's

spoken

the Pack

cub

The

to

People?

deep growls,and
flung back Shere

What
'

be

by

the

is any

acceptedby
at

least

this

People

who

Mother

would

fighting.
the only other

be

her

creature

cub ?

Free
Law

young
Khan's

People
of

the

disputeas

to

the Pack,

he

members

two

his father and

for

and

the

Now

if there

that
Jungle laysdown
the
right of a cub to
must

'

'

questionto
to

but

well !

Akela

said

save

any

the

have

of

orders

the

in

some

the rocks"

have

cub ?

all he

What

behind

What

man's

his

There

centre,

Look

crying :

me.

twitched

Look

wolf

to
a

Wolves

from

Khan

Shere

with

with

the

his paws,
:

cry

up

do

well, O
do

monotonous

came

roar

voice

even

the

from

his head

raised

with

muffled

the

into

him,

Mowgli

laughing and playing with

in the moonlight.
glistened

never

on

pushed

sat

pebblesthat
went

called

they

Frog,' as

the

Wolf

Father

"

lifted

neck-bristles

Wolf's

Mother

and

last

At

19

of

mother.
'

said

Akela.

speaks?' There
Wolf
got ready for
if things
last fight,
who

is allowed

at

Council

Pack

the

Baloo, who

old

he

because
rose

speak

for

man's

cub.

cub

entered

and

bear
sleepy brown
of the Jungle :
Law
he pleases
go where

and

the man's

"

cub.

'

cub

There

with

run

others.

he said.

is

"

with

the

need

yet another,' said

in

but

speak
be

and

teach

will

myself

harm

no

Pack,

the

honey

grunted.

giftof words,

no

him

and

roots

quarters and

I have
Let

the

nuts

man's

the

truth.

the

only

eats

man's

The

'

cubs
come

can

his hind

on

up

Baloo, the

"

wolf

the

teaches

who

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

20

him.'
*

has

We

spoken,

cubs.

Who
black

A
It

and

he

speaks
shadow

Bagheera

was

but

over,

is

with

the

the

Akela.
for

teacher

our

besides

Baloo

Baloo

'

the

young

'
.

Black

into

down

dropped

circle.

the

Panther, inky black

all

panther markings showing

up

in certain

silk.
lightslike the pattern of watered
Everybody knew
Bagheera, and nobody cared to
his path ; for he was
cross
as
cunning as Tabaqui,
bold

as

as

the

wild

buffalo, and

wounded
wild

elephant. But
honey dripping from

than

down.

Akela,

I have

of the
not

life of

and

ye

the

he
a

had

Free

may

be

as

the

as

soft

skin

as

softer

People,'he purred,

rightin your assembly

Jungle says that if there is a
in regard to
killingmatter
cub

voice

tree, and

no

that

reckless

as

bought

at

; but

doubt
a

new

the

Law

which

is

cub, the

price.

And

MOWGLI'S

that

not

right?

or

may

not

may

pay

'

good ! said the young wolves, who

Listen
to
always hungry.
Bagheera. The
be bought for a price. It is the Law.'
can
Knowing that I have
right to speak here, I
*

cub
*

no

ask

ILMVC.'

your
*

Speak then/

To

kill

has

oo

man's
There

'What

add

half
cub

accordingto

was

He

naked

frog do

us?

Where

is the
And

well

Look

Mowgli
and

did

he

looked

Shere

very
to

by

one

Bagheera, Baloo,
left.

Khan

angry
him.

him

winter

well, O

the

and

dead

Wolves

roared
that

last

own

still in the

Mowgli

had

not

the Pack.
be

deep bay,

bull,and

Mowgli's

can

him

Let

the wolves
At

one.

'

rains.

harm
with

run

Akela's

notice when

hill for

the

the

What

came

look

"

Is it difficult ?

stilldeeplyinterested in the

not

him

at

down

was

in

bull, Bagheera?
then

newly

of voices,saying:

scores

sun.

Let

is grown.
Baloo's
to

fat one,

the Law.

will die

the

he

here, if ye will accept

of

clamour

in

from

mile

will scorch

Besides, he

Now

bull, and

one

mutter?

He

his behalf.

in

spoken

killed,not
the

voices.

is shame.

cub

naked

I will

word

cried twenty

better sport for .you when

make

may

over

21

Good

are

was

who

say
I

Am

price.

Hal

does

Law

the

BROTHERS

cepted/
ac-

ing
cry-

pebbles,
and

came

they all went

only Akela,
wolves

were

night,for
been

he

handed

'

Ay,

well,' said

roar

whiskers

for

'

will

know

nothing
It

cubs

are

Truly,

their

thee

under

Bagheera,
another

to

roar

this

when

comes

his

naked

tune,

or

of man.'
Akela.

done,' said

well

was

time

the

make

thing
'

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

22

He

wise.

very

'

be

may

and

Men

in

help

time.'
'

hope

Akela

said

that

time

to

strength goes from

feebler,till at last he
leader
Take

'

him

him

train

And

Now

you

it were

grew

and

Mowgli
up

grown
Father

meaning
in the

of the

one

of

be

must

written

were

said

to

content

only
led

out

turn.

with
wolves
Wolf

almost

taught

thingsin

grass, every

fillever

the cubs,

the

breath

'

and

all the

into

the

and

on

eleven

or

wonderful
if

the wolves, because

among

it would

People.'

skip ten

at

guess

and

Wolf,

Father

Free

to

when

the wolves

by

the

gets feebler and

is how

years,

life that

and

befits

he

killed in his

be

to

"

can

pack

entered
Mowgli was
wolf-pack for the price of a bull
good word.

Baloo's

whole

as

up

is killed

none

Bagheera.

of every

and

him

away,'he

that

Seeonee

He

comes

; for

thinking of

was

leader

every

his

new

He

nothing.

comes

need

for ever,' said

Pack

lead the

to

of

in time

help

so

books.

many

though they, of
before

him

he

was

child,

his business, and

jungle,till
of

course,

the

warm

every

the

rustle

night air,

BAG

HUH

WOULD

'COME

Lit

ON,

OUT
LITTLI

ON

BRANCH

BROTHtR.'

AND

CALL.

BROTHERS

MOWGLI'S

of

bat's claws

and

his office

to

means

learninghe
and

ate

forest

the

jumping
When
and

sun

pools;

he

in

of
was

slept,and

felt

he

when

tree,

the work

as

man.

the

in

scratch

in

while

him

to

sleepagain ;
in

swam

for

business
out

sat

to

went

he

hot

much
a

head, every

little fish

every

just as

pool,meant

his

it roosted

as

splash of

every

not

above

of the owls

note

every

25

dirtyor

when

and

he

honey (Baloo told him that honey and nuts

justas pleasantto eat as raw meat) he climbed
how
him
for it,and that Bagheera showed
to

wanted
were

u}"

lie

Bagheera would

do.

out

on

branch

and

call,

along,Little Brother,' and at first Mowgli

would
clinglike the sloth, but afterward he would
flinghimself through the branches almost as boldly
He took his placeat the Council
the gray ape.
as
*

Come

Rock,

when

too,

Pack

the

that if he stared hard

be

would
to

forced

for fun.

stare

drop

to

At

at

long thorns out of the pads

from thorns
wolves suffer terribly

cultivated
at

the

of

men

with

lands

go

down

the

by night,and

nearlywalked

trap.

He

loved

into

and

pick

into

hillside

very
he had

than

in their

burs

look

it,and

better

would

used

of his friends,for

in their huts, but

villagers
him
because
Bagheera showed
drop-gateso cunningly hidden

that he
was

would

he

so

he

times

the

He

wolf, the wolf

any

his eyes, and

other

covered
he dis-

there

and

met,

the

curiously
a

mistrust

square

in the

told him

box

jungle
that

anythingelse

it
to

with

go

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

26

into the

Bagheera

dark
the

sleep all through

forest, to

of the

heart

warm

drowsy day, and

at

night see how Bagheera did his killing. Bagheera

left as he felt hungry, and
did
killed right and
so
with one
he was
as
exception. As soon
Mowgli
"

old

enough

understand

to

been

must

All

thou

the

enough
bought

thou

thee

for the

must

that

thou

sake

of

kill

never

is the

That

old.

or

young

everything

kill ; but

to

price of

the

at

bull's

of

Law

art

'

and

strong
bull

the
eat

or

had

he

jungle is thine,' said Bagheera,

kill

canst

Pack

the

cattle because

touch

never

into

bought

life.

'

he

that

him

told

things, Bagheera

cattle

any

the

that

Jungle.'

Mowgli obeyed faithfully.

And

he
who

grow

does

lessons, and
of except

not

was

day

some

if he

nothing

told him

"

would

had

been

Shere

Khan

jungle, for as
lame
tiger had
younger

wolves

be

to

have

must

learning any
to

think

that

Shere

able

to

was

Akela

; but

speak

though

that

remembered

have

because

he

human

to

be

of the Pack,

only

was

called himself

in any

advice

wolf

tongue.

always crossinghis path

grew

that

trusted, and

Khan

forgot it

he would

come

is

twice

or

kill Shere

must

though

he

boy

in the world

once

creature

as

eat.

hour, Mowgli

every

boy

he

wolf

young

Wolf

that

know

has

who

strong

grew

not

thingsto

Mother
Khan

and

grew

in

feebler

older

and

great

friends

who

followed

with

him

the
the
the

for

BROTHERS

MOWGLI'S

scraps,

had

he

have
thing Akela would never
dared to push his authorityto
Then

bounds.
wonder

by

look

not

growl and

the

proper

cub.

that

They

Council

at
'

the

and

content

were

man's

say,

between

him

would

wolves

young

would

Khan

tell me,' Shere

ye dare

hunters

fine young
dying wolf and

if

allowed

flatter them

would

Khan

Shere

such

that

be led

to

27

; and

eyes

the

bristle.

Bagheera, who had eyes and ears everywhere,

twice he told
knew
or
something of this,and once
Mowgli in so many words that Shere Khan would
kill him
some
day ; and Mowgli would laugh and
answer

I have

Baloo, though he is
for my

two

It

was

to

came

heard.
but

he

sake.
one

warm

day

said

strike

blow

I be afraid ?

that

and
or

'

notion

new

of

born

his head

boy lay with

skin

Little

'

Khan

I told thee that Shere

As

thee

something that he had

Perhaps Ikki the Porcupine had told him ;
said to Mowgli when
deep in the
they were
black

many

times

of it ?
is all

there

as

Mowgli, who,

What

Khan

should

"

beautiful

Why

Bagheera

the

have

I have

lazy,might

so

very

jungle,as

'

and

Pack

the

Bagheera's

Brother, how
is
nuts

thy
on

naturally,could
and

loud

talk

"

often
?

enemy
that
not

'

palm,'
count.

sleepy,Bagheera, and

am

long tail

are

on

Shere

like Mao,

the

Peacock.'
'

it ;

But

this is

I know

no

time

it ; the

for

Pack

sleeping. Baloo
know

it ; and

even

knows
the

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

28

has

Tabaqui

know.

foolish,foolish deer

told

thee,

too.'
! ho

Ho

'

long

not

me

'

said

Mowgli.

ago

with

cub

and

man's

naked
I

That

'

fit

not

foolishness

was

mischief-maker, he would

eyes,

that

concerned

Little

Brother.

in the

thee

old, and
his

soon

of

Many
thou

the wolves

brought

wast

and

the

In
And

'

that

is

what

the

I have

jungle.

and

there

have

is

brothers

under

shut

said

Mowgli.
obeyed the Law

wolf
a

of

thorn.

no

more.

when

over

old

are

too,
has

Khan

should
I

the

man.'

not

was

run

born

in

of the

Jungle,

whose

paws

from

ours

kill

Surely they

are

I
my

Bagheera
half

no

pulled

not

'

is very

place with

be

he

kill

cannot

Shere
no

wilt

that

he

first

has

thou

man

those

Akela

thee

believe, as

little time

is

thing
some-

not

leader

Council

man-cub

his brothers

with

the

to

be

looked

that

of

dare

Khan

will

wolves

young

taught them,
Pack.

he

then

manners.'

told thee

jungle ; but remember,

when
the day comes

and

buck,

twice

closely. Open

Shere

but

though Tabaqui

have

thee

was

him

better

for

that

swung

him

teach

to

came

dig pig-nuts ;

to

tail and

the

againsta palm-treeto

talk

rude

some

caught Tabaqui by

Tabaqui

'

stretched

his

my

Mowgli

himself
'

eyes.

Little

at

full

length

Brother,' said he,

"

and
feel

jaw.'
put

up

his

strong

brown

hand,

and

MOWGLI'S

BROTHERS

29

just under

silky chin, where the giant

Bagheera's
all hid by the glossyhair, he
rollingmuscles
were

came

upon

There

I,

little bald

is

no

that

and

in the

it

was

at

the Council

an

too

the
iron

the

came

and

"

and

men,

I became

Shere

Khan.

all except
thou

Oh,

Panther,

the

"to

men

was

of my

blow

learned
in

and

paw

the ways

the

of

jungle than

'

man's

tenderly;

jungle,so

my

from

bars

heera"
junglefear Bag-

Mowgli.'

art

very

never

Bagheera
plaything,and I

'all the

^li;

cub.

I had

felt that I

I had

so?

not

little naked

behind

me

terrible

more

"

the

among
mother
died

men.

one

because

of

born

was

man's

no

with

Is it

Yes,1Mid

'

night I

sillylock

away

wast

among
They fed

tillone

that

mark

that my

born

jungle.

knows

King'sPalace at Oodeypore.
that I paid the pricefor thee
thou

when

Panther

broke

of the

was

pan

"the

the

"

men

of this

because

It

seen

mark

among

was

cages

Yes, I

junglethat

yet, Little Brother, I

collar ; and

thou

must

who

are

'

cub,'
and
go

even

said

Black

I returned

as

back

the

to

thy brothers,
"

at

men

if thou

to

last,
art

killed in the Council.'

not

But

'

me

in the

one

Bagheera,carry

men,

spot.

:
*

why

said

Look

looked

"

why

should

said

Bagheera ;

any

wish

to

kill

Mowgli.
at

at

but

him

me,'

steadilybetween
D

the

and

Mowgli

eyes.

The

turned

big panther

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

30

head

his

in

away

half

minute.

leaves.

Not

'

eyes, and

their

The

cannot

because

their feet

not

sullenly
;

and

others

they hate

know

art

the

I love

thee,

because

thee

because

thou

art

from

thorns

pulled out

thou

man.'

things,'said Mowgli,
under
his heavy black

these

frowned

he

and

men,

thine

the

on

paw

between

thee

among

hast

because

"

look

can

meet

thou

did

'

born

was

eyes
;

even

Brother,

Little

wise

why,' he said, shiftinghis

is

That

'

eyebrows.
What

'

is the

then

and

know

is in

my

"

the

that

thou

heart

that

and

buck,

the

"

the

then

then

said

Bagheera, leaping up.

quickly to the men's huts in
of

some
so

that

even

of

the

Red

the

when

Flower

the

stronger
Pack

comes

friend

than

that

'

the

which

time

Jove

his

next

to

more

It

pin

against him and

a
jungle Council

hold
and

"

him

turn

will

be wise.

misses

costs

will

Pack

and

Akela

it

carelessness

very
But

man.

when

hunt

They

Rock,

first

Strike

Jungle ?

By thy

art

each

at

against thee.
at

the

give tongue.

they

kill,

of

Law

"

Go

valley,and

thou

thee.

or

it !

take

grow

there,

mayest

have

Baloo
Get

or

the

those
Red

Flower.'

By
creature

Red
in

Flower
the

'

down

thou

they

have

fire,only no
Bagheera meant
jungle will call fire by its proper

BROTHERS

MOWGLI'S

invents

hundred

of it,and

it.
describing
'That
said Mowgli.
in the twilight. I will

their huts

outside

grows

of

ways

Flower?'

Red

'The

deadly fear

lives in

beast

Every

name.

31

get some.'
There

proudly.
Get

Remember

man's

the

speaks

cub,' said Bagheera,

in littlepots.
it grows
keep it by thee for time of need.'
that

and
swiftly,
But
I go.
! said Mowgli.
Good
he slippedhis arm
O my
Bagheera
splendid neck, and looked deep into

one

'

'

sure,

'

eyes

round

"

the

doing ?
By

thou

art

"

the

big

Khan's

all this is Shere

that

sure

thou

art

'

'

that

Lock

Broken

the

freed

me,

am

Little Brother.'

sure,
*

Shere

Then, by

'

That

Bagheera
Shere

that

bought

full tale for this,and

Khan

over,' said

Bull

the

Mowgli
is
to

Khan,

he

and

is

himself, lying
a

was

never

blacker

pay
little

away.

all

down

be

may

bounded

That

man.

it

I will

me,

said

man,'

Oh,
again.
hunting than
*

'

frog-huntof thine ten years ago !

far through the forest,
far and
Mowgli was
He
hot in him.
running hard, and his heart was
and
the evening mist
the cave
to
as
came
rose,
the valley. The
down
drew
breath, and looked

that

cubs
the
w.is

were

cave,

out,

knew

but

by

Mother
his

troublingher frog.

Wolf,

at

the

back

of

breathing that something

THE

32

is it,Son

What

'Some

back.

There

among

he
the

there

Then

Wolf

show
Pack

the

Wolf

Lone

hold, for

his

and

then

yelp

He

did
and

sprung

the

snap

Sambhur

for

wait

and
of

missed

his

him

knocked

anything
fainter

yellsgrew

into the

of

leader

teeth
over

foot.

not

the

Lone

the

the

the

'

heard

the

as

from

Let

for

Room

have

must

Mowgli

his fore

with

on

strength.
Spring,Akela

bay.

at

howls

! Akela

his

The

Akela

'

the

Sam-

hunted

turned

bitter

wicked,

were

of

buck

the

as

night,'
to-

yell of

the

bellow

the

snort

wolves

young

the

heard

he

fields

through the
of the valley.

bottom

the

called

he

ploughed

downward

at

for

Khan,'

Shere

the

stream

checked,

bhur, and

of

plunged

hunting, heard

Pack

said.

she

hunt

to

he

'

chatter

and

bushes,

bat's
I

BOOK

JUNGLE

but

more,

dashed

him

behind

he

as

lived.
villagers
'Bagheera spoke truth,'he panted, as he nestled
in some
cattle-fodder
of a
down
by the window
hut.
To-morrow
is one
and
day both for Akela

ran

crop-landswhere

the

'

for me.5
Then
and

he

watched

husbandman's
with
and

man's

black
the

face

close

the

the

hearth.

fire

wife

lumps

mists

child

pressed his

get up
;

and

and
when

all white

were

pick

on

up

wicker

to

the

window

He

saw

feed

it in the

the

morning

and

pot

cold,

he

saw

the

night
came

the

plasteredinside

MOWGLI'S

BROTHERS

earth, fill it with

with

his

put it under
in the

cows

the

howled

and

into the

out

go

Mowgli.
fear

the

met

charcoal,
tend

to

so

If

can

strode

the

while

do

round

pot from

the

the mist

cub

he

boy, took

disappeared into

the

his

boy

fear.

with

'They

said

nothing to

corner

hand, and

'

all ?

is

it,there

blanket, and

red-hot

by

Is that

of

lumps

33

are

pot,

like

very

he had

as

me,' said Mowgli, blowing

the

seen

do.

woman

This

'

thingwill die if I do not give it thingsto eat ;

and
he dropped twigsand
dried
bark on the red
stuff.
Half-way up the hill he met Bagheera with
his
the morning dew
oji
shininglike moonstones
coat.

'Akela
would

have

They

the

Panther.

'They

night,but they needed

looking for thee on the

last

killed him

also.

thee

missed,' said

has

were

hill.'
4

Sec

1
!

was

'

Mowgli

Good

branch

Now,

into

that

blossomed

afraid ?

'

"if
I

held

Flower

the

among

No.
it is

Why
not

lay beside

pleasant.'

the

I
ploughed lands.
up the fire-pot.

I have

stuff, and
at

the' end

dream

Red

"

of

it.

Art

how, before I

Flower, and

thou

I remember

it

was

was

dry
Red

presently the

I fear ?

should

thrust

men

seen

ready.

am

not

now
a

warm

Wolf,
and

THE

34
All

day Mowgli

that

how

in

him, and
the

to

and

cave

wanted

was

the

Tabaqui

told

ran

tending

cave

it

into

branch

to

see

fied
satis-

that

Tabaqui came
evening when
him
rudely enough that he

Council

the

at

the

branches

found

He

looked.

they

in

sat

dipping dry

fire-potand

his

BOOK

JUNGLE

Then

away.

he

Rock,

Mowgli

till

laughed
went

the

to

Council, still laughing.

Akela
rock

as

the

Shere

with

Khan

walked

fed wolves

lay by the side of

leadershipof the Pack

the

sign that

and

open,

Wolf

Lone

fro

and

to

his

followingof

gatheredtogether,Shere Khan
have dared
thing he would never
in his
'

He

has

'

is

the

Pack
There

'

Let

him

do

to

do

when

Akela

the

said

were

'

Shere

yellsof
He

Pack

Khan

Mowgli.

the Pack

speak.

the

People,'he
What

'

this cattle-butcher
is with

Free

?
leadership
leadershipis yet

"

'

'

our

speak

to

lead

Khan
with

that

on

all

"

his feet.

to

Shere

tigerto

fawn

they were
began to speak

'

sprang

Seeing
being asked
By whom
to

was
fire-pot

right,'whispered Bagheera.
Say
He
will be frightened.'
dog's son.

does

the

no

Mowgli
cried,

scrap-

prime.

has

He

so.

was

openly,being flattered.

Bagheera lay close to Mowgli, and

between
When
Mowgli's knees.

was

his

'

Are

'

The

and

open,

began.
we

all

jackals,
leadershipof

alone.'

Silence, thou

has

kept

our

man's
Law

cub

'

and

'

at

MOWGLI'S
of

last the seniors

\Y""lf

Dead

Free
for

Khan,
from

the

been
kill.

Ye

know

how

to

and

kill, and

in

Your

right

Council

Rock

now.

make

right,by
by one.'

the

Law

was

There
to

Khan

roared

'

he

man-cub

was

man-cub,
one

from

the

Then

the

Bah

the

this

man

or

I will hunt

more

buck

cleverly

was

here

is

of my
than

ten

first.

one

Shere

do

die !

to

Free

It is

People,

him

Give

with

to

me.

folly. He

has

seasons.

Give

the

always, and

man,

bones

half

come

-wolf

here
a

it is my

to

we

long.

too

comes

Then

death.
have

the

on

single wolf

no

is doomed

lived

has

He

the

my

untried

ye

He

jungle for

marrow

missed

Jungle,that
for

has

Ye

It
me

and

made.

was

an

Shere

one

For

! what

the

bone.

not

Wolf?

to

as

to

ye

I have

to

long hush,

from
of

weary

troubled

you

who
meat

my

am

of

fool ?

this toothless

Wolf

Therefore, I ask, who

fightAkela

cared

time

kill

of the Lone

end

an

led

plot
up

to

Pack

the

Dead

have

known.
is

the

:"

that

weakness

Let

'

long,as a rule.
wearily
too, jackals of

Now

brought me

my

of

all that

how

ye

leader

maimed.

know

make

the

not

ye

seasons

done.

to

is

twelve

trapped or

is called the

kill,he

People,

35

thundered
a

raised his old head

Akela
*

When

lives,which

he

long as

the Pack

speak.'
his

missed

has

BROTHERS

the

Pack

not

give

child,and

man's

I hate

me

him

'

yelled:

man

him

Let

And

'

us

'

is

He

lifted

Akela
eaten

of the
*

us

villagesagainst

No

'

of

none

us

him

give

to

look

can

him

of the

Law

He

for

game

with

He
He

word

no

bull when

of

bull

he

was

little,but

is

is something that he

Bagheera'shonour

'

Jungle.'
worth

The

broken

has

He

us.

Also, I paid for him

accepted.

again, and said :

has
slept with us.

head

his

food.

our

driven

has

the

Khan.
and

man,

with

eyes.'

the

between

people of

Shere

do

to

man

place.'

own

all the

turn

clamoured

me.

has

his

to

go

has

What

man

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

36

will

perhaps

fightfor,'said Bagheera, in his gentlestvoice.

Pack
bull paid ten
A
snarled.
years ago ! the
'

'

'

do

What
'

we

pledge ? said Bagheera,

his lip.
under
Well
are
ye

bared

Free

People
No

'

man's

He

went

is

on

cub

lived

cattle,

and

Shere
snatch

Therefore
cowards

of

Khan's

others

the

his

white

called

the

of

the

all but

kill him

have

teaching,ye
from

the

be

go

him

to

me

'

blood,' Akela

here

of

Some

people

Give

'

in

long.

children
I

Khan.

ye would

too

with

run

brother

and

I have

can

Shere

our
'

'

'

jungle,'howled
'

old ?

years

teeth

'

ten

'

for

Or

for bones

care

ye

eaters

are

heard

In truth,
of

that, under

night and
villager'sdoor -step.
by

know

ye

to

I speak.

It

is certain

dark

cowards, and
that

it is to
must

die,

BROTHERS

MOWGLI'S
ami
in

life is of

my

man-cub's

the

Honour

of

being

without

place,I

that
there

is

He

is

; and

Pack
round

of

Pack

wolves

brother

against
for and

spoken

of

Law

the

'

the

ye

snarled

the

the

began to gather
was
beginning to

tail

whose

Khan,

Shere

the

More

save

man

"

fighting.

lives.

can

own

die, bare

to

three

brother

man

of

most

Pack

accordingto

"

his

to

conies

killinga
"

man

"

go

will, I

fault,

no

the

bought into
Jungle.'
'

if ye

comes

that

I will die without

the

the

by
forgotten, I

have

time

that

of

sake

matter

man-cub

my

save

; but

do

shame

when

little

ye

ye let the

least

at

cannot

whom

if

offer

for the

But

leader

I would

or

"

againstye.

will

That

Pack,

will not,

tooth

one

place.

the

that

promise

worth,

no

37

switch.
4

is

business

the

Now

Bagheera to Mowgli.
except fight.'
stood

Mowgli
hands.

yawned

in

furious

with

wolves
*

the

had

rage

Listen,you

'

he

this

been

wolf

his

Council

with

man

you

in

arms,

but

he

they hated

how
There

have

Ye

more

his
and
was

for, wolf-like, the

him
*

no

fire-pot

out

sorrow,

cried.

dog's jabber.
to-night that I am
have

the

and

told

never

the

stretched

face of

do

can

"

said

thy hands,'

We

upright

he

Then

'

in

told

(and
to

is

my

no

me

indeed

need
so

him.

for
often

I would

life's end), that

THE

38
I feel

brothers

my

do, is

not

that

and
the

leapingflames.
Mowgli thrust

the

twigs

his head

was

'

thy

ever

Mowgli
hair

own

Good

'

that ye

see

people
"

Jungle is
and

his

your

merciful

shut

back

the

in

and

Red

before

terror

into

some

flared

that

moss

branch

fire till

the

it above

whirled

from

life,gave
stood

Bagheera,
the

in

death.

who

had

one

piteous

an

He

that

made

asked

never

look

at

all naked, his

his shoulders

in the

the

shadows

long black
lightof the
jump and

said

Mowgli, staring round

slowly.
are
dogs. I go from you to my
if they be
own
people. The
my
to

me,

and

companionship
than

ground,

old wolf

boy

tossingover

blazing branch
quiver.

drew

Akela

grim

the

as

the

master,' said

Save

in

mercy

little of

friend.'

Akela, the
for

cowering wolves.

the

undertone.

me

plainly,I,

more

crackled, and

the

art

not

is with

matter

tuft of dried

his dead

lit and

among

'Thou

'

lit

all the Council

as

will

ye

here

man

dogs, fear.'

ye,

coals

what

matter

flung the fire-poton

the red

the

the

brought

which

He

up,

see

call ye

not

[dogs],as

sag

That

say.

may

have

man,

Flower

to

do

will do, and

ye

we

but

more,

yours

So

true.

are

any

What

should.

of

words

your

BOOK

JUNGLE

ye

are.

I
;

forgetyour

must

but

Because

I
I

was

will

be

all but

talk
more

your

BROTHERS

MOWGLTS

blood, I promise that when

in

brother

I will

men

among

debt

of

any

to

Khan

Shere

where

flames, and

the

him

Bagheera followed in
dog ! Mowgli cried.
I will

he

war

no

is

here
forward

strode

to

'

his

on

head,

blazingbranch

the

because

Council

rani

we

are

the

Red

Stir

Flower

was

when

me

beat

we

!
thy gullet

head
and

tigerwhimpered

in the

me

was

dogs
I

whisker, Lungri,and

down
the

over

killed

not

thus, then, do

and
men.

Khan

Shere

had

he

Thus

cub.

when

kill

cattle-killer said he would

This

'

the

foot,

near.

very

his eyes, for

shut

But

flat back

lay

ears

his

ablaze !

coat

Khan's

Shere
and

that

set

have

ye

'

or

as

shall be

He

man

blinkingstupidlyat the
by the tuft on his chin.
of accidents.
case
Up,
man
a
Up, when
speaks,

sat

caught

am

men

Pack.

go.'

fire with

There

up.
and

us

to

the

kicked

before

pay

betray ye

not

He
betrayedme.'
and the sparks flew
between

39

with

the

whined

in

'

beat

He

branch, and
an

agony

of

tear.

Pah

"

Singed jungle-cat go
"

when
a

man

hide

on

as

live
is

as

not

here

should
my
he

my

any

next

head

come,

For

pleases. Ye
will.

Nor

the Council

to

come

it will be with
the
will
do

out
longer,lolling

But

now

Shere

member
re-

Rock,
Khan's

goes free to
kill him, because that

rest, Akela
not

think
your

that ye

tongues

as

will

sit

though

THE

40

out
at

left

there

last

his

the

wolves

hurt

hurt

breath

ran

fur.

their

perhaps
Then

Mowgli's part.
Mowgli inside him,

in

life

his

and

sobbed,

What

is it ?

before,

and

the

At

he

as

and

he

tears

ran

his face.

down

What

is it ?

wish

leave

'

he

said.

'

jungle,and I do not
Am
I dying, Bagheera ?
this is.
Those
No, Little Brother.
are
only tears

not

to

the

do

know

'

what
'

as

taken

to

been

caught

burning furiously
Mowgli struck right

was

circle, and

had

that

never

I drive

only Akela, Bagheera, and

something began
had

fire

whom

dogs

sparks burning

the

were

wolves

ten

The

the

round
with

howling

'

branch, and

of the

the end

and

Go

thus !

"

of

somebodies, instead

were

ye

BOOK

JUNGLE

use,'said Bagheera.

men

art

and

man,

Jungle

is shut

indeed

to

fall, Mowgli.

them

sat

and

and

he

Mowgli
break

had

as

I know

longer.

no

only

are

his

though
cried

never

thou

henceforward.

thee

They

cried

Now

cub

man's

'

such

all

in

Let

tears.'

heart

The

So

would
his

life

before.
'

must

say

the

he

Now,'

he

said,

farewell
where

cave

cried

on

to

she

'

I will

my

to

go

mother

lived

her

coat, while

not

forgetme

with
the

But

men.
'

and

Father
four

he

first I
went

to

Wolf,

and

cubs

howled

miserably.
will

Ye

'

Never

while

we

can

'

said

follow

Mowgli.
a

trail,'said

the

BROTHERS

MOWGLI'S

cubs.

'

art

Come
and

man,

the

into

hill

the
thee

to

lands

crop-

conic

talk

will

we

of

foot

the

to

41

thou

and

will

we

with

play

to

when

by

thee

night.'
K

Come

frog,

little

thee

mine

will
it

in

the

down

mysterious

Wolf.

Father

soon

for

be

we

wise

Oh,

old,

be

will

loved

thy

to

lay

jungle
was

the

things

to

never

beginning
hillside
that

are

'

forget

not

forget
to

me

break

alone,
called

me

when
hide
!

Tell

'

when

to

men.

and

Khan's

Shere

Do

Rock.

loved

man,

Mowgli
out

naked

cubs.'

my

said

come,'

of

child

listen,

'little

Wolf,

Mother

ever

Council

dawn

The

went

for,

surely

the

them

than

come

upon

said

soon,'

more

'

said

I.'

'Come

of

'

again

come

and

mother

son

soon

meet

Mowgli
those

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

42

OF

HUNTING-SONG

THE

SEEONEE

PACK

As

dawn

the

twice

and

leaped

up,

Once,
And

doe

From
This

And
To

twice

wolf

stole
the

carry

And

Once,

As

the

Feet

in

Eyes

that

Tongue

jungle

"

Once,

can

see

sup

and

waiting

pack,
we

Wolf

the

bayed

his

on

Pack

yelled

leave

the

back

again

that
in

and

again

and

belled

stole

wolf

found

we

no

dark

mark
the

!
dark

"

give tongue
twice

deer

breaking

twice

the

and
the

to

and

was

Once,

wild

the

Sambhur

the

again

back,

twice

dawn

up

again

and

word

sought

we

where

breaking

was

Once,
a

and

twice

dawn

the

wood

the

leaped

alone, beheld,

I, scouting

Once,

As

in

pond

the

doe

belled

again
and

Sambhur

the

breaking

was

and

to

it !

again

Hark

! O

hark

track

KAA'S
HUNTING

Kaa's
His

spots

the

joy
pride.

arc

Buffalo's

Hunting

of

Leopard

the

clean, for the strength of the hunter

Be

his

horns

is known

by

the

are

the

gloss

of his hide.
If

find that the

ye

Sambhur
Yc

need

can

bullock
gore

heavy-browed

the

or

you,

stop work

not

toss

can

inform

to

us

it

knew

we

ten

seasons

before.

Oppress
a

For

the cubs

not

ml

of

the

stranger,

hail them

but

as

Sister

Brother,

though they

little and

arc

fubsy,it

may

be

the

Bear

is

his

their mother.
*

There

is

like

none

earliest kill
But

the

jungle

think

and

to

! ' says the

me

Cub

in the

prideof

he

is small.

Let

is

be

largeand

the

Cub

still.
Maxims

ALL

that

Mowgli

was

him

is told

happened

here

turned

out

of the
E

some

Seeonee

of B aloe.
time

before

wolf-pack,

or

It

revenged

himself

in

days

was

of

Law

the

bear

brown

for

the

the

was

of the

that

Baloo

will

Jungle

as

'

in

see

"

they

that

sharp

pack

own

repeat

can

make

noise ;

no

that

ears

of

much

as

their

as

dark

the

lairs,and

in their

learn

soon

him

big, serious, old

so
quick a pupil,

have

only

tiger.

teaching

was

The

Feet

the

Khan

appliesto
as

away

Verse

can

winds

when

wolves

run

Hunting

eyes

Shere

Jungle.
delightedto

tribe,and

and

on

the

young

the Law

the

the

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

46

hear

can

teeth, all

white

of our
brothers
thingsare the marks
except
hate.'
we
Tabaqui the Jackal and the Hyaena whom
But
Mowgli, as a man-cub, had to learn a great
Sometimes
deal more
than
this.
Bagheera, the
Black
Panther, would
come
lounging through the
his pet was
getting on, and
jungle to see how
would
his head
with
against a tree while
purr
The
Mowgli recited the day's lesson to Baloo.
well as he could
swim,
as
boy could climb almost
these

and

swim

almost

the Teacher
Water

when

he

came

disturbed

he

to

what

him
warn

splashed

to
to

upon
to

in
the

down

well

as

he could

run

tell

say
the

hive
to

of them

branches

water-snakes

among

Wood

the

at

Bat

from
wild

pools
None

Jungle-People like being disturbed,

and

bees
above

when

mid-day

in the
them.

and

fiftyfeet
the

Mang

Baloor

so

branch

rotten

to
speak politely
a

the

Law, taught him

how

; how

one

ground
how

of the

Laws

sound

as

he

and

before
of

the

all

are

KAA'S

HUNTIN(

47

Then, too,
fly at an intruder.
Hunting Call,
taught the Strangers'
Mowgli was
be repeatedaloud
till it is* answered,
which
must
of the Jungle-People hunts
outside
whenever
translated : 'Give
his
me
grounds. It means,
I am
here because
leave to hunt
hungry'; and the

ready

very

to

one

own

is

answer

'

Hunt

then

for

food, but

you

how

much

for

not

pleasure.'
this will show

All
to

learn

the

by heart, and
thing

same

Baloo

said

been

cuffed

cub

is

of the

off

run

cub,

and

when

day
in

he

times

Mowgli

temper

'

as

had

man's

all the Law

learn

must

but,

Jungle.'

'But

would

who

had

his

small

how

think

Panther,
had

and

very

hundred

over

Bagheera,one

to

man's

he grew

Mowgli had
tired of saying

way.

Black

the

if he

spoiled Mowgli

have
'

own

is,'said

he

How

his

can

little head

'

thy long talk ?

little to
be
Is there anythingin the jungletoo
is why I teach him these things,
That
killed ? No.
when
he
that is why I hit him, very
and
softly,
all

carry
'

,-ts.'
'

Iron-feet
bruised
'

by

me

harm

What

Softly!
?

dost thou

'

Bagheera grunted.
to-day by thy softness.

Better
who

he

should

love

him

be
than

of softness,old

know

face

His

head

he should

through ignorance,'Baloo

is all

Ugh.'
from

bruised
that

'

to
come

answered

foot
to

very

THE

48

earnestly.
of

Words

birds

the

claws

upon.

it'

ask

of it

he

I will

'

sullen

head

tree

adding

and

Bagheera
'

was

thee
'

and

Master

worth

dost

sharpen thy

to

Master

those

out

like
and

one

than

shall

he

very

to

the

the

at

them

say

if

"

bee-tree,' said

Mowgli slid
indignant,

and

ground

'

Baloo

come

for

'

me,' said Baloo, though he

grieved.
of

and

paw

'

angry

the

to

know.'

to

Brother

kill

not

Tell

Bagheera, then, the

Jungle that I have taught
'

day.'
Words

delighted to
*

the

that

give help

for thee^fat old

one

Words

tongues.

now

can

not

their heads, and

over

not

hurt

this

stretched

reached

is all

hunt

remember

are

likelyto

-trunk

That

Master

what

ringing like

is

he

as

He

thou

that

But

Little

littlevoice

down

Is

tree-trunk

no

Mowgli

Come,

My

only

jungle.

more

call

will.

will

still I should

"

'

pack.

all that

talons
steel-blue,ripping-chisel

the

admired
end

am

is

Bagheera

"

with

protect him

own

it then

to

He

Words

Master

'

man-cub.

blunt

he

all in the

Well, look

the

his

feet, except

little beating?
'

the

Snake-People,and

the

words, from

shall

that

Jungle

the

protection,if

claim

teaching him

now

am

and

four

on

'

BOOK

JUNGLE

show

/ know

little thou

for which
off.
them

'

people?
The

'

said

jungle

Mowgli,

has

many

all.'

knowest, but

not

much.

See, O

KAA'S

Bagheera, they

HUNTING

49

thank

never

their

teacher.

back
come
wolflinghas ever
old Baloo for his teachings. Say the word
Hunting-People,then
great scholar.'
small

one

Not
thank

to

for the

"

We

'

of

be

giving the

blood, ye

one

words

the

and

Bear

I,'said Mowgli,
which

accent

all the

use.
hunting-people

Good.

Now

for the

birds.'

with
Mowgli repeated,

of the

end

Kite's whistle

the

the

at

sentence.

for the

Now

Snake-People,'said Bagheera.
The
answer
was
a
perfectlyindescribable hiss,
and Mowgli kicked
up his feet behind, clapped his
hands
together to applaud himself, and jumped on
ming
to
Bagheera's back, where he sat sideways,drum*

his heels

with
the

faces he could

worst
*

said

There

there

"

brown

the

me.'

wilt remember

Bagheera
from

he
the

these

Mowgli
from

how

Hathi

about

down

him.

Then

had
Wild

he

how

against

neither

who

accidents

snake, bird, nor

Words

had

in
beast

all
taken

Word

Snake
not

now

was

tell

to

knows

could

Baloo

Mowgli
all

aside

Master.

get the

thou

day

Hathi

how
to

littlebruise,'

turned

begged the
Elephant,

making

Baloo.

'Some

tenderly.

water-snake, because

safe

at

worth

was

things, and
to
a
pool

it, and

because

bear

of

think

That

and

glossyskin

the

on

nounce
pro-

ably
reason-

the
would

jungle,
hurt

THE

50
No

be feared,' Baloo

is to

then

one

BOOK

JUNGLE

patting his big furry stomach

his

Except

'

; and

his breath

for my

care

with

own

tribe,'said

then

aloud

up,

pride.

Bagheera, under
a
Mowgli : Have
'

to

Brother

ribs, Little

wound

What

is all this

'

dancing up and down ?

Mowgli had been tryingto make
by pullingat Bagheera's shoulder
When

hard.

the

have

tribe of

all

branches

the
'

What

dreams
'

is
'

this.
'

off

Ah

Whoofl

branches
'

went

on.

them

shall

through
of

dreamer

and

dirt
have

They

at

old

promised

'

'

Baloo's

Bagheera's back,
big fore-pawshe

the

was

so

folly,little

new

throw

Baloo,' Mowgli
me

lead

he

Bagheera.

and

Yes,

kicking

him
And

heard

day long.'

this

said

'

and

own,

my

fur and
to

top of his voice

the

shouting at

listened

two

himself

big
and

could

paw

as

see

the

scooped Mowgli
boy lay between
Bear

the

was

angry.

ing
Mowgli,' said Baloo, thou hast been talkwith the Bandar-log" tine Monkey-People.'
Mowgli looked .at Bagheera to see if the Panther
'

was

'

too, and

angry

Bagheera'seyes

as

were

hard

as

jade-stones.
'

gray
of

Thou
apes

hast been
"

the

everything.
*

When

Baloo

with

the

Monkey-People

people without
That

hurt

Law

"

the

"

the

eaters

is great shame.'
my

head/

said

Mowgli (he

KAA'S
"A

still

as

his

on

No

The

pity

snorted.

of

'

the

He

the

51

went

had

and

snuffled

the

and

away,

trees

the

summer

the

me.

little.

'

mountain
And

sun

gray

pityon

Monkey-People

stillness of

The

of

cool

The

from

else cared.'

one
*

back),

down

came

apes

HUNTING

Baloo
!

stream

then,

man-

cub?'
*

then, and

And

pleasantthingsto

then, they gave

eat, and

they

they

"

up to the top of the

their blood-brother
except that

in their
was

and

arms

be their leader

should

carried

and

trees

and

nuts

me

had

me

said I

no

tail,

day.'
Bagheera. 'They

some

*They have no leader,'said

lie. They have always lied.'
come
They were
again.
very kind and bade me
been taken
the MonkeyWhy have I never
among
1'eople: They stand on their feet as I do.
They
do not
hit me
with hard paws.
They play all day.
*

Let

me

play with
*

get up !
them

Bad

Baloo, let

like

up

I will

again.'

Listen, man-cub,' said the

rumbled

me

thunder

on

Bear, and

hot

night.

his voice
*

have

Jungle for all the

the jungle except
the Monkey-Folk
live in the trees.
who
They have no law. They
are
outcasts.
They have no speech of their own,
which
but
the
stolen
words
use
they overhear
when
they listen, and peep, and wait up above in
the branches.
Their
is not
our
They
way
way.
taught thee
peoples of

all the

Law
"

of

the

THE

52

and

boast

They

and

chatter

great people about

have

They

leaders.

without

are

BOOK

JUNGLE

monkeys

hunt

thou

do

we

was

die

where

me

speak

Mowgli

in

still now

very
'The

of

and

they

Baloo

of

out

have

fixed

any

But

Jungle-People.
when

they throw
He

had

they

die.

they
Hast
till

Bandar-log

their

them

nuts

do
and

They

had

and
and

they

could

hear

jumpings high

notice

not
on

when

up

through

in the

are

very

them

even

heads.'

our

coughings

their

they desire, if
noticed
by the

be

filth

of

out

minds.

desire, to
we

forest

the

finished.

put

hardly spoken
twigs spattered down

angry

where

go
where

evil, dirty, shameless, and

many,

drink

hunt

the

jungle

not

not

the

minds

of the

whisper, for

Jungle -People

mouths

not

in

their

do

are

'

No,' said

'

do

we

not

heard

ever

to-day ?

go

they

affairs

great

jungle,but the fallingof a nut turns

to
laughterand all is forgotten. We
We
have
no
dealingswith them.
drink ; we
where
the monkeys
do
the

that

pretend
do

to

remembrance.

no

shower

of

the

branches

and

howlings

air among

the

nuts

and
thin

branches.
'The
'

Monkey-People

forbidden
'

to

the

Forbidden,'

think
them.'

Baloo

are

forbidden,' said Baloo,

Jungle-People.
said
Bagheera ;

should

have

warned

Remember.'
'

but

thee

against

still

HUNTING

KAA'S
I

'

the

Baloo

\Vhat

perfectlytrue.
and

beasts

as

to

the

and

sticks

of

hope

People
or

wolf,
would

being

noticed.

would

start

the

leave

and

themselves,

of

customs

invite

the

could

Jungle-People

always just going

and

have

to

dead

in the

would

howl

the

monkeys

where

They

them.

leader, and

but

their own,

over

see

throw

Jungleand
fightthem,
nothing among

trees

battles

no

and

fun

for

they

their

up
furious

would

Then

songs,

climb

But

beast

any

was

Jungle-People
whenever
they
tiger,or bear,

the

him, and

torment

at

nuts

to

and

heads

there

up,

wounded

or

shriek senseless

and

look

seldom

monkeys and
other's path.

sick

monkeys

their

on

play
Faugh !'

away,

very

each

cross

found

down

came

for the

occasion

would

he

guess

takingMowgli with them.

said about
the
had
monkeys was
They belonged to the tree-tops,

trotted

two

to

Monkey-People

The

fresh shower

was

dirt?

such

with

How

I?

"

53

were

laws

and

did, because

they never

from

day to
day, and so they compromised things by making
the Eandar-kg think
What
now
a
saying :
up
would

memories

their

hold

not

over

the

jungle

them

think

great deal.
them, but on

reach
beasts
were

will

would
so

notice

pleased when

them, and

they heard

later,'and
of

None

hand

them, and

that

Mowgli
how

angry

beasts

the

other

the

comforted

that

of

none

was

came

Baloo

to

could
the

why they

play with
was.

They
invented

seemed

what

useful
could

wind

the

so,

him

make

teach

woodcutter's
and

used

without

be

tribe, because

the

he

for

together

child, inherited

all

he

thinking how

of

sorts

of

little huts

make

to

them

would

Mowgli

in

of

one

brilliant idea, and

that

log
Bandar-

protectionfrom
if they caught him, they could
Of
them.
course
Mowgli, as a

sticks

weave

the

"

all ; but

him

keep

to

person

more

any

at

to

others

all the

told

he

anything

mean

never

do

to

meant

never

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

54

to

came

instincts,

fallen

branches

it,and

do

the

Monkey-People, watching in the trees, considered

his play most
wonderful.
This
time, they said,
they were
reallygoing to have a leader and become
the
one

wisest

else would
followed

they

the

through
the

of

in the

jungle

so

"

notice

and

Baloo

and

jungle very

mid-day

ashamed
the

people

envy

Therefore

them.

Bagheera and
quietlytill it was

nap, and

Mowgli, who
himself, sleptbetween

Bear, resolvingto

that every

wise

have

more

no

was

the
to

Mowgli
time

much

very
Panther
do

for

with

and
the

Monkey-People.
The
hands
hands
and

his

on

and

"

then

boughs
cries
every

as

and
tooth

legs and

then

he

he

thing

next

was

swash

remembered
arms

"

of

staringdown

Baloo

woke

Bagheera
bared.

the

bounded
The

was

feeling

hard, strong, little

branches
in his face,

through the swaying

jungle with his deep
up

the

Bandar-log

trunk

with

howled

with

KAA'S
and

scuffled away
Bagheera dared not

triumph
where

has

HUNTING

noticed

to

55
the

branches

upper

follow,shouting:

'

He

All
Bagheera has noticed us.
the Jungle-Peopleadmire
for our
skill and
us
our
the
cunning.' Then they began their flight
; and
of the Monkey-People through tree-land is
flight
of the things nobody can
describe.
one
They
have
their regularroads and
cross-roads,up hills
and down
all laid out
from
hills,
fiftyto seventy
feet above ground, and by these they
hundred
a
travel even
Two
of the
at night if necessary.
strongest monkeys caught Mowgli under the arms
off with
him
and
through the tree-tops,
swung
Had
they been alone
twenty feet at a bound.
they could have gone twice as fast,but the boy's
weight held them back. Sick and giddy as Mowgli
he could
not
was
help enjoying the wild rush,
below
though the glimpses of earth far down
frightenedhim, and the terrible check and jerk
the end of the swing over
at
nothing but empty
air brought his heart
his teeth.
between
His
us

or

can

rush

would

escort

thinnest

them,

him

branches

topmost

and

then

with

flingthemselves
and
their

feet

Sometimes
the

he

still green

up,

the
could

the

under

whoop

would

air outward

hanging by
limbs

see

for miles

jungle,as

bend

and

and

lower

man

felt the

till he

tree

crackle

cough

into

bring
to

up

of

their
the

and
on

and

hands
next

miles
the

ward,
downor

tree.
across

top of

THE

56
mast

can

see

for miles

across

leaves

would

and

branches

BOOK

JUNGLE

and

the sea,

him

lash

the

then

the

across

be almost
guards would
earth again. So, bounding and
down
to
crashing
tribe
of
and
whooping and yelling,the whole
Bandar-log swept along the tree-roads with Mowgli
their prisoner.

face, and

For

time

he

then

and

he

his

he

grew

two

afraid

was

but

angry

struggle,and

then

he

thing was

send

back

to

heera, for, at

the

he

friends

It

knew

his
useless

was

top -sides

the

see

and

upward
Kite

and

dropped

whether

with

few

their load

far

behind.

could

he

the

of

waves

Rann

be
the

balanced
the

he

of

only
stared

he

so

the

blue, Rann

little brown

Pack

heard

and

to

blood,

one

away

yards

face

He

eat.

thou

closed
to

find

to

out

whistled

Mowgli being dragged

him
give the Kite call

saw

branches

trail,'Mowgli

Seeonee

good

tree-top and

'We

"

hundred

was

surprisewhen

to

up

my

in

Baggoing,

were

branches,

away

and

left

for

first

as

saw

see

be

to

The

Baloo

monkeys

down,
the

far

saw,

think.

to

would

than

he
balancingand wheeling
kept watch
the jungle waiting for thingsto die.
Rann
that the monkeys
were
carrying something,

over

for

the

of

better

to

word

look

being dropped

knew

began

pace

to

of

the

shouted.

Bagheera of

I.'

the

boy,

but

time

to

over

next

come

and

tree

up

'Tell

in

again.
Baloo

the Council

The

Mark

of

the

Rock.'

KAA'S
whose

In

'

'

had

Harm

before, though of

never

had

he

course

of him.

heard

the

Mowgli,

'

57

Brother

name,

Mowgli

seen

HUNTING

Mark

my

tra-il !

they

call

me

'

last words

The

Man-cub

Frog.

shrieked

were

he

as

being

was

and rose
through the air,but Rann nodded
looked
no
bigger than a speck of dust,
up till he
his telescope
he hung, watching with
and
there
the swaying of the tree -tops
as
Mowgli's
eyes
whirled along.
escort
chuckle.
he said with
a
'They never
go far/
do what
Always
they set out to do.
They never
thingsare the Bandar-log. This
pecking at new
time, if I have any eyesight,
they have pecked down
is no
trouble for themselves, for Baloo
fledgling
than goats.'
and Bagheera can, as I know, kill more
his wings,his feet gatheredup
So he rocked
on
swung

'

him, and

under

Meantime,
with

rage

and

climbed

never

beneath

his

waited.

and

Baloo

Bagheera

furious

were

grief. Bagheera climbed

before, but the thin branches

weight, and

he

slippeddown,

had

he

as

broke

his claws

full of bark.
4

Why

m;ired
trot
1

What

blows

to

in

didst thou
poor
the
\\.is

if thou

not

Baloo, who

hope
the
didst

of
use

not

man-cub?

the

warn

had

off

set

at

'

he

clumsy

overtaking the monkeys.

with
of half slaying him
warn

him

'

THE

58
Haste

'

'

panted.
speed !

yet ! Baloo
At

'

that

of

Teacher

cow.

of

still and

Sit

for

time
follow
1

! Whoo

already, being
Give

me

hives

burst

mile

"

thee

open.

plan.

This

is

no

drop

him

if

we

may

They

of

tired

Put

bones

black

wild

the

death, and

bury

of

miserable

dead

eat

to

bees

that

the

with

me

may

have

bears

dropped

him

Who

can

him.

carrying

Bandar-log ?

of

most

Make

wounded

cub -beater

them

close.'

Arrula

the

tire

not

"

They

catch

may

fro would

chasing.

too

trust

Law

and

think

we

"

It would

the

rollingto

that

We

haste !

! O

BOOK

JUNGLE

bats

on

Roll

be

to

the

am

Wahooa

the

stung

for I

Hyasna,

Arulala

into

me

may

head

my

thee against
Mowgli, Mowgli ! why did I not warn
of breaking thy head ?
the Monkey-Folk
instead
Now
the day's lesson
perhaps I may have knocked

of his mind,

out

without

to

and
*

clasped his

fro

At

thou

alone

in the

jungle

paws

his

over

ears

rolled

and

moaning.

least he

little time

will be

Words.'

Master

the

Baloo

he

and

ago,'said

hast neither

all the

Words

correctlya
Bagheera, impatiently. Baloo,
me

gave

'

memory

nor

respect.

What

would

the

jungle think if I, the Black Panther, curled

myself up like Ikki the Porcupine, and howled ?
'

may

What
be

do
dead

by

care

what

now.'

the

jungle

thinks

He

HUNTING

KAA'S

branches

in

have

fear

no

until

and

Unless

'

sport,
for

59

kill

or

him

is in

the

has

idleness, I

the

But
of

power

any

that

it is

(and

the

and

eyes

Bandar-log,

they,because they live in trees, have

of our
people.' Bagheera licked one

and

the

is wise

He

well-taught,and above all he

make
the Jungle-Peopleafraid.
great evil) he

of

out

man-cub.

the

from

him

they drop

fear of

no

fore-paw

thoughtfully.
that I

Fool

"

am

fat,brown, root-digging

Oh

fool that I am,' said Baloo, uncurlinghimself with

what

each

his

Bandar-log, fear

Kaa

the

they

can.

says

climb

is
To

"

well

as

as

in the

monkeys

will

'\Vhat

he

tribe,being footless

for
and

"

and

Let

go
is

not

evil

most

can

young

of his

us

He

with

He

steals the

whisper

us?

Elephant
they, the

Snake.

He

tails cold.
do

"

Rock

The

night.

their wicked

makes

fear

own

Wild

the

Hathi

true

jerk, 'it

name

Kaa/

to

of

our

said
eyes,'

Bagheera.
*

he
*

is very

is

always

Promise
*

He

eaten.

awake

old

He

and

it'he would

Bagheera, who did not

naturallysuspicious.
in

that

case,

rather
know

thou

Above

cunning.

hungry,' said
him
goats.'
many
sleepsfor a full month
be asleep now,
He
may

what

'Then

very

hopefully.

Baloo

after

and

much

and

he
even

kill his

has
were

once

he
'

own

about

all,

goats?
Kaa,

was

together,old

THE

60

him

reason.'

Here

shoulder

against

faded

his

rubbed

BOOK

make

might

hunter,

JUNGLE

Panther, and

see

brown

they

off

went

for

look

to

Baloo
the

Kaa

the

Rock-python.
found

They
in

the

him

afternoon

coat, for he

stretched

his

his

darting

splendid
"

skin, and

big

ledge

warm

beautiful

his

for the

in retirement

been

days, changing

on

admiring

sun,

had

out

he

now

blunt-nosed

new

last

was

ten

very

head

along

ground, and twistingthe thirtyfeet of his body

and curves,
and lickinghis lips
into fantastic knots
he thought of his dinner
to
as
come.
the

He

'

has

relief,as
brown
He

eaten,' said Baloo, with

not

soon

Kaa

'

very
not

was

despised

the

quick to strike.'
a
poison-snake

poison-snakes

be

to

sitting
up

was

accident, his head

Good

Baloo,

he

Bagheera.

dost
One

curled

but
had

there

cried

up

not

ready

his
once

no

was

all snakes
did

rather

Baloo,
of

hear
for

his
the

any

lowered.

hunting

what

Like

he
"

he

anybody
hunting !

deaf, and

rather

Then

when

'

Good

his haunches.

first.

at

cowards

as

and

hug,

coils round

said.

on

breed, Kaa

his

fact

in

"

strength lay in
lapped his huge
more

beautifullymottled

yellow jacket. Be careful,Bagheera !

always a little blind after he has changed his

skin, and

the

saw

and

is

call

he

as

of

grunt

for

us

thou
of

us

all,'he answered.
do

at

here ?

least needs

Good

food.

'

Oho,

hunting,
Is there

HUNTING

KAA'S
of

news

any

buck

young
We

game
I
?

empty

as

am

that

as

or

now,

dried

Baloo

even

well.'

carelessly.He
He

Kaa.

hurry

not

must

you

doe

hunting,'said

are

knew

afoot ?

61

is too

big.
'Give
Kaa.

blow

'

permission to

me

Baloo, but

Bagheeraor
claysin

for

the

chance

mere

of

to

night on

Pss

ape.

wait

wait and

half

climb

young

thee,

nothing to

I have

"

wood-path and

is

less

or

more

you,' said

with

come

! The

naw

when
I was
they were
Rotten
twigsand dry boughs are they all.'
young.
Maybe thy great weight has something to do
branches

what

not

are

'

with
I

with

of

matter,' said Baloo.

the
am

fair

length
But
little pride.
a

"

'

this

my

of

noise

my

last hunt

for
slipping,

came

very

indeed

near

very

"

said Kaa,
length,'

for all that,it is the fault

timber.

new-grown

on
tailing

fair

tail

my

was

"

his

under
remember
*

Sssss

though

whiskers, as

something.
Have
!
they

he

called

ever

were

and

tight
Bandar-logy
Bagheera

trying to
that ?

me

the

not

the
wrapped round the tree, waked
evil names.'
and they called me
most
Footless, yellow earth-worm,' said
k

to

near

'

said

Kaa.

'Something
shouted

They

to

us

will say

of

that

kind
but

last moon,

anything
"

even

we

it
never

that

was

noticed

that thou

they
them.

hast lost all

THE

62

thy teeth,

wilt

and

because

kid,

face

not

(they
"

thou

goat'shorns,' Bagheera
Now

seldom

'

said

quietly.
I heard

'

It

said Baloo
that
the

in

'

When

them

; but

such

certain

am

hunters

as
replied,courteously,
'

old
to

Indeed,' Baloo
and

the
*

Is

Seeonee

nut-stealers

heard.'

our

and

'

am

snap,
'

The

the

Black

for

trouble

of

with
no

whom

interested

thing

that

own

curiosity.
the

than

more

of the

Law
'

here

Panther, and
did

he

of

one

jungle
Bandar-log,'Kaa

Bagheera

leaves
thou

his

believe

not

is this, Kaa.

pickers of palm

man-cub,

being

foolish Teacher

wolf-cubs, and

Bagheera,'said

jaws shut with

being humble.

away

very

the

now,'

throat, for
that

in their

swelled

began,

sometimes

his

small

no

day
to-

sun

follow

we

to

leaders

he

Baloo

tree-tops.'

his memory

trail of

the

on

"

"

the

the

in

two

but

bulge.

into

up

Jungle-People had owned

the doings of the monkeys.
then
it is
Beyond doubt

takes

like

grounds,'he

their

stuck

in

first time

the

was

came

words

the

he-

python

rippleand

shifted

the

big swallowing-muscles

whooping among
Bandar-log that

it is the

"

old

is angry,

he

throat

have

Bandar-log

of

sweetly.

on

the

see

side of Kaa's

The

went

that

shows

could

Bagheera
either

on

afraid

art

these

shameless,

snake, especiallya wary

Kaa, very
and

anything bigger than

indeed

are

because

Bandar-log}

BOOK

JUNGLE

have

hast

in

Those
stolen

perhaps

HUNTING

KAA'S
*

I heard

some

from

news

presumptuous) of
a
wolf-pack,but

him
into

it is

But

I did

was/ said Baloo.

of man-cubs
of

name

! Ts

Ts

fro.

Our

now,

they fear
They

all the

the

jungles;

shaking

his

head

is.

love

to

and

There

are

clear

alone.'

fear

me

alone.

They

and

thing
grow
down.

do

"

vain, foolish,
But

man-

They
good luck.
tired of the nuts
they pick,and throw them
half a day, meaning
They carry a branch
it
great things with it,and then they snap
in

their

hands

That

man

two.

They

good reason,'

have

Chattering,foolish,vain
chattering,are the monkeys.

said Kaa.

called

'Worm
as

shall make

tell that"

Kaa

'

boldest

him, Kaa.'
what

known

and

wisest

never

as

night when we are all well

to
praiseproperly,'said Bagheera, quickly.
of the Bandar-log
is in the hands
man-cub
that of all the Jungle-People
know
and we

fed

in

said Kaa,

need

That

to

'

love

"

I also have

tales I could

we

"

man-cub

pupil,who
through

own

is

Ikki

badly told.'

very

best and

The

entered

was

believe.

not

is such

famous

Baloo

besides,I

and

my

"

and

He

true.

(hisquillsmake

Ikki

man-thing that

full of stories half heard

*

63

well

shame.'

as

also"

me

"

is in

worm

other

"

no

-thing is not to
"yellow fish,"was

be

envied.

it not?'

earth-worm,' said Bagheera,

thingswhich

cannot

now

say for

We

'

remind

must

well

of

help

their

ing
wander-

their

the

with

they

went

wouldst

How

frogs

or

"

I take

but

way,

We

had

the sunset,
that

thought

thou

Kaa.'

know,

I ?

Toward

knows.

believe,'said Baloo.

my

speak

must

whither

jungle alone

The

'

to

'

?
*

We

Now,

memories.
cub

them

Aaa-sssh

master.

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

64

do

on

they

the

hunt

not

scum

green

when

them

Bandar-log,
for

-hole

water

in

come

or

that

matter.'

from,
with

and
the

It

wings.

had

ranged

Bear

and

'

I have
bade

have

city
"

is it ?

What

He

to

the

bats

my

message.

cried

Full

to

in

him

came

the

upturned flangesof
bed-time, but

jungle looking
the thick foliage.

I watched.

Lairs.

watch

through

Good
and
'

the

among

nights,or

Bagheera.

voice

Kite, sweeping down

beyond

Cold

gorge

the

'

the

Mowgli

ten

he

for

the

said Baloo.

tell you.

taken
the

'

seen

me

night, or

him

Pack

Illo,look

the

over

missed

Illo !

Rann's

near

was

all

on

where

see

Rann

was

shining

sun

'

to

up

there

Wolf

Seeonee

looked

Baloo

Hillo

Up, Up

of the

Baloo

up,

his

Up, Up

'

The

the river

They

for

That

below

thee

told

have

time.

hunting, all you

a
deep sleep to

I will remember

monkey

stay there

may

dark

log
Bandar-

the

to

hour.

an

the

Bandar-log.

you,
in

'

Rann/
my

next

is

KAA'S

kill,and

put aside the head

of kites !

nothing.

the

Master

and

Kami

so

young
birds too

must

the

go

lost and

the Cold

to

boar
the

the Cold

buried

said

of

held

It is half

We

fast
We
must

Feet

his

tongue/ said

To

think

of

the

as

one

have

dare

go
or

no

much

of

what

city,

seldom

The

wild

Besides,

not.

they could

as

be

self-respecting

no

eye-shot of

it except

half-ruined

in

tanks

and

speed/

said

little water.

night'sjourney

at

"

looked

very

full

serious.

I will

can/ he said, anxiously.

wait

not
on

beasts

used.

once

and

the

few

old deserted

an

jungle,and

within

Baloo
I

was

as

but

there, because

do
hunting-tribes

come

Bagheera,and
as

Lairs

drouth, when

reservoirs
4

less,'

no

roost.

placewas,

went

anywhere,

would

times

that

lived there

live

to

animal

done

held

Lairs.'

men

will, but the

monkeys

'

in

place that

have

boy

for the
remembering the Master Word
while he was
!
being pulled across-trees
most
firmlydriven into him,' said BagBut
I am
we
proud of him, and now

they called

go

I could

They all knew where

Jungle-Peopleever

use

The

'

was

heera.

best

alone, O

nothing.

again to his
not
forgottento use
chuckle
of pride.
a

has

It

It is

Word.

Baloo, with

for thec

circled up

He

65

'

It is

'

HUNTING

for thee.

quick-foot
feet, I can
keep
the

"

Follow, Baloo.
Kaa

and

I.'

abreast of all

thy

THE

66

BOOK

JUNGLE

four,' said Kaa, shortly. Baloo

but

hurry,

had

effort

one

panting, and

sit down

to

made

to

they

so

Bagheera hurried
said
forward, at the quick panther-canter. Kaa
nothing, but, strive as Bagheera might, the huge
When
they
Rock-python held level with him.

left him

to

to

came

hill-stream, Bagheera gained,because

bounded

while

across

of

his

neck

ground
By

Kaa

made

the

Broken

feet

'

me
'

'

Kaa

clearingthe
the

up

Worm
All

Let

one.

with
the

us

freed
'

two

level

on

me,' said Bagheera,

thou

art

slow

no

boot.'

yellow to

on,' and

steady eyes,

Cold

seen

Lairs

Indian

an

heap

splendid.

little hill.

seemed

Kaa

the

wood

keeping to
Monkey-People

friends
Lost

at

Some

shortest

for the time.

king
the

hung

had

ruined
to

the

very

were

very

the

had
this

wonderful

long
stone

gates where
worn,

had

Mowgli
though

built it

still trace

not

were

They

City,and

citybefore, and

could
to

all.

to

it.

and

of ruins it seemed

You

that led up
of
splinters

Besides, they called

along the ground, findingthe

his

almost

'

and

go

thinking of Mowgli's
brought the boy to the
pleased with themselves

but

fallen,

earth-worm,

"

road

and

that

Kaa.

am

himself

was

water,

and

'

pour

never

head

he

distance.

Lock

hungry,' said
speckledfrog.'

In

his

swam,

twilighthad

when

goer

later,while

on

come

rusted

on

ago
ways
cause-

the

last

hinges.

KAA'S
Trees

had

wild

tumbled

were

hung

creepers

and

into

grown

battlements

HUNTING
of

out

down
of

out

67
the

decayed,and

and

the

walls ; the

of

windows

the

in

the walls

bushy hanging clumps.

the hill,
and the
A great roofless palacecrowned
of the courtyards and
the fountains
marble
was
and stained with red and green, and the very
split,
the king'selephants
cobble-stones in the courtyard where

towers

on

used

been

live had

to

the

up

roads

palaceyou

pits and

; the

met

of

at

stone

four

where

square

dimples

that

honeycombs

like empty

idol, in the

an

apart

of roofless houses

city looking

been

had

the

blackness; the shapelessblock

filled with
that

and

up

From

trees.
grasses and young
could see the rows
and rows

by

made

thrust

street-corners

publicwells once stood, and the shattered

their
of temples with wild figssproutingon
domes
The
sides.
monkeys called the place their city,
and pretended to despisethe Jungle-Peoplebecause
knew
they lived in the forest. And yet they never
how
for nor
made
the buildingswere
to
what
use
them.
They would sit in circles on the hall of the
where

the

kind's council

pretend to
of

be

men

the roofless
bricks

and

old

had

hidden

crowds,
the

chamber,

and

terraces

and

corner,

them,

and

then

break

of the

for fleas and

scratch

they would

or

houses
in

and

run

in and

out

piecesof plaster
forgetwhere they

collect
and

fight and cry

off to play up

king'sgarden,where

in

scuffling

and

down

they would

the

shake

and

hundreds

of

remembered
; and

not

crowds
men

water

then
shout

little dark
what

drifted

so

palace
but

rooms,

had

they

the

in

and

seen

about

in

to

and

they

what

the
never

had

they

and

ones

see

all the

explored

They

tunnels

dark

passages

in sport

oranges

fall.

flowers

fruit and

the

the

and

trees

rose

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

68

twos

or

doing as
tellingeach other that they were
tanks
did.
and made
the
at the
They drank
all muddy, and then they fought over
it,and
all rush
and
they would
together in mobs
is no
There
in the jungle so wise and
:
one

good

'

clever

and

Bandar-log.'
of

tired

grew

and

all would

Then

cityand

the

and

strong

gentle

the

as

begin again till they

back

went

the

to

tree-

hoping the Jungle-Peoplewould notice them.

Mowgli, who had been trained under the Law

tops,

of the
of

Jungle, did not

life.
The
monkeys

Lairs

late in the

like

understand

or

dragged

afternoon, and

have
Mowgli would
journey, they joined hands and

sleep,as

sang
made

foolish

their

speech

told

into

instead
done

of

the

going to
after a long
about

the

show

them

together

Mowgli
work

as

how
a

picked

them

to

companions

his

sticks

weave

protection against
up

in and

some

out,

creepers

and

the

and

monkeys

Mowgli?s capture marked

a
new
thing
historyof the Bandar-log,for Mowgli was
to

Cold

of

danced

One

songs.

and

him

this kind

in

and

monkeys

the

going

and

rain

that

canes

and

cold.

began

to

tried

to

HUNTING

KAA'S
imitate

but

in

69

few

very

minutes

lost

they

pull their friends' tails or

all fours, coughing.
on
jump up and down
I am
I wish to eat,'said Mowgli.
a
stranger
food, or give
in this part of the jungle. Bring me
and

interest

began

to

leave

me

to

Twenty

nuts

and

fightingon

the

trouble

to

Mowgli

back

go

; but
pawpaws
road, and it was

wild

with

and

sore

was

bounded

thirtymonkeys

or

bring him
to

here.'

hunt

what

to

they

fell

much

too

left of the fruit.

was

well

as

angry

away

hungry, and
city giving the
as

through the empty

Hunting Call from time 'to time, but no
Strangers'
answered
him, and Mowgli felt that he had
one
roamed

he

All that Baloo

placeindeed.
the Bandar-log is true,'he thought
has said about
himself.
Law,
no
Hunting
to
'They have no
leaders
Call, and
no
nothing but foolish words
if I am
So
little picking thievish hands.
and
reached

bad

very

"

starved
I

But

or

must

will

Baloo

killed here, it will be

me,

with

leaves

had

he

but

walked

that

the
to

own

my

fault.

own

jungle.

is better

than

Bandar-log?
the

citywall

than

monkeys pulled him back, tellinghim that he

how
know
not
happy he was, and pinching
him
make
to
grateful. He set his teeth and
the shouting monkeys
with
nothing,but went

the

did
him
said
to

sooner

to

return

surely beat

chasingsillyrose
No

to

try

all my

terrace

above

the

red

sandstone

reservoirs

THE

7o
that

the

blocked

walls

beautiful

and

came

the

as

tell him

they

and

were,

We

'

We

the

are

jungle ! We
true,'they shouted.
and

can

will tell you

he

listen

of the
for
*

'

Now

they

all about

our

may

to

their

of
is

true

we

are

back

notice

new

the

in future,

us

the.
on

must

to

excellent

most

it

selves.'

monkeys

the

terrace

speakers singing the praises

own

breath

so

you

words

our

are

people in

and

as

leave

We

wonderful
so,

gentle

to

free.

are

all say

Bandar-log,and

want

This

the

through

wish

to

no
Mowgli made
objection,and
and
hundreds
gathered by hundreds

to

as

strong and

was

most

carry
that

and

We

great.

Jungle-Peopleso
we

"

agates and

hill it shone

wise

all the

listener

tracery

with

set

; but

enter

lapis lazuli,and

foolish

how
are

wonderful.

be

to

of marble

the

great and

how

them.

used

the

the
on
castingshadows
ground
velvet
embroidery. Sore, sleepy, and
he was,
Mowgli could not help laughing
Bandar-log began, twenty at a time, to

the

when

from

work,

black

hungry

behind

centre

hundred

passage

fret-work,

half fallen in and

had

screens

jasper and

up

open

like

of

was

in the

dead

queens

queens

milk-white

cornelians
moon

the

made

were

marble

underground

which

palace by
the

the

up

There

water.

roof

domed

The

ago.

years

for

built

terrace,

rain

of white

summer-house

ruined
of

of

half-full

were

BOOK

JUNGLE

whenever

they
all

would

say

so.'

speaker stopped

all shout

together:
Mowgli nodded

KAA'S

HUNTING

Winked, and said 'Yes'

and

71

when

asked

they

him

with
the
noise.
question,and his head spun
bitten all these
have
Tabaqui, the Jackal, must
they have
people,'he said to himself, 'and now
ness.
the madness.
Certainlythis is dewante, the madthere
is
Now
Do
they never
go to sleep?
If it were
that moon.
cloud
a
coming to cover
only a big enough cloud I might try to run away

a
*

in the
That

cloud

same

did

numbers,

monkeys
*

and

in my

were

here

that

cloud

the

to

run

but

we

the

covers

They
boy.'

do

must

hold

I
sort

we

The
to

whispered,
slope of the
throw

selves
them'

but
that

Baloo
When

can.

shall
of

large

odds.

Would

what

moon

some

how

in

those

in their hundreds,

back

well

hundred

swiftlywith the
favour.
They will not

two

city

risks.

any

wall,' Kaa

west

by
the

knowing
People were

it,'said Bagheera.

I know

over

the

to

my

upon

terrace.

below

down

come

ground
*

in

will go

ditch

fightunless they are

for
the junglecare

never

few

and

one,

wish

not

watched

Kaa,

Monkey

the

being

ruined

wall, for Bagheera and

dangerous

tired.'

am

was

in the

friends

good

But

darkness.

go
council

to

the
there

hunting,'said Kaa, grimly, and glided

That
wall.
the west
to
happened to be the
of any, and the big snake
ruined
was
delayed

'Good
away
least
awhile

before

he

could

find

way

up

the

stones.

THE

72

hid

cloud

The

would

what

feet

the

up

the

The

slope almost

"right

round

There

was

him,

here

one

to

the

and

had

raced

was

ing
strik-

in

time

waste

and

rage,

then

shouted

! Kill.'

There

'

is

broken

would

badly bruised,
but

Mowgli

and

landed
'

have

with

for

fell

the

fall

Baloo

as

of

pulling,
of

six laid hold

the

man-trained

only

scufflingmass

Bagheera,while five or
Mowgli, dragged him up the wall
house
and
pushed him through
A

as

bodies

rolling kicking

over

dome.

were

and sixtydeep.
fifty

monkeys, biting,scratching,tearing,and
closed

biting

who

monkeys,

frightand

on

Kill him

sound

the

monkey

Mowgli wondered
Bagheera'slight
Panther

in circles

of

howl

than

Mowgli

Bagheera tripped
beneath

heard
Black

left among

as

without

better

and

seated

he

next

terrace.

he knew

"

and

moon,

come

the

on

BOOK

JUNGLE

of

boy

the

summer-

of

hole

the

been

have

good fifteen feet,

taught him to fall,

was

had

his feet.

on

till we
the
Stay there,' shouted
monkeys,
killed thy friends, and
later we
will play
if the Poison-People leave thee alive.'
thee
'

"

'

We

be

of

blood,

one

ye

quickly giving the Snake's

rustlingand hissingin the
and

gave
'

the

Even

dozen

low

sooner

or

Call

ssso

voices
later

second
Down

(every

and

I,' said Mowgli,

Call.
rubbish

time,
hoods
ruin

could

hear

all round

him

He

to

make

all !
in

'

sure.

said

India

of snakes,
dwelling-place

half

becomes
and

the

KAA'S
summer-house

old

still, Little

HUNTING

73

alive with

was

for

Brother,

cobras).
feet

thy

Stand

do

may

us

harm.'

Mowgli
through the

stood

as

work

open

quietlyas he could, peering

the furious
and listening
to

the
fight round the Black Panther
and
and scufflings,
Bagheera's
yellsand chatterings
and
deep, hoarse cough as he backed and bucked
the
and
twisted
heaps of his
plunged under
of

din

the

"

For

enemies.

he

born,

was

his life.

fightingfor

Bagheera was

since

first time

the

Bagheerawould
have
alone,'Mowgli thought; and then
come
called aloud:
the
'To
tank, Bagheera. Roll
Roll
and
the water-tanks.
plunge ! Get to
*

Baloo

\\Mter

be

must

hand

at

not

he
to

the

'

Bagheera heard, and the cry that told him

He
him
safe gave
new
Mowgli was
courage.
inch by inch, straight
his way
worked
desperately,
from
Then
for the reservoirs,hittingin silence.
the
the jungle rose
wall nearest
the ruined
up
of

rumbling war-shout
done
*

his

best,

but

Baloo.

Bagheera,'he shouted,

haste !

feet !

Ahuwora
Wait

EamLir-log!
disappear to
he

threw

!
my

'

He
the

himself

could

he
"

The

am

in

old

not

come

wave

squarelyon

Bear

slip under

most

the

had

before.

I climb

here.

stones

coming,
panted up
head

The

!
my

infamous

only to
monkeys, but

terrace

of
his

haunches,

and.

THE

74

hold, and

could

he

fore-paws,hugged as
then
began to hit with

his

spreading out

the

bat-bat-bat, like
wheel.

Bagheera had
the monkeys
for

gasping

and

crash

could

his

follow.

not

steps,

dancing

and

up

from

him
It

down

his

dripping chin, and

Call for protection
for

"

the

he

last
the

could

not

monkeys

be

that

Kaa

Kaa

coping-stoneinto
of

coiled

every
order.

working
Baloo
tank
to
over

went

round
and
the

on,

All
and

of

he

heard

to

to

out

tail

of

the

terrace,

Mang,

news

Hathi

dislodged

of

tion
inten-

no

twice,

long body

monkeys

the

over

ground,

or

while

Black

the

had
the

at

smothered

that

He

his

the

jungle,till even

red

ready

his way

once

that

the

half
of

ditch.

Bagheera, and

fro, carried

the

on

turned

wrench

himself

foot

water,

came

edge

advantage

uncoiled

that

sure

of

lay

blood, ye and

one

had

the

the

losing any
and

Panther

rage,

Baloo,

wall, landing with

west

of

help chuckling as
asking for help.
had
only just worked

Panther

where

Bagheera lifted up
despairgave the Snake's

in

on

that

that

Even

minute.

under

believed

with

We

'

"

'

The

all sides if he

then

was

paddle-

tank

just out
three deep

stood

monkeys

regular

Mowgli

the

to

way

as

many

breath, his head

the

of

flippingstrokes
a
splash told

fought

while

spring upon
help Baloo.

BOOK

JUNGLE

was

to

and
be
in

fight with
yelled in the

the

the
the

Bat, flying
great

the Wild

battle

Elephant

KAA'S

HUNTING

far away,

trumpeted, and,
Monkey-Folk

woke

tree-roads

help

to

scattered

and

of

the

noise

day -birds

for

miles

comrades
the

of

bands

the
the

leaping along

came

their

Lairs, and

75

in

fight roused

round.

Cold

the

all the

Kaa

Then

came

straight,
quickly,and anxious to kill. The fighting-stre
of a python is in the driving blow of
his head backed
by all the strengthand weight of
his

If

body.

batteringram,
a

of

handle

it,you

was

like when

feet

long

with

home

with
Run

of

of

them

Kaa, the

branches

away

the

Kaa,

who

branch

The

Kaa

is

sent

was

"

there

monkeys
It

was

scattered

Kaa!

Run!

as

or

into

the

stories their

elders

told

monkey

make

rotten

deceived, till the

scared

who
night-thief,
quietlyas moss

strongest
could

been

had

monkeys

by

behaviour

good

Baloo

into

'

Generations

the

*
"

hits him

delivered

was

in silence, and

mouth

of

thirtyfeet long,

was

round

second.

cries

crowd

the

shut

of

need

no

Kaa

first stroke

His

if he

down

man

chest, and

of

heart

or

weighing nearlyhalf
cool, quiet mind
livingin the
can
roughly imagine what Kaa
fought. A python four or five

knock

know.

you

the

he

can

the

fairlyin

lance,

hammer

by

driven

ton

as

or

imagine

can

you

branch

slipalong

and
grows,
lived ; of old
that ever

himself

stump

could

steal

look
that

caught

so

the
them.

like

wisest
Kaa

dead
were
was

THE

76

the

everythingthat
for

of

none

none

of

none

had

so

and

roofs

come

alive

of

in the

limits

of

in
of

out

with

his

power,

face, and

the walls

to

Baloo

drew

thicker

much

was

And

hug.

terror,

fur

His

jungle,

his

the

houses, and

the

relief.

of

feared

him

look

stammering

ran,

breath

deep

the

knew

could

ever

the

monkeys

them

them

they

BOOK

JUNGLE

Bagheera's,but he had suffered sorely in the

for the first
Kaa
opened his mouth
fight. Then
and
time
long hissingword, and the
spoke one
than

The

monkeys

stopped

cries, and

city Mowgli

wet

sides

the

clamour

he

as

in

front
*

Get

the

do

no

the

man-cub
'

you

They
sssso

will
!

'

The

again.
and

not

Kaa

round

shrieked

owl-fashion

his derision
out

go.
move

They

the

trap
'

Let

attack

till I order

hissed, and

Mowgli,
to

the

his

contempt.

that

may

they

between

and

of

the

as

his eye

put

his

monkeys

they clung

Bagheera gasped.

and

fell

Then

tank.

the

summer-house,

man-cub

more,'

houses

empty

battlements, while

teeth, to show

them.

Bagheera shaking

idols

hooted

the

stillness that

the

walls ;

stone

and

work

screen

the

under

the

from

out

the

the

in

up

broke

skipped along

and

of

cowering,till

were,

crackled

heard

came

leaped higher up
of the big
necks
dancing

and

the walls

on

their

the

upon

bent

branches

the loaded

defence

the

far-away monkeys, hurrying to

Cold
Lairs, stayed where
they

;
us

can

take

again.'

them.

Stay

city was

silent

KAA'S
once

more.

hut

I could
I

think

HUNTING
not

heard

77

before, Brother,

come

call1 "this

thee

to

was

heera.
'I

"

have

may

Baghceraanswered.
I

not

am

hundred

No

Here,

above
'

thou

art

they have not

said
bearlings,'

after the

we

owe

other.

thee, I

the
hurt

battle,'
?

'

pulledme
Baloo

into

gravely,

'Wow!

think,

am

lives

our

"

I.'
Where

matter.

in

Mowgli.

Baloo,

leg

Bagheera and

in

out

that

little

Kaa,

sore.

sure

shaking one

cried

trap.

The

is the

of

curve

manling ?
climb

cannot

out,' cried

broken

the

'

dome

was

his head.
Take

him

IV.uock.

cobras

He

friends

said

crush

Kaa,

everywhere,
and

Mauling ;
Kaa

will

dances

like

Mao

the

young,' said

our

the

inside.

'Hah!'

break

He

away.

down

hide

with,

this
you,

chuckle,

manling.
O

Poison

'he

Stand

has

back,

People.

the wall.'

looked

tillhe found a discoloured

carefully
in the marble
crack
tracery showing a weak
spot,
made
three lighttaps with his head to
two
get
the distance, and
then
six feet of his
lifting
up
half-a-dozen
body clear of the ground, sent home
full-power,
smashing blows, nose-first. The screenor

work

broke

rubbish, and

and

tell

away

in

cloud

Mowgli leaped through

of dust
the

and

opening

flung himself

and

round

arm

an

Baloo

between

each

and

Bagheera
"

"

big neck.

hurt?'

thou

'Art

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

78

said

Baloo,

hugging

him

softly.
I

'

am

and

looking
round

and

grievously,my

ye

also,'said

Others

'

little bruised

bleed.'

Ye

not

handled

but, oh, they have

Brothers

and

hungry,

sore,

the

at

the

Bagheera, licking his lips,

the terrace
on
monkey -dead

tank.

nothing,it is nothing,if thou art safe, O

pride of all little frogs! whimpered Baloo.
shall judge later,'said Bagheera,
Of that we
It is

'

my
*

in
'

voice

dry

here

But

thou

is Kaa,

thy

owest

Mowgli

life.

foot

this is the

So

is his skin, and

Have
for

'We
answered.

him

all like.

at

battle and

the

owe

accordingto

my

the

saw

above

his

our

he

is

not

Kaa.

unlike

so

that

I do

'

the
not

twilightwhen

some

python's

great

own.

manling,'said

Manling,

care,

monkey

changed

My

we

Thank

and

turned

swaying a

'

whom

to

not

Mowgli.'

customs,

head

did

Mowgli

that

Very

soft

Bandar-log.
mistake

thee

have

newly

coat.'

be

blood,

one

'I

take

kill shall be

thy

my

thou
life from

kill if

ever

and

I,' Mowgli

thee, to-night.
thou

art

hungry,

Kaa,

though

Kaa.'
'All

thanks, Little

Brother,' said

HUNTING

KAA'S
his

I kill

art

empty

I have

debt

"

such
to

come

as

me

am

I may

bold

so

when

thou

ever

which

next

them.

and

see

if I

in

thee,

to

thou

When

speak

[he held
a

I drive

"

use

art

owe

little, but

too

can

skill in these

some

if

and

nothing,

toward

goats

that

may
follow

abroad.'

goes
'

what

'And

I ask

kill ?

hunter
he

twinkled.

eyes

79

out

the

his

trap, I may

truth.

hands],
the

pay

Bagheera,and

to

to

hunting to ye all,my masters.'

Well said,'growled Baloo, for Mowgli had returned
thanks very prettily. The
python dropped
for a minute on Mowgli's shoulder.'
his head lightly
brave heart and a courteous
A
tongue,'said he.
'They shall carry thee far through the jungle,
hence
quickly with thy
Mauling. But now
go
Go
and
friends.
sets, and
sleep,for the moon

Baloo, here.

Good

follows

what

The

moon

of

lines

it is
was

not

well

that

and

battlements

shouldst

the

sinking behind

trembling monkeys

the walls

thou

huddled
like

looked

see.'

and
hills,

the

together on
ragged,shaky

the tank
down
to
fringesof things. Baloo went
for a drink, and
Bagheera began to put his fur in
of the
into the centre
order, as Kaa glided out
and
terrace
brought his jaws together with a
ringingsnap that drew all the monkeys' eyes upon
him.
*

to

The

see

moon
'

sets,'he

said.

'

Is there

yet

light

THE

80

the

walls

the

From

Good.

'

the

twice

turned

He

from

head

his

and
figures,
hurrying,and

five-sided
never

he

began

his

body,

Then

melted

into squares

resting,

never

stopping his low,

and

darker

and

ming
hum-

darker, till at last

dragging, shiftingcoils disappeared,but

the
*

ing
big circle,weav-

left.

never

of

watch.'

coiled mounds,

It grew

song.

could

Baloo

Kaa

Good

The

'

Nearer

ing
growl-

stone,

and
bristling,

of Kaa

voice

order

order

my

'

Speak

can

foot

stir

cannot

we

last,

at

'

or

'

all

lines of the
Baloo

with

neck-hair

without

Come

and
forward

said the

thy

still as

wondered.

hand

or

Without

hand,
'

and

Bandar-log,

foot
ye stir
4

throats, their

they

scales.

stood

Bagheera

watched

Mowgli
*

and

their

in

rustle of the

the

hear

in

Dance

figuresof eight with

that
triangles

soft,oozy

and

in

right to

and

making loops

thrice

or

the

Dance"

Sit still and

of Kaa.

the wind

Kaa.'

the

now

like

moan

see,

Begins

Hunger

came

We

'

tree-tops

BOOK

JUNGLE

one

swayed

monkeys

and

to

nearer

pace

Bagheera

took

me.'

forward

lessly,
help-

stiff step

one

them.

'

hissed

and

Kaa,

all

they

moved

again.

Mowgli

laid

to

get them

as

though they

his

away,
had

hands

and
been

on

the

two

waked

Baloo

and

Bagheera

great beasts started

from

dream.

KAA'S

HUNTING

Keep thy hand

whispered. Keep
*

on

it

must

go
It is

back

to

only

old Kaa

81

shoulder,' Bagheera

my

there, or

Kaa.

Aah

must

back

go

"

'

circles

making

the dust,'

on

'

Mowgli ; let us go ; and the three slipped

off through a gap in the walls to the jungle.
IV hoofI
said Baloo, when
he stood under the
Never
will I make
still trees again.
more
an
ally

said

'

of Kaa,' and
He

he

himself

more

than

knows

trembling.

In

again,'said
hunting after his

by

"

what

But

of

powers
snake

his

And

will

He

the

not

foolish
all

was

thy account

on

and

Baloo's

'

'

till the

circles

dark

! Ho

Ho

sore.

cub
*

which

as

and

neck

shoulders

Baloo

nor

with

True

but

might

he

have

has
been

and

ears

my

pleasurefor many
said Baloo
It is nothing,'
again.'

hunt
*

Neither

account.

good

meaning of it all ? said

know
anythingof a python's
I saw
than a big
no
more
!

cost

are

'

we

us

spent in

was

nose

sides and
bitten

Bagheera will
days.'
;

came.

'

sore

moon

have

Mowgli,' said Bagheera angrily,his

to

before

fashion.'

fascination.

nose

should

the

did

making

Bagheera,

stayed,I

road

that

own

was

Mowgli, who

we,' said

Baloo.

rises

over.

his throat.'

will walk

Many

all

little time, had

down

h.ive walked
*

shook

have

paws

thy

on

be able

the

man-

heavily in time
good hunting,in

THE

82

in

wounds,
back,

hair

Mowgli, I,who
call upon
both

made

with
'

for

For, remember,

Panther,

this,

Man

-cub,

forced

was

Baloo

little birds

as

my

by

and

the

of

came

to

were

Hunger-

thy playing

Bandar-log'

True

it is true,' said

evil

an

am

plucked along

protection,and

stupid
All

the

half

am

the Black

am

Kaa

Dance.

"

last of all,in honour.

and

"

BOOK

JUNGLE

Mowgli, sorrowfully.

and

man-cub,

is sad

stomach

my

in me.'
*

What

Mf!

the

says

of

Law

the

Jungle,

Baloo?'
did

Baloo

wish

not

trouble, but

more

Law,

so

he

mumbled

he
But

bring Mowgli

to

could
'

not

Sorrow

remember,

into

any

with

tamper

the

ment.
stays punish-

never

he

Bagheera,

is

very

little.'
'

I will
blows

and

remember

say ?

anything to
'

It is

Bagheera

old
you

one

boy they
could

him
of

his

Mowgli sneezed,
word.

own

amounted

wish

done

has

Mowgli,

now.

mischief,
hast

thou

Baloo

wrong.

and

thou

are

just.'

gave

of

he

'

panther's point

waked

dealt

I did

Nothing.

wounded.

be

must

; but

to

half

dozen

love-taps;

view

they would
cubs, but for
to

avoid.

and

as

severe

When

picked

himself

hardly
a

have

seven-yeara

it

from

was

up

beating as
all

over

without

HUNTIN(

KAA'S

said

'Now,'
Little

of

One

will

we

all

settles

on

back,

my

home.'

go
of

beauties

the

punishment

'jump

Bagheera,
and

Brother,

83

is

There

scores.

is

Law

Jungle

that

nagging

no

afterward.
laid

Mowgli
and

was

cave.

slept
put

so

down

his

deeply

by

head
that

Mother

down
he

on

never

Wolf's

back

Bagheera's
when

waked
side

in

the

home-

he

THE

84

OF

ROAD-SONG
HERE

we

Half-way
you

Don't

you

in

like

the

Now

had

you

you

Curved

pranceful bands

our

wish

if

of

shape

tails

your

but

you're angry,

sit in

we

branchy

Thinking

of beautiful

Dreaming

of deeds

All

complete,

Uttered

by

Hide

fin

or

Jabber

it

Excellent
Now

bat
or

Brother, thy
This
Then

join our

That

rocket

By

the

Be

sure,

is the

in

be sure,

our

wire

wake,

"

"

men.

never
.

mind,

behind

down

of the

Monkey-kind.

that

and

going

hangs

by where, lightand

rubbish

together!
!
Once
again !

way

leapinglines

behind

are

tail

"

mind,

bird

or

all

we

do,

heard

Wonderful

pretend

good,

down

feather

or

to

never

talkingjust like

are

Let's

scale

quickly and
!

we

beast

or

could.

we

have

ever

know

and

grand

"

we

behind

two

or

we're

talk

the

"

mind,

mean

going to
Brother,thy tail hangs

All

bow

down

we

by merely wishing
Now

so

"

row,

minute
and

never

"

things we

that

noble

Something
Won

in

were

Cupid's

hands

extra

Brother, thy tail hangs

Here

jealousmoon

the

envy

Wouldn't

flung festoon,

to

up

BANDAR-LOG

THE

in

go

Don't

BOOK

JUNGLE

to

scumfishthrough

the

pines,

high, the wild-grape swings.

the
do

some

noble

noise

we

make,

splendidthings!

TIGER!*

'TIGER!

Tiger ! Tiger !
hunting, hunter

of the

What

Brother^ the watch

of the

What

Brother^ he crops
is the

Where

it ebbs

Brother,
is the

Where

haste

Brother^ I

Now

we

Mowgli

go back
left the wolf's

the

ploughed

at

would

one

not

jungle,and
bad

enemy

keepingto
arnl

the

followed

lands

at

hurry by

ye

lair

after

the

he

went

that

rough

road

it

that

When

fightwith
down

to

lived,but
villagers

the

he

it

ran

too

was

had
So

Council.

the

the first tale.

because

knew

side.

die.

to

"

Rock,

where

at

my

pride?

your

flank and

my

cave

stop there
he

jungle still.

made

to

Council

the

Pack

the

to

go

must

the

he

that

cold.

kill ?

to

in the

from

longand

went

that

power

bold

was

ye

quarry

'

made
he

down

near

at

hurried
the

steady jog-trotfor

to

least
on,

valley,
nearly

THE

88

twenty
not

miles, tillhe

plaindotted
At

the

one

over

thick

rocks

with

stood

end

been

jungle

cattle

cut

and

shouted

and

stopped

off with

hoe.

of the

away,

hang about
Mowgli walked on,

that

were

charge
ran

and

down

came

buffaloes

little boys in

that

country

into

out
cut

and

every

for he

in

there

All

sweep

over

did

great

ravines.

the

at

as

he
a

by

up

little village,
and

grazing-grounds,and
had

to

came

valley opened

The

know.

BOOK

JUNGLE

other
to

the

though it
the plain,

the
grazing, and when
herds saw
Mowgli they
the yellow pariah dogs
Indian
village barked.
was
feelinghungry, and

he

when

that

Umph

than

'

thingsto

to

So

and

when

men

He
out

The

big, fat
yellowmark

with

talked

stared and
*

Mnwgli

Look

at

from

away

Of
often
and

red

and
to

people,who
pointedatMowgli.
Men

Folk,' said

the

gray

ape

he

back

threw

would

his

long

'

be afraid of?

to

on

his

He

said the

and

arms

is but

priest.
legs. They

wolf-child

run

jungle.'
had
in playing together,the cubs
course,
nipped Mowgli harder than they 'intended,
the

there

legs.

was

priestcame

these

So

the bites of wolves.

arc

and

'Only

marks

the

who
priest,

the

one

the crowd.

at

is there

What

the

up

least a hundred

shouted

do.'

frowned

at

wanted

that he

The

manners,

no

they

as

hair and

at

himself.

to

behave

have

They

him
and

more

white, with

his forehead.

on

the gate, and

in

dressed

man

across

back

ran

shoutingfor
village

of the

street

stared, and

man

come

show

it to

mouth, and pointeddown

food.

gate

nightrambles after
afraid of the People of
down
sat
by the gate,
he stood up, opened his

are

came

man

the

in his

also.'

Jungle here

the

big

the

saw

side.

one

barricade

eat.

he

before

up

said,for he had

he

such

one

drawn

was

twilight,pushed

89

villagegate

the

to

came

thorn-bush

TIGER!'

TIGER!

"

were

he

But

the world

to

bitingmeant.

white

would

call these

scars

have

all
been

over

the

his

arms

last person

bites; for he knew

what

and
in

real

THE

9o
Arre

'

handsome

Let

her

wrists

Mowgli

under

the

my

So

was

sister,and
so

the

up

at

the
the

Take

of her

far into the

he

hand.
has

He

By
that

thy boy

sky

has

boy

taken

into

knew

that

the

place.
said

the

jungle

thy house,

the

is

of

look

very

he

he

minute, and

honour

to

the

Indeed

in
villager

for

jungle

heavy copper
she peered at
'

and

man,

richest

the

forgetnot

with

ankles, and

clever

to

restored.

has

'What

solemnly :

unlike

woman

and

wife

looked

child !

poor

like red fire.

eyes

is not

palm

boy.'
The
priestwas
he

he

is thinner, but

He

Messua

has

gether.
to-

women

tiger.'

the

rings on

not.

three

or

by wolves,

look,' said

me

two

He

Messua,

by

taken

was

said

bitten

boy.

honour,

my

'

be

To

'

is

Arre

BOOK

JUNGLE

priestwho

my
sees

lives of men.'

By the Bull that bought me,' said Mowgli to

himself, but all this talkingis like another looking*

'

by

over

the

Pack

Well, if I

am

man

man,

become.'

must

The

crowd

Mowgli

pots,
and

on

sell

at

She

the
the

it,half

on

image

an

of

wall

him

beckoned

woman

was

red

lacquered

grain-chestwith
a

dozen

copper

curious

cooking-

Hindu

real

god in a little alcove,

such
as
looking-glass,
they

fairs.

country

gave

there

earthen

great

patterns

the

as

her hut, where

to

bedstead, a
raised

parted

long

drink

of milk

and

some

he

knew

the

his foot,and
she

it

thou

Mowgli
under

art

was

wanted

to

; but

could

at

Now

would

be

as

'

show

that
the

She touched
horn.

feet have

No,'

never

worn

thou

Nathoo, and

with

as

in

us

not

sillyand
the

the thatch,

at

man,'

if he

time

window

of

been

never

any

the

good

'

am

out

that

last, if he does
I

had

he

it

tear

is the

What

fastenings.
talk?

remember

he looked

as

and

get away,

himself

not

hard

because

uneasy,

he

that

saw

said

not

like my

very

roof before

as

she

did

shoes

those

'

and

son.'

shalt be my

to

almost

was

thou

thy new

said,sorrowfully
;

shoes, but

he

thee

Mowgli
Dost

name.

I gave

'

So

him.

taken

Nathoo

day when

come

tiger had

the

Nathoo,

he

son

his head

on

thought perhaps that

back from the jungle

for she

her real

be

might

where
*

his eyes

into

looked

91

hand

Jaid her

she

then

bread, and

TIGER!'

TIGER!

had

no

he

said

man's

understand
dumb

jungle.

man

as

learn

must

their talk.'
It
\v;is

for fun

not

was

the wolves

with

in the

jungleand

So

soon

as

would
he

learned

There

imitate

had
the

learned

not

while

of
challenge

he

bucks

grunt of the little wild

pig.
Mowgli

pronounced a word
before dark
and
it almost
perfectly,
of many
the names
thingsin the hut.
at bedtime, because
Mowgli
difficulty

sleepunder anythingthat
panther-trapas that hut, and when

would
a

was

the

he

Messua

as

imitate

had

to

that

looked

so

they shut

like
the

THE

92
he

door

husband.

will,'said Messua's
have

till now

never

in

sent

the window.

through

went

of

our

he

If he

can

is indeed

will

he

son

his

him

Remember

bed.

Give

'

'

slepton

place

the

BOOK

JUNGLE

not

run

away.'
So

the

at

grass

his

closed

himself

stretched

Mowgli

of

edge

before

he

him

poked

nose

gray

long, clean

some

field,but

the

soft

eyes

in

had

under

chin.

the
'

Phew

'

said

Wolfs

of Mother

Brother

Gray

cubs).

followingthee twenty

for

and

wood-smoke

all well

Are

All

except

gone

the

Flower.

Red

the

miles.

wolves

that

far off till his

tired

little

promise.

to-night,
"

Gray Brother,
Thou
will

Men

words

two

are

made

'

of

smellest

'

said

Mowgli,

"

wilt
not

but
not

make

But
very

he
the
to

with

burned

were

listen.

badly singed. When

in
will lay thy bones

'There

am

reward

poor

Thou

jungle ?

the

for he is
he

"

Now,

hunt

to

away

that

is

him.

hugging
'

in

This

'

eldest

the

was

altogetherlike a man
Brother
; I bring news.'

Little

already. Wake,
'

cattle

(he

Shere
coat

has

Khan

again,

grows
he

returns

swears

Waingunga.'
that.
is

news

tired

with

also

have

always good.

things,
always.'

new

bring me the news

forget that thou art
thee forget? said Gray
'

wolf?

Brother

anxiously.
'

Never.

will

always

remember

that

I love

TIGER!

"

all in

and

thee

remember

thou

that
Men

pack.

been

95
also

I will

cast

of

out

Little

frogsin

always

of the Pack.'

out

be

men,

their talk is like the talk of

another

Brother, and
When

pond.

again,I will wait for thee in the

bamboos
at the edge of the grazing-ground.'
after that
months
For
three
night Mowgli
left the village
so
hardly ever
busy
gate, he was
of men.
First he
learningthe ways and customs
cloth round
had to wear
him, which annoyed him
a
horribly; and then he had to learn about money,
I

down

cast

mayest

only

are

but

cave

our

I have

that

And

'

TIGER!*

come

which

here

did

he

in

not

about

ploughing, of

Then

the

very

angry.

taught
life and
when

which

little children

him

food

they

least

the

he

did

understand, and
not

the

see

use.

in the

villagemade him
Luckily, the Law of the Jungle had
to
keep his temper, for in the jungle
depend on keeping your temper; but
fun

made

of

him

because

he would

not

flykites,or because he mispronounced

word, only the knowledge that it was
sportsmanlike
unsome
kill little naked
cubs
to
kept him
them
in two.
from picking them
up and breaking
his own
He
know
did not
strengthin the least.
weak
he was
In the jungle he knew
compared with
in the village
the beasts,but
people said that ho
playgames

"A

.is

as

or

strong

as

And

Mowgli

difference

that

bull.

had

caste

not

makes

the faintest idea

between

man

and

of

the

man.

THE

96

potter'sdonkey slippedin the clay-pit,

it out
hauled
by the tail,and helped to

the

When

Mowgli

pots for

the

stack

potter is
When

put him

as

he

next

day,

No

one

Mowgli ; and that

appointed a servant
off

went

to

circle

of
that

villageclub, and

the

and

the

who

had

Tower

monkeys
there

and

sat

was

hole

lived,and

he

night because
around

met

the

old

talked
under

had
he

tree

than

he

been

of the

ways

smoked.

and

branches, and

platterof

sacred

and

talked, and

beasts

The

platform where

was

of

gossip of

villagehunter,

the

met

and

in

the watchman

all the

knew

his little

he

it were,

the

milk
old

the

cobra
every
sat

men

pulled at

huqas (the water-pipes),till far into

tales of gods and
They told wonderful
told even
ghosts ; and Buldeo
more
ones

had

and

in the upper
the

pleased

evening on
great fig-tree. It was

Buldeo,

musket,

while

every

head-man

(who

out

go

them

as
village,

the

barber

and
village),

more

the

to

herd

night, because

platform under

masonry

the

was

set

man
villagehead-

have

and

be

better

the

would

that

Mowgli

they grazed.

had

Mowgli
possible; and

buffaloes

the

the

his

that

soon

told
with

man,

husband
as

and

at

donkey is worse.
priestscolded him, Mowgli threatened
the donkey, too, and the priesttold
on

the

work

journey to the market

for
very shocking, too,

was

low-caste

Messua's
to

their

That

Khanhiwara.

to

BOOK

JUNGLE

the

the

big

night.

men

and

wonderful

jungle,till

the

of the children

eyes

of

out

TIGER!'

TIGER!

97

outside
sitting

their heads.

of

Most

animals, for the jungle

the circle

the

tales

bulged
about

were

always at their door.

The
deer and the wild pig grubbed up their crops,
and now
and again the tigercarried off a man
at
within sightof the village
twilight,
gates.
Mowgli, who naturallyknew something about
what
his face
they were
talkingof, had to cover
show
that he was
to
not
laughing,while Buldeo,
Tower

the

from

musket

shoulders

story

Messua's

away

inhabited

old

money-lender,who

was

;d I know

got in
and

the

died

had

some

from

years

the

his account-books

blow

that

were

burned,

'

True,

true

that

be

must

the

he

for the

tigerthat I speak of fie limps,too,

of his pads are
unequal.'

the

tnicks

ago.

said, 'because

this is true,' he

that

riot when

by

always limped

Dass

tigerthat had
and
a
ghost-tiger,
ghost of a wicked

the

was

son

body

Purun

on

another, and Mowgli's

to

explaininghow

was

his

knees, climbed

shook.

Buldeo
carried

his

across

wonderful

one

was

truth,'said the

nodding together.
greybeards,
v

talk?'
he

said

talk

of

that

never

talk.'

the

'That

Mowgli.

horn

was

lame,
soul

had

cobwebs

tales such

all these

Are

of

the

as

and

because

tigerlimps

every

one

of

To

knows.

money-lender

courage

moon-

in

jackal is

beast
child's

Buldeo

Buldeo.

'

If thou

hundred
when

elders

thy

Mowgli
lain here

at

his very

he

has

truth

said

set

talk

not

evening
has

and

said

not

jungle,which

the

then, shall

How,

shoulder,

his

over

I have

is

believe

the

he

says

goblinswhich

'

head-man,

the

back

concerning

ghosts and gods

?

the

twice, Buldeo

or

It is full time

'

go.

doors.

seen

do
still,

Better

All

'

to

once

of

word

has

Government

he called
listening,'

one

'

it ?

speak.'

rose

and, except

tales of

the

his life.

on

rupees

wise, better bring his hide

so

for

is

jungle brat,

the
art

Khanhiwara,

to

is

It

for

surprise

stared.

head-man

the

and

Oho

'

speechless with

was

moment,

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

98

boy

that

while

Buldeo

herding,'said

to

went

puffed and

snorted

at

Mowgli's impertinence.
The

boys
in

the

and

bullied
up

with

the

to

charge a mob
pick flowers or

carried off.
in the

allow

noses.

they

bring

them

dawn, sitting
on

to

few

graze

back

at

trample

to

not

be

But

if

through

the back

sometimes

are

the

the

tiger
they straggle

even

lizards, they

went

for

banged
at
by children that hardly
So long as the boys keep
themselves

cattle.

hunt

would

that

safe,for

are

of

Mowgli

out

and

shouted

their

herds

will
to

and

buffaloes

cattle

very

death

to

man

come

cattle and

the

is
villages

Indian

most

early morning,

night ;
and

the

take

to

white

of

custom

street
village

of Rama,

the

great

'TIGER!
herd

hull

with

him

TIGER!'

101

.-uui the

buffaloes,with their
slaty-blue
long, backward-sweepinghorns and savage eyes,
of their byres,one
out
rose
by one, and followed
him, and Mowgli made it very clear to the children
;

that

buffaloes

with

Kamya,

he

of

themselves, while he
to

be very
An

scrub
the

careful

Indian
and

went

not

on

to

with

and

beat

told

cattle

by

buffaloes,and

from

is

the

and

the herd.

all rocks

littleravines,among

and

scatter

the

stray away

grazing-ground

tussocks

herds

He

master.

long, polished bamboo,

the boys, to
graze the

;i

one

the

was

which

buffaloes

The

disappear.

and

generallykeep to the pools and muddy places,

where
they lie wallowing or basking in the warm
for hours.
mud
Mowgli drove them on to the
edge of the plainwhere the Waingunga River came
of the jungle; then he dropped from
Rama's
out
neck, trotted off to a bamboo
clump, and found Gray
Brother.
Ah,' said Gray Brother, I have waited
here
is the meaning of
days. What
very
many
this cattle-herding
work
?
It is an order,' said Mowgli.
I am
a
village
*

'

for

herd
*

He

has

waited

here
off

gone

to

means
*

while.

of Shere

news

back

come

long
again, for

to

time
the

this country,

for

thee.
is

game

?'

Khan

and

has

he

has

But

he

Now

scarce.

kill thee.'

good,' said

ery

is away

What

do

thou

or

Mowgli.
one

of

the

'

So

four

long

as

brothers

he
sit

that

on

rock,
the

of

out

for

of the

that

so

need

We

plain.

by

thee

see

can

he

When

village.

in the ravine

me

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

102

as

come

back

comes

the

dhdk-tree

in the

not

walk

Shere

into

wait
centre

Khan's

mouth.'
Then

him.

Herding

in India

in

the

world.

The

lie

down, and

low.

is

cattle

move

say

again,and they do

on

till only their

the mud

above

show

eyes

logs.

The

hear

more) whistlingalmost
know

kite

would

the

and
there

be

would

of nowhere.

Then

again,and

weave

grasshoppers
red

and

make

black

and

basking

on

sightoverhead,

and

died,

that

cow

kites

they sleep and

wake

of

in

catch

them

or

them

fight;
jungle-nuts

rock,

or

the next,

follow, and

little baskets

snake

or

dead

were

two

stringa
watch

out

come

dried

or

miles

kite

next

hungry

of

heat,
any

they

score

lie like

(never

before

almost

and

into

in the

kite

the

and

drop

muddy

they

dance

or

and

down,

him

see

next,

mantises

they died,

sweep

would

away

if

that

they

of

very

their way

one

out

the

into

there

the rocks

-children

even

staringchina-blue

and

noses

not

buffaloes

work

surface, and

the
makes

sun

herd

the

and

another, and

after

crunch, and

and

move

only grunt, and the

anything,but get down

pools one

of

shady place,and lay

buffaloes
grazed round
of the laziest things
one
a

They

seldom

put

out

the

sleptwhile

and

down

picked

Mowgli

and

sleep

grass

and

prayingnecklace
a

lizard

hunting a frog near

"TIGER!
the

wallows.

with

odd

the

day

put

reeds

TIGER!'

Then

native

103

they sing long, long

end

the

at

quavers

of

songs

them, and

longer than most

people'swhole
mud
lives,and perhaps they make
castle with
a
mud
and horses and buffaloes,and
figuresof men
seems

into

the

men's

they are

and

comes,

lumber

gunshots going
all stringacross

figuresare their armies, or

be worshipped. Then
ing
even-

to

the

of

out

up

children
the

off
the

see

Gray
the

across

not

their

to

the

Brother's

back

plain (so

he

to
listening
dreaming of old days in

grass

h;ul m;ide

day

knew

the

false step with

day

and

that Shere

after

the

the

to

after

mile

noises

like

they

ling
twink-

lead the buffaloes

would

wallows, and

buffaloes

other, and

plainback

gray

the

with

after the

one

back), and day

come

call,and

stickymud

village
lights.
Day after day Mowgli
out

pretend that

the

kings and
they are gods

that

hands, and

day

noise

Khan

had

lie

on

him, and

round

his lame

half away

would

he

jungle.

he would

If Shere
paw

up

Khan
in the

Waingunga, Mowgli would have

heard
him in those long, still mornings.
At
when
he did not
hist a day came
see
Gray
he laughed and
Brother
and
the signal-place,
at
headed
for the ravine
the buffaloes
by the dhdkall covered
with golden-red flowers.
trxv, which

jungles by

the

\v;is

There

lifted.

sat

Gray Brother, every

bristle

on

his back

104
He

'

has

THE

JUNGLE

hidden

for

month

crossed

He

thy guard.

BOOK

the

throw

to

last

ranges

off

thee

night with

'said the wolf, panting.

Tabaqui,hot-foot on thy trail,
afraid of Shere
I am
not
Mowgli frowned.
Khan, but Tabaqui is very cunning.'
Have
fear,' said Gray Brother, lickinghis
no
I met
Now
Tabaqui in the dawn.
lipsa little.
'

'

'

all his wisdom

the kites,but he told
to
telling
his back.
Shere
me
everything before I broke
Khan's
plan is to wait for thee at the villagegate
he

is

this

for thee

evening
"

lying

in

now

up

the

for

and

big dry

no

else.

one

of

ravine

is

He

Wain-

the

gunga.'
'

Has

said
to

for

the

he

does

to-day,or

eaten

Mowgli,

hunt
life

meant

answer

empty?

'

death

or

him.
'

He

killed

at

dawn,

for the

even
*

Oh

Eaten

and

If there
he

they
Can

'

drunk
has

lies.
wind

him, and
get

it ?

He

off' said

These

could

What

too, and

ten

he

has

drunk

fast,

never

revenge.'

of

us

we

buffaloes
I

behind

cannot

his

cub's

he

slept! Now,

but

were

we

smell

of

"

Khan

Fool, fool !

till he

wait

sake

and

pig,

"

Shere

Remember,

too.

as

he

thinks
does

where

cub

it is !

that

I shall

he

lie up ?

might pullhim
will

down

charge unless
speak their language.

track

not

so

that

they

may

'

swam

Gray

far down
Brother.

the

Waingunga

to

cut

that

"

TIGER!

TIGER!'

105

He
would
'Tabaqui told him that, I know.
have
never
thought of it alone.' Mowgli stood
with his fingerin his mouth, thinking. The
big
ravine of the Waingunga.
That
the
on
opens out
I can
take the
plain not half a mile from here.
*

herd

round

through the jungle to

ravine

and

out

the foot.

at

Brother,

sweep
We
thou

canst

down

but

"

block

must

the

cut

of

he would

slink

that end.
herd

in

the

Gray
for

two

'

me

then

the head

Not

perhaps but I have brought a wise

helper.' Gray Brother trotted off and dropped
*

into

"

hole.

head

I,

that

Then

the

'

Akela

hands.

Akela

might

not

forget me.

Cut

the

calves

herd

The
of

by

said

have

in two,

have

the

huge
hot

gray

air

was

jungle
"

mid-day.
Mowgli, clapping his

at

that

thou

bulls

and

wouldst
in

big work
Keep the

Akela.
the

cry of all the

known

We

hand.
and

cows

the

plough-

themselves.'
wolves

the

herd, which

ran,

separatedinto

cow-buffaloes

stood, with

ladies'-chain fashion,in and

snorted
two

and

clumps.

threw
In

up
one

its
the

their calves in the centre,

pawed, ready,if a wolf would only

charge down and trample the life out

glared and

to
stay still,

of

'

two

head, and

and

wolf

together, and

buffaloes

well, and

desolate

most

hunting-howlof

the

out

knew

Mowgli

filled with

lifted up

there

him.

In

the

other

the

bulls

and

the

young

THE

106

and

bulls snorted

stamped

imposing, they

more

they had

calves

no

What

to

orders

'

but, though they looked

much

were

less

dangerous,for

No

protect.

herd

the

divided

have

BOOK

JUNGLE

six

neatly.

so

panted Akela.

joinagain.'
Mowgli slipped

could

men

'

They

ing
try-

are

to

bulls

the

when

are

we

drive
*

them

hold

gone,

far ?

'

the

foot

into the

How

left,Akela.

the

to

away

said

back.

Rama's

to

on

Gray Brother,
together,and

cows

of the

Drive

'

ravine.'

Brother, panting and

Gray

snapping.
Till

sides

the

jump,' shouted

Mowgli.

down/

come

and

bulls far

done

too

This

is wilder

thou

think

ravine,

he
as

tillwe

there

Akela
of

can

bayed,

the

cows.

just before

ran

Akela

drove

the

and

the
than

work

these

charge

Another
now

"

and

they

careful, Akela.

bulls will

charge. Hujah

drivingblack-buck.

creatures

could

are

so

move

Didst

swiftly?'

called.

Mowgli

the

the

as

front

him, and

Careful,

much,

snap

I have

gasped

of

started.
fairly

in

off

Khan

the left.

to

Well

foot

the

to

on

them

Keep

stopped

They charged down

them

'

Shere

than

bulls swept

The
Brother

Gray

higher

are

"

Akela

have

hunted

in the

dust.

these
*

too

Shall

in
turn

my

time,'

them

into

jungle ?'
'

Ay,

turn

Swiftly

turn

them

Rama

is

'TIGER!
mad

with

Oh, if I could

rage.

I need

of him

The

bulls

TIGER!'

107

only tell him

what

to-day!'
turned

were

into

to

the

right this time,

The
other
standingthicket.
herd-children, watching with the cattle half a mile
hurried
the villageas fast as their legs
to
away,
could
them, crying that the buffaloes had
carry

crashed

and

and

mad

gone

he wanted

meal

buffaloes

did

Shere
the

of

head

the

the

to

ravine.

by voice, and

now

cows

full drink

condition

ravine, and

the

it and

down

and

simple enough. All

make
a
big circle uphill
catch

Khan

Shere

for he knew

Shere

fightor
He

then

Khan

had

Akela

would

clamber

to

was

that

up

soothingthe
dropped far

twice to hurry
or
only whimpering once
rear-guard. It was a long,long circle,for they
the ravine and
wish to get too
near
not
give

the

the

to

bulls and

be in any
sides of

the

to

bulls
the

between

not

away.

was

the

at

the

after

do

to

get

take

run

Mowgli's plan was

But

and

the

rear,

Khan

warning.

bewildered

herd

at

At

last

the

head

Mowgli
of the

rounded
ravine

up
on

the ravine
down
to
patch that sloped steeply
the
could see across
itself. From
that height you
the plainbelow ; but
down
to
tops of the trees

grassy

Mowgli

what

and

he

they
vines

saw

ran

and

looked

with

at

was

great

the sides of the

deal

of

ravine,

satisfaction that

nearly straightup and down, while the

would
them
that hung over
creepers

THE

io8

give

foothold

no

BOOK

JUNGLE
to

wanted

tiger who

to

get

out.

Let

'

his hand.

We

have
He

him

his

and

"

his

to

Khan

Let

yet.
who

comes.

and

mouth

almost

echoes

the

him

trap.'

it was

"

tunnel,

tell Shere

hands

ravine,

the

winded

not

must

in the

put

down

have

They

'

breathe.

them

breathe, Akela,' he said, holding up

them

like

shouted

shoutingdown
from

jumped

rock

to

rock.

After

long time

sleepysnarl
'

'

said

fluttered

up

Akela

herd

The

out

of the

ravine

splendid

screeching.

time

hurry

"

down

for

and

Khan,

thief,it is

Rama,

drawling^

the

tigerjust wakened.

Down

Rock!

Down,

back

came

Shere

Cattle

I, Mowgli.
Council

the

full-fed

calls ?

Who

peacock
'

of

there

to

to

come

them

down,

'

instant

the

edge of
the slope,but Akela
gave tongue in the full huntingafter the other, just
one
yell,and they pitched over
shoot
and
steamers
stones
as
rapids, the sand
round

spurting up
no

and

bed

of

them.

the

ravine

at

started, there

Once

stopping,and

Ha

Ha

knowest

'

'

foaming muzzles,
the

an

before

they

winded

Rama

was

fairly

were

Khan

Shere

bellowed.
'

thou

of

chance

in the

paused

ravine

said

Mowgli,

and
and

like boulders

the

on

his back.

torrent

of

staring eyes
in flood-time

black

Now

horns,,

whirled

down

; the

weaker

buffaloes
the

knew

they

what

out

to

through

tore

business

the

109

sides

the

creepers.

before

was

of

the

them

terrible

the

which

charge of the buffalo-herd,against

Shere Khan
tiger can
hope to stand.

no

heard

TIGER!'

shouldered

being

ravine, where

They
"

TIGER!

thunder

the

of

their

hoofs, picked himself

down
the ravine, looking from
up, and lumbered
side to side for some
way of escape ; but the walls
of the ravine were
and he had to keep on,
straight,
to do
heavy with his dinner and his drink, willing
anything rather than fight. The herd splashed
through the pool he had justleft,bellowingtill the
cut
narrow
Mowgli heard an answering
rang.

from

bellow

if the

(thetigerknew

turn

it

the foot of the ravine,saw

\\us

their

better

to

and

went

on

the

bulls

at

herd, while

then

off their feet

worst

cows

something soft,and,

heels,crashed

the weaker

the

the

Khan

with

tripped,stumbled,

Rama

again over
his

to

came

the bulls than

meet

calves),and

worst

Shere

full into

buffaloes

the

with
other

lifted clean

were

of the

meeting. That
charge carried both herds out into the plain,
goring
his
and stamping and snorting. Mowgli watched
neck, layingabout
time, and slipped off Rama's
him rightand left with his stick.
Scatter
Break
them
Quick, Akela !
up.
Drive
another.
them, or they will be fighting
one
by

the

shock

them
my

;i\\;iy,Akela.

children.

Rama
//"//,

!
softly

Softlynow,
i

Hat

! hail

hail

It is all over.'

THE

no

BOOK

JUNGLE

Gray Brother ran to and fro nipping

buffaloes' legs,and
though the herd wheeled
aged
to
charge up the ravine again, Mowgli man-

Akela
the
once

and

and

Rama,

turn

to

the

others

no

more

followed

him

to

wallows.

the

Shere

Khan

dead,

was

needed
the

and

kites

He

trampling.
coming for

were

him

already.
*

Brothers, that

feelingfor
his

round
4

But

he

work

neck

would

will look
to

Mowgli

knew

animal's

and

hard

was

he

children

stampede,
anxious
care

of

sightas

to

the
soon

fell

how

it

be

can

an

taken

slashed

Mowgli

the wolves

forward

and

his shoulder, and

ing
look-

came

or

on

with

the

Tower

musket.

villageabout the buffalo

out
went
angrily,only too

Buldeo

for

Mowgli

correct

herd.
as

but

told the

had

and

have

them.

Buldeo

saw

get

never

hour, while

an

tongues,

tugged as he ordered
Presentlya hand
up

for

must

else how

one

any

and

hide

tiger alone,

work, and

grunted
their

out

than

is fitted on,

it

tore

ten-foot

men.

His

We

would

men

better

fight.

Rock.

the Council

on

with

Jived

he

shown

have

skinning

skin

But

lolled

The

that

now

swiftly.'
boy trained among
of

and

he

never

well

dreamed

off.

knife

the

dog's death,' said Mowgli,

always carried in a sheath

was

they

The
saw

wolves
the

man

taking better
dropped out of

not

coming.

'TIGER!
is

What

think

'To

thou

did the buffaloes

and

too,

is

of

reward

for

Lame
on

rupees

Tiger,
head.

his

I will
when

I have

the

taken

skin

his waist-cloth

in

down

singe
native hunters singe
his ghost haunting

stooped
Most

to

Where

thy lettingthe herd

of the
give thee one

whiskers.

tiger'swhiskers

angrily.

tiger!

It is the

steel,and

Khan's

Buldeo
a

fumbled

He

flint and

Shere
a

the

Khanhiwara.'

to

skin

will overlook

perhaps

in

said

hundred

off, and

rupees

'

canst

kill him

there

Well, well, we
run

folly?

this

that

TIGER!*

prevent

to

them.
*

Hum

'

ripped back

the

hide

the

take

perhaps give
mind

that

old man,
*

What

village?
buffaloes

Mowgli, half to himself as he

skin of a fore-paw.
So thou wilt

said

me

take

for my

the skin

fire !

that

away

talk

is this

to

Thy

luck

and

have

just fed, or

by

this

he would
Thou

time.

own

chief

the
to

have
canst

it is in
use.

he

I will

not

toKl

stupidityof

this kill.

singe his

to

tiger
miles

twenty

gone
not

The

skin

even

whiskers.

thy

him

I, Buldeo,

Mowgli,

of the reward, but

anna
give thee one
big beating. Leave the carcass!
Bull that bought me,' said Mowgli, who

only a very
By the
was
trying
'

not

of the

hunter

and forsooth
properly,little beggar-brat,
must

my
!
Heh

'

the

helped thee

has

Now

rupee?

one

I need

for the reward, and

Khanhiwara

to

to

get

at

the

shoulder,

must

I stay

THE

ii2

all noon?

babbling to an old ape

this man
plagues me.*
who

Buldeo,

with

went

still

was

head, found

Khan's

BOOK

JUNGLE

himself

stooping

standing over
skinning as though

on

Shere

over

the

sprawlingon

wolf

gray

Here, Akela,

him, while
he

grass,

Mowgli

alone

were

in

all

India.

Ye-es,' he said, between

'

his teeth.

altogetherright,Buldeo.
me

one

between

To

wolf

had

he

who

private

if
justice,

would

he

have

met

obeyed

kind,

worst

whether

war

old

very

been
his

taken

the

orders

of

this

amulet

minute

every

had

he

in

It

He

him.

"

was

ten

years

chance

with

; but

woods

and

lay
to

his

round

still

as

of

the

would

tect
pro-

still,expecting

as

Mowgli

see

not

wondered

he

neck

had

who

boy

magic

sorcery,

thought Buldeo,

the

old

an

man-eating tigerswas

animal.

common

myself

the wolf
the

with

wars

give

won.'

Buldeo

younger

art

never

is

There

tiger and

I have

"

do

Akela

reward.

the

this lame

and

war,

of

anna

wilt

Thou

Thou

'

into

turn

tiger,

too.
'

Maharaj !

Great

King,' he

said

last, in

at

husky whisper.
*

Yes,' said

chuckling a
*

wast

am

an

Mowgli,

without

turning

his head,

little.
old

anything

man.

more

I did
than

not

know

herd-boy.

that

May

thou
I rise

'TIGER!
and

up

go

and

Go,
do

time

will

or

away,

thy

115
tear

servant

to

me

'

pieces?
*

TIGER!'

peace
meddle

not

thee.

with

go

with

my

another

Only,
Let

game.

him

go,

Akela.'
Buldeo

hobbled

could, looking back

he

When

he got

to

enchantment

and
look

with
on
Mowgli went
nearly twilightbefore he

the
Now

herd

heard

skin clear of the

body.

rounded

they got

and

case

near

the

it

but

work,

wolves

and

this and

herd

to

me

his

the

hide

must

Help

The
when

great gay
we

home

in

his shoulder

over

as

grave.

very

drawn

fast

villageas

change into something terrible.

the village
he told a tale of magic
and
the priest
sorcery that made

should

Mowgli

the

to

away

the

Akela.'

them,

and
misty twilight,

in the

up

villageMowgli
bells in

and

conches

had

buffaloes

the

take

was

lights,
temple

saw

the

seemed
to
blowing and banging. Half the village
That
is because
be waiting for him by the gate.
*

I have
a

killed

Shere

of

stones

shower

Khan,'

whistled

the

priestwill

Shoot, Buldeo, shoot

The

and

old Tower
young

said

his

about

and
brat!

quickly,
wolf again.

hence

into

thee

ears,

Wolfs

Get

away!

turn

himself; but

to

'Sorcerer!

villagersshouted:
Go
Jungle-demon!
the

or

he

'

musket

buffalo bellowed

went

in

off with

pain.

bang,

THE

n6
More

'

the

as

of
'

is this ?

what

flew

stones

They

'

is in

they

would

Wolf

'

This

man.

us

woman

thou

beast

but

'

art

'

Oh,

do

thou

Come

it

'

shouted

tulsi

am

the

plant.

because

was

was

wolf.

Let

Messua.
under

thy

shall

'

big

is
tree

son's

life.

send

the

brickbats.

will

stone

in

Nathoo's

at

mouth.

no

or

wizard,

death.'
the

crowd.

I have
;

and

more

wizard,

laugh, for
'

foolish

dusk.

in

thee.'

the

Farewell

into

away

art.

shouted

of the

one

herd
am

'

go

little short. ugly

him

This

the

we

hit

avenged

They

himself

thou

says

son

my
turn

can

Messua

laughed

had

stone

or

son,

the

to

across

believe, but

not

hast

ran

"

my

Buldeo

back,
back,

anything,

mean

sacred

who

will kill thee.

Mowgli

the

Messua

was

sorcerer

will.

at

Come

for

brothers

composedly.

away

it is because

cried

I know
'

Go

time

it

"

herd, and

they

sittingdown

sprig of

time

these

Pack,

Akela.'

go,

say

Mowgli, bewildered,

the

cub!

Last

Again

He

thy buffalo.'

was

said

'

out.'

Wolf's
a

villagers.

that, if bullets

thee

priest,waving
'

Akela,

cast

that

unlike

head

my

'

the

thicker.

not

are

thine,' said

It

shouted

Buldeo,

bullets.

Now

'

'

sorcery

turn

can

BOOK

JUNGLE

run

at

back,

Run

tales

they

least

tell

paid

quickly,for

swiftlythan
Messua.

their
well
Fare-

TIGER!

"

Now,

TIGER!'

Akela,' he

more,

once

117

cried.

Bring

in.'

the herd

buffaloes

The

anxious

were

enough

to

to

get

village.They hardlyneeded Akela's yell,but

ing
chargedthrough the gate like a whirlwind, scatterthe crowd
rightand left.
! shouted
Keep count
Mowgli scornfully. It
of them.
be that I have
stolen one
Keep
may
l-.uc
herding no more,
count, for I will do your
the

'

'

well, children of

you

I do
up

not

in

come

and

down

He

turned
Wolf

he

felt

happy.

Akela.

Messua

When

kind
the

look

all

with

two

and

heel

No

and

you

not

Khan's

hurt

over

horrified

stars

traps for

skia and

the

go
village,for

plain,making it
saw
villagers
Mowgli,
the

and

his heels

at

the

at

me.'
rose

milky, the

up

with

away

sleepingin

get Shere

to

walked

looked

more

us

moon

wolves

he

as

will

we

was

his

Let

No

away.

that

hunt

and

wolves

my

Messua

thank

street.'

on

Lone

me,

with

your

the

and

men,

bundle

on

his

that
the steady wolf's trot
at
trottingacross
miles like fire. Then
they banged
up the long
temple bells and blew the conches louder than

head,
cuts

the

ever

and

story of his adventures

the
ended

In

legsand
The

saying that
talked

moon

like
was

Akela

embroidered

Buldeo

cried, and

Messua

in the
stood

jungle,till he
up

on

his hind

man.

just going

down

when

Mowgli

and

the

wolves

two

Council

Rock,

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

n8

and

hill

the

to

came

they stopped

of

Wolf's

Mother

at

the

cave.
'

They
of

Wolf

Shere

walked

WHEN

THE

MOON

from

out

me

but
Mowgli,
Khan
to
keep my
from
the cave
stiffly
'

ROSE

TROTTING

behind

cast

shouted

Mother,'
hide

have

OVER

THE

ACROSS,

her, and

WITH

her

PLAIN
TWO

THE

the
I

word.'

the

SAW

AT

HIS

as

the

Mother

with

glowed

eyes

with

come

VILLAGERS

WOLVES

Man-Pack,

cubs

MOWGLI

HEELS.

she

the

saw

skin.
*

head

I told
and

him

shoulders

life,Little Frog
be the
'

hunted.

Little

that

on

"

into
I told

day, when
this cave,

him

It is well

Brother,

it

that

he

hunting
the

his

crammed
for

hunter

shy

would

done.'

is well

done,'

said

deep

'

TIGER!'

'TIGER!
voice

THFY

in

CLAMBERED

thicket.

the

VF
THE

jungle

without

TH"
SKIN

'We

BOCK

CorSCM.
OfT

OS

thee,' and

THE

were

TOCETMM,

119

lonely in

AND

MOWCLI

the

tMUAD

Ft

Bagheera came

running

THE

120

Council

Rock

skin

out

on

and

pegged

and

Akela

call

he

had

Ever

since

been

without

own

from

habit, and

food, and

the

huge

well, O

the

old

Wolves

deposed,

But

leapingup
time

left,while

It

then

was

rhymes,

all by

on

his heels
Brother

the

that
a

the

from

but

eating

they

on

rock, and

the

of

end

the

Mowgli

empty,

made

that

came

he shouted

it

song

had

Akela

no

up

up

aloud,
ing
beatbreath

more

howled

came

them,

rattlingskin, and

till he

and

from

left of

were

the

call

limped

mangy

and
itself,

down

Gray

from

stripedhide

dangling at

fightingat

lame

some

all that

Pack

the

missing ;

were

Rock,

and

with

were

the

answered

were

into, and

some

any

his throat

they

of them

many

claws

without

between

verses.
'

Look

word

well,

'

said

wolves

howled

'

first

was

leader, hunting and

fallen

dangling feet.

the

called

been

Khan's

Shere

saw

the

to

bamboo,

had

some

Council

and

into

sit,

Mowgli

and

shot-wounds,

song

used

when

pleasure.

traps they had

the

the

called

Akela

their

to

look

"

spread

there.

brought

bad

Look

the

up

.slivers of

it, and

upon
*

Akela

four

with

down

Mowgli

where

stone

it down

Council,

exactly as

had

flat

the

clambered

They

together, and

lay

the

to

feet.

bare

Mowgli's

to

BOOK

JUNGLE

Wolves.

Mowgli when
bayed, Yes,'
'

Have
he
and

had
one

kept

finished
tattered

my

and
wolf

'

Lead

for
be

would
1

When

ye

the

Nay,'

be

we

Free

for

Ye

Eat

Wolves.'

it, O

said

Mowgli.

'

Now

are

and

cast

hunt

upon
Free

the

it

have
will

be.

come

called

ye

freedom,

we

not

may
may

Wolf-Pack

and

Man-Pack

for

fought

People.

that

nothing

and

more.'

madness

the

again,

us

lawlessness,

once

Bagheera,

Not

again.

Lead
this

People

full-fed,

are

ye

of

sick

purred

121

Akela.-

again,

us

Man-cub,

TIGER!'

TIGER!

"

is

yours.

out,'

me

alone

in

the

jungle.'
'And

will

we

thee,'

with

hunt

said

four

the

cubs.
So

Mowgli
cubs

four

was

in

But

alone,

that

and

man

is

and

away

jungle

the

always

not

became

went

from
because

that

day
years

married.

story

for

with

hunted

grown-ups.

on.

afterward

But

the
he
he

THE

122

BOOK

JUNGLE

MOWGLFS

THAT

SANG

HE

AT

of

Song

Shere

Khan

said

in the

He

wilt
I

drank.

thou

drink

to

me

the

up

Sleepest

to

Mowgli,

At

the

gates

Lone

me,

for when

dream

for

Wolf,

Frog

the

Khan,

Sleep and

kill.

of the

there

come

is

blue-skinned

the
bull-buffaloes,

the

angry

Drive

eyes.

the

Khan

big

them

to

Wake,

oh

herdand

fro

of

in the
tell

of

Up
the

behind.

are

with

Buffaloes,stamped

the

the

Ikki

to

should

he

of

King

bulls

the

wake

whither

Waingunga,

his

foot.

Shere

went

not

I, and

Khan

Shere
still,

come

Waters

Ow

kill !

deep, Shere
?

again

great

thou

Here

is

would

the

I order.

as

He

done.

kill

Drink

Come

bulls with

Rama,

would

Let

singing.

am

afoot.

game

Bring

"

HIDE

grazing-grounds. Gray Brother,

the

on

kill

HE

WHEN

I have

things

would

he

he

alone

am

the

to

KHAN'S

I, Mowgli,

"

twilighthe

and

ate

Mowgli

listen

jungle

SHERE

ON

R.OCK

COUNCIL

THE

DANCED

THE

SONG

He

He

fly.

where
is there.

Rama
and

he

ran

Ahoo

lies the
kill !

bulls !

is

Bat,

creak

to

that

hang

together,

?
!

He

Lame

Here

the

that

bamboos

Peacock,

the

Mang,

not

Little

branches.

me

Mao,

dig holes, nor

One
is

meat

is there.

!
;

Up,
break

Under
Shere
the

the

feet

Khan
necks

!
of

MOWGLI'S
Hfh

He

is

it.

There

is

Alala /

very

The

see

to

will

great.

The

black

cloth

no

to

naked.

am

wake

kites

have

ants

123

not

assembly in

great

I have

that

We

asleep.

strength is

SONG

have

come

his

down

come

know

to

up

The

ashamed

am

for

it.

his honour.
me.

wrap

him,

to

kites will

see

all these

meet

people.
Lend

thy coat,

me

By

I may

that

coat

Bull

Khan.
to

go

Lend

the

knife

knife

of

with

"

the

the

have

made

coat

is' lacking before

knife

hunter, the

Rock.

that

promise

men

use

with

"

I will stoop

man,

"

down

the
tor

gift.

my

Waters

that

thy gay striped

me

Council

the

bought me, I
little promise. Only thy
keep my word.

the

With

of the

gives

Waingunga,
his

me

hide

of Shere

Man-Pack
child's

bear

for

coat

Brother!

Pull, Gray
The

Shere

are

talk.

witness
love

the

that

he

Pull, Akela

Khan

Shere

that

bears

Heavy

me.

is the

Khan.

angry.

My

They

mouth

is

throw

and

stones

bleeding.

Let

us

talk
run

away.

Through

the

with

me,

night, through
my

brothers.

the
We

hot

night, run

will

leave

the

swiftly
lightsof

and go to the low moon.

village
Waters
of the Waingunga, the Alan-Pack
have
cast
me
afraid of
I did them
out.
no
harm, but they were
me.
Why ?
The
Wolf-Pack, ye have cast me out too.
jungle is shut
and the village
to
me
Why :
gates are shut.
As
the beasts and the birds,so flyI
Mang flies between
?
the village
and the jungle. Why
between
I dance
the hide of Shere
Khan, but my heart is very
DM
the

I24

My

heavy.

from

stones

because
These
in

The

the

am

two

my
All

the

but

back

come

fight

is

jungle.

the

in

with

heart

my

to

together

wounded

me

as

the

light

very

Why

fight

snakes

the

spring.

water

it

have

and

cut

village,

the

things

two

is

mouth

falls.

of

out

comes

my

eyes

yet

laugh

while

Why

Mowglis,

but

the

hide

that

of

Shere

Khan

is

under

feet.
knows

jungle

Look

look

well,

is

heavy

killed

have

Wolves

with

the

Shere

Khan.

"

Ahae

My

understand.

heart

things

that

do

not

THE

WHITE

SEAL

The
! hush

Oh

And
The

o'er the

moon,

in the

rest

billow

Where

Ah, weary
The

the

are

combers,

looks

the

green.

soft be

these

thcc,

of the

at

thy

overtake

shark

nor

case

the

Bering Sea.
of

into

steamer

of

Paul's

was

blown

on

and

days

till he

again.

little bird, but

he

and

warmed

fit

was

Limmershin

knows

how

to

the

to

fed
to

is

Point,
in the
told

Wren,

I took

going to Japan, and

cabin

my

couple
St.

he

away

rigging

him
him

down

for

fly back
a

at

ago

East

North

or

Lttllabv.

years

of St. Paul, away

and
Limmershin, the Winter

the tale when

me

several

things happened

Island

thee,

slow-swingingseas.

place called Novastoshnah,

on

us

thy pillow;

Stal

ALL

find

to

that rustic between.

wake

arms

us,

downward

curl
flippcrling,
not

behind

sparkledso

billow, there

meets
wee

Asleep in

that

waters

hollows

shall

storm

Seal

baby, the night is

thcc, my

black

At

White

very

tell the truth.

to

odd

THE

128

Nobody

thousands

has

any

place in

Sea

Catch

from
swim
and
a

hundreds

by

of the cold

out

Beach
of

are

months

summer

have

on

regular
in

come

the

and

hundreds

for Novastoshnah

sea

gray

of

for seals

accommodation

finest

the

all the world.

that,and every springwould

knew

swim

placehe happened to be in would

for Novastoshnah,
like a torpedo-boatstraight
spend a month fightingwith his companions for
whatever

"

good placeon
Sea

fur-seal

the

Catch

with

rocks

almost

close
years

mane

dog-teeth.
front flippers
he

his

on

as

fifteen

was

long,wicked
up

except

only people who

the
seals.
They

the

there

business

Novastoshnah

to

comes

business, and

BOOK

JUNGLE

on

When

the

to

sible.
pos-

old, a huge gray

his shoulders, and
he

stood

as

sea

himself

heaved
than

more

four

feet

clear of the

ground, and his weight, if any one had

enough to weigh him, was
nearly seven
all over
scarred
with
was
pounds. He
of
always
fights,but he was
savage

bold

been

hundred
the

marks

for

ready
head

on

just

one

his enemy
like

in the

away

on

the other

if he

Yet

Sea
was

only wanted

though

face ; then

and
lightning,

fixed

that

side, as

when

were

he

would

the

Catch

against

Sea

Catch
chased

never

the

by

would

Rules
the

sea

not

beaten

it

out

firmly

were

seal

look

to

shoot

teeth

big

his

put

afraid

he

seal's neck, the other

could, but

room

would

He

fightmore.

one

might get
help him.
seal, for

of

the

for

his nursery

He

Beach.
;

but

THE
there

were

From

WHITE

SEAL

129

forty or

fiftythousand other seals

hunting for the same
thing each spring, the
whistling,
bellowing,roaring,and blowing on the
beach were
something frightful.
as

could

look

little hill called Hutchinson's

three and

over

covered

with

seals
fighting

all over

with

the

half

and

Hill you

miles of

the surf

ground
dotted

was

heads of seals

hurryingto land and

begintheir share of the fighting.They foughtin the
breakers, they fought in the sand, and they fought

on

the smooth-worn

for

they were

as

until late in

of

the

nurseries

justas stupid and unaccommodating

Their

men.

basalt rocks

wives

never

came

the

to

island

earlyin June, for they did not

be torn
to
care
to
pieces; and the young
two-,
had
seals who
three-,and four-year-old
not
begun
inland about half a mile through
housekeepingwent
the ranks
of the fighters
the
and played about on
off
sand-dunes
in droves
and
and legions,
rubbed
single green thing that grew.
They were
every
culled
were

at

the

May

or

holluschickie,
"

perhapstwo

or

Novastoshnah

three

the

bachelors, and
"

hundred

there

of them

thousand

alone.

forty-fifth
fight
his soft, sleek, gentleMatkah,
one
springwhen
of the sea, and he caught
eyed wife, came
up out
and
her by the scruff of the neck
dumped her
down
his reservation,saying gruffly
Late, as
:
on
Sea

Catch

had

justfinished

his

usual.

Where

have

you

been

'

THE

30
It

anything during
beaches, and

looked

round

You've

at

one

to

and

than

'

the old
I had/

stayed

eat

the

on

generally bad.

was

to

to

back.

answer

How

She

of

thoughtful

place again.'

said Sea

Catch.

Look

'

and

almost

was

bleedingin twenty places;

blind, and

his sides

torn

were

ribbons.

Oh,

men,

you

be

you

I haven't

crowded

'

'

had

been

fightingwith

doing anything but fight since

beach
The
is disgracefully
May.

of

I've

season.

Lukannon

met

at

least

hundred

Beach, house-hunting. Why

'

people stay where they belong ?

I've often thought we
be much
should
hauled

we

crowded
'

said,

flipper. Why can't

places quietly?
your

settle
you

Matkah

been

this

seals from
can't

hind

'

Whale.'

middle

the

and

though

as

the Killer
'

her

men

you

with

sensible

look

You

We

temper

cooed

think

fanning herself

If

he

his

scratched

was

eye

'

if

four months

Catch

'

He

Sea

taken

I should

me

for

better

knew

'

the

so

Matkah

you

fashion

the

not

was

BOOK

JUNGLE

Only

must

preserve
Catch

fat shoulders

Otter

Island

sunk

and

instead

of

this

Matkah.

the holluschickie

there

went

Sea

at

place,'said

Bah

we

out

happier

they

would

say

appearances,
his

head

pretended

go

my

to

were

we

go

Island.
afraid.

dear.'

proudly
to

Otter

to

between

sleep for

his
a

THE
few

but

minutes,

their wives

their clamour
At

were

million

seals

the

on

babies, and

tiny

out

to

"

keeping

was

that all the

land, you

the

there

seals

could

above

sea

counting

beach,

131

he

Now

the

on

lowest

the

time

fight.

miles

gales.

SEAL

all the

for

sharp look-out
and

WHITE

hear

loudest

were

over

old seals,mother

seals,

holluschickie, fighting,
scuffling,

bleating,crawling,and playingtogether, going

it in
the sea
down
and coming up from
to
gangs
and regiments,
lyingover every foot of ground as
the eye
could reach, and
tar
skirmishingabout
in brigadesthrough the fog. It is nearlyalways
foggy at Novastoshnah, except when the sun comes
bow-colou
and makes
out
everything look all pearlyand rain"

as

for

little while.

Kotick, Matkah's
of that confusion, and

but

there

'

Catch/ she said

Sea

be

song
babies

that
:

shoulders,
must

be

that

made

tiny seals

last,

baby'sgoing

white

and

all

she
the

dry

our

seaweed
been

has

never

help that/
'

now

There

as

I can't

at

and

clam-shells

Empty

in the world
1

as

and

'

Catch.

Sea

all head

something about his coat

look at him
very closely.

be white
*

to

was

middle

in the

was

his mother

to

he

pale,watery-blueeyes,

with

born

baby, was

such

'

snorted
a

thing

seal.'
said Matkah
sang
mother

the

there's

going
low, crooning sealseals sing to
theit
;

THE

JUNGLE

mustn't

swim

132
You
Or
And

bad

bad

Are

And

about

only once
and

throve
The

there

he

met

age, and

so

the
the

and

did

clean

he

When

the nurseries

had

Matkah

fishing she
and

she

would

take

the

go
as

to

beautiful
came

call

until

to

go

fed

was

all he could,

ate

heard

inland, and

of babies

took

kept

would

wait

and

up
to

baby

crawl

to

was

sand, and

holluschickie

babies

used
the

then

scuffle

to

roared

Matkah

of thousands

tens

people in

and

thing he

the

scrambled

fightingwith

was

and

they played together

sleepon

and

learned

rolled

two

understand

not

it.

upon

first

did

father

his

slipperyrocks.
get things to eat,
in two
days ; but

to

side, and

the

"

rat,

paddled

the

sea

old

Sea

He

when

way

Whales

strong,

Open

first.

seal,and

down

to

the

heels

your

wrong,

his mother's

the

another

be

old,

little fellow

the

by

Killer

be

can

grow

can't
of

at

by
of

out

bad

as

Child

words

sunk

baby seals, dear

for

you

course

be

weeks

seals.

baby

splash and

But

the

will

for

bad

As

you're six

till

gales and

summer

Are

Of

head

your

BOOK

like

own

puppies, went

played again.
no

their

notice

The

of them,

grounds,

own

playtime.

back

from

straight to
sheep calls for
Kotick

of his

bleat.

her

deep-sea

their
a

ground
play-

lamb, and
Then

of straightlines
straightest

she

in

his

THE

WHITE

left.

the

There

their

told

muddy

sand
never

go

Little

children,

cut

hundred

mothers

seals
but

wave

carried
sank

no

can

that
him

and

is

hard

the

long as
a
heavy

you

than

little

sea,

here.'

you

they

so

there

when

rub

or

mange,

scratch, and

or

hurt

first time

head

get

swimming

The

big

few

children

and

nothing will

over

water

into

and
flippers
heels rightand

grounds
through the playthe babies were
kept lively
; but, as
Kotick, So long as you don't lie in

and
Matkah

always

were

for

hunting

head

youngsters

133

fore

her

with

direction, strikingout

knocking

SEAL

unhappy

are

Kotick
out

swim

more

went

beyond

till

down
his

his little hind

they
to

learn.

the

sea

depth, and
flew
flippers

his
up

THE

i34

if the
he

next

have

After

that

eye

open

two

weeks

that

while

and

coughed

and

took

until
the

in the

thrown

not

learned

he

the

him

and

song,

back

again

lie in

to

just

waves

beach-pool and

lift

and

him

cover

he

he

in and

floundered
and

grunted

cat-naps

crawled

and

he

that

of

out

the sand, and

on

found

last he

at

him

paddled,but he always kept his

for big waves
He
that might hurt.
was
and
all
learning to use his flippers
;

while

up

told

drowned.

of

wash

him

had

wave

would

let the

had

his mother

exactlyas

BOOK

JUNGLE

the

water,

beach

the

up

back

went

again,

truly belonged

to

water.

Then
his

you

imagine the

can

under

companions, ducking
in

coming

and

swash

far up

on

top of

splutteras
beach

the

times

comber

the

he

would

the

was

young
would

seals when
head

fin would

see

for

to

old

can

beach

did

people
'

fin,like

like

he

an

if it

that

knew

and

arrow,
were

Now

big shark's

Grampus,
them

or

slippery,

on

of the wash.

get

or

his tail and

on

Castle

the

with

landing with a
went
whirling

shore, and

Whale,
he

the

thin

jig off slowly,as

nothing at
Late

Killer

rollers ;

standing up

or

fin,driftingalong close
that

the

big wave

'

then

he had

and

the
as
scratching his head
playing I'm the King of the
weedy rocks that juststuck out
and

that

who

eats

Kotick
and

looking

the

for

all.

in October

the seals

began to

leave

St. Paul's

THE
for the
no

deep sea, by families

chickie

tribes,and there

said Matkah

to

but this year

They

Kotick,
must

you

set

Matkah

nose

comfortable

the hollus-

Next

you will be a holluschickic

catch fish.'
learn how
to

Kotick

tucked
flippers
just out of

his

was

how

to

down

the

Pacific,and

the

togetheracross

out

showed

little

and

135

the nurseries,
and
fightingover
played anywhere they liked.

more

with

SEAL

WHITE

sleepon his back

by his side and his
No

water.

cradle

is

long,rocking swell of the

felt his skin
Pacific.
When
Kotick
tingle all
feel
Matkah
told him
he was
learningthe
over,
of the water/ and
that tingly,prickly feelings
swim
bad
weather
meant
coming, and he must
so

the

as

hard

and

to

In

get away.
little time,* she said,

swim

to, but

he could.
he

panted.

white

eyes,

of

the

said.

The

water

and

you

must

feels bad

That

along !
[he meant

that
tingles,

them
where

the

school

under.

ducked

Sticky Water

of you

of

means

head
here.'

where

Pig, the

school

tearingthrough

know

you

Sea
A

followed

leader

The

Come

me.

tail

your

do

How

he
youngster,'
behind

and

ducking

and

wise.'

is very

little Kotick

and

water,

he

you'llknow

we'll follow

justnow

Porpoise,for
porpoiseswere

When
the

there's
north.

fast

the
as
'

go to ?
rolled his

to

tail

tingles,
there's a gale
you're south
Equator],and
a gale in front
Come
along!

My

means

as

of

THE

136
This

of the very

one

was

learned, and

he

taught him

follow

of

hole

his

like

dart

another

top of

the

fishes

ran

when

the

feet

four

wave

flippersclose

of

clear

to

speed
look

ten

at

boat.

; how

wind
the

boat

dance

to

; how

like

water,

Juan
their
beaches
away,

human

of
the

he

he

his

do

seven

leave

to

cod

bony
and

stop

row-

did

Kotick

what

not

he

full

at

particularlya

was

when

dolphin,

to

time

remembered

Novastoshnah
games

that

three

all

are

never

felt faint

people

legs, and

and

somewhere

water

Fernandez, he

just as

Hawk

deep-sea fishingwas

knowing, and all

flipperon dry ground.
One
day, however, as
warm

the

on

tail curved

ship,but

the

the

out

jump

to

of six months,

about

know

not

deep

the end

At

and

water,

the Man-of-war

and

fathoms
or

the

port-hole and

alone
because
flying-fish
they
the
take
shoulder-piece out of

the

in

below

one

the side and

to

skirt

to

lightningwas racingall
his flipperpolitely
the
to

stumpy-tailedAlbatross
down
the
as
they went
or

at

along

rockling out

; how

fathoms

rifle-bullet in

waves

the halibut
the

weeds

hundred

the

and

wrench

the

sky, and

the

over

cod

the

Kotick
Matkah

always learning.

was

among

as

thingsthat

many

banks, and

lying a

wrecks

at

to

under-sea

the

BOOK

JUNGLE

worth
set

never

lying half asleep

off
and

lazy

the
the

of

Island

the

all over,

spring

good

thousand

companions played, the

is

in

firm
miles
smell

THE
of

WHITE

sea-weed, the seal

the

That

minute

very

and
steadily,

he

he

as

all bound

mates,

said:

off

But
grass.
Kotick's

where

the

had

been

born, and

stoshnah

flash

great

they

inland

rolled

and

up

been

at

boys

talk

would

nutting in, and

could

of that

have

ocean

as

for

beaches

the

where

seals,their

Fire-dance

the

full of

is

one

gone

away

never

was.

break

grounds,and
wheat, and

done

while

about

the

had

wood
had

and
The

that

they had
Pacific

they had

understood
made

in

Then

swirls.

wild

new

flaming

waves

and

the

leaves

him, and
the

on

Nova-

seal

each

with

fire

from

down

talked

if any

and

now,

aching

holluschickie

they

about

new

'

the old

and

in

They

sea.

the

in

mist.
rolling

the

down

stories of what

told

he

to

all

Fire-dance

coat

the

to

burning oil behind

when
he jumps, and
phosphorescent streaks
went

they
are

white

are

like

wake

we

his

it, he only said

heard

Lukannon,

to

of

playon

of

proud

danced
night Kotick
sea
yearlingseals. The
nights all the way

summer

the

pure

That
the

year

get that

almost

the

scores

and

did you

in
fathers,fighting

met

place, and

dance

Lukannon

was

the

This

can

and

same

quickly! My bones
And
so
they all came

land.'

they

we

felt very

he

though
Swim

fur

he

on

'Greeting,Kotick
breakers

'

went

137

fighting.
north, swimming

roar,

turned

for

holluschickie, and
the

SEAL

such

three-

and

as

been

them,
a

chart

four-

THE

138

BOOK

JUNGLE

year-oldholluschickie romped down from Hutchinof the way,

Out
son's Hill, crying :
youngsters !
don't
is deep, and you
know
all that's in
The
sea
till you've rounded
the Horn.
Wait
it yet.
Hi,
*

did

yearling,where

you

1 didn't

he

just as

had

roll

the

going

to

black-haired

from

came

get it,'said Kotick

was

couple of

behind
seen

never

his head.

get that white

you

The

justbundled
staringstupidly. The men

sat

less than

Kerick

Booterin,

the

island, and

on

from

They

came

from

the

what

seals

be turned
'

Ho

white

'

smoke,

for he

people.
*

Don't
been

never

Perhaps
lost last year

was
*

I'm

'

turned

Booterin

prayer.

born.

seal-

the
his

half

son.

mile

were

jacketslater

Patalamon.

no

on.

Look

There's

clean

has

said

few

deciding
the
to
killingup
just like sheep), to

they

driven

were

lowered

'

seal

Kerick

not

seals

of

villagenot

drive

into sealskin
!

oil and

would

they

who

were

Patalamon,

seal -nurseries, and

(for the

pens

little

the

chief

the

faces

off

holluschickie

over,

Kotick,

before, coughed and

'

And

flat red

sand-dune, and

yards and
hunters

grew.'

speaker

with

men

man

it

'

coat

not

was

Aleut, and

Aleuts

he

him,

white

seal

it is old
in the

going near

under

an

Then

touch

nearlywhite
began

to

Zaharrof

since

"

are

mutter

Patalamon.
since

his

There

ghost.

was

He

big gale.'

him,' said Patalamon.

'

He's

THE
Do

unlucky.
*

Don't

him

owe

look

for

139
is old Zaharrof

he

gulls'
eggs.'

some

him,' said Kerick

at

Head

off

of

drove

that

SEAL

reallythink

you

back

come

WHITE

The
men
four-year-olds.
ought to
skin two
hundred
to-day,but it's the beginningof
the season,
and
the work.
A
to
new
they are
will do.
hundred
Quick !
Patalamon
rattled a pair of seal's shoulderbones in front of a herd of holluschickie,and they
he
stopped dead, puffing and blowing. Then
and
stepped near, and the seals began to move,
Kerick
headed
them
tried
inland, and they never
and
to
get back to their companions. Hundreds
of thousands
of seals watched
them
hundreds
being
driven, but they went
on
playingjust the same.
Kotick
the only one
asked
who
was
questions,
of his companions could tell him
and none
thing,
anyalways drove seals in
except that the men
'

that

for six weeks

way

or

months

two

of

every

year.
I

going
nearlypopped out
*

am

in the
'

The

white
"

to

conic
*

It

of the

wake

Hsh
is

follow,'he

to

of

as

his

he shuffled

eyes

along

herd.

seal is

That's

his head

said,and

the

coming

after us,'cried Patalamon.

first time

seal

has

alone.*
killing-grounds
look
behind
Don't
you,'said
Zaharrof
s
ghost ! 1 must
speak

ever

the

priestabout

this.'

Kerick
to

the

THE

140

distance

The
half

it took

if the

seals

would

get heated

off in

patches

went

the

to

mile, but

Webster

fast Kerick

that

thought

he

the

seal-nurseries

loud

as

the

roar

Kerick

of

down

sat

the

on

come

Kotick

dripping from

brim

twelve

each

men,

four
one

feet

companions
aside

those

of
go
head

Ten

'

and

as

off

from

thrown
was

Kerick

three

of

made

the

said

Kerick
the

their

by

kicked

men

clubbed

men

or

pointed

bitten

then

for

ten

club

the

off

Then

boots

throat, and

out

fog-dew

the

cap.

and

heavy

the

cool

were

seals

on

they could.

later little Kotick

any
the

as

that

hot,

their

drove

and

up,

too

then

fast

minutes

friends

That

with

pulled

hear

as

Then

and

iron-bound

an

came

were

walrus's

his

off and

or

his

the

sounded

tunnel.

could

of the drove

two

or

with

long,

moss

of

end, but

him

in

let the

and

the

behind

train

heavy pewter watch

thirtyminutes, and

the

would

world's

the

at

was

of

Let

fur

they

when

roar

'

that

knew

their

then

and

because

cover,

the beach.
sight of the seals on
He
followed, panting and
wondering.

Kotick

skin

to

only

the

just beyond

out

hour

an

too

went

was
killing-grounds

So they
skinned.
they were
Neck, past
slowly,past Sea-Lion's
very
the Salt House
to
House, till they came

on

or

BOOK

JUNGLE

for

more,
nose

the

to

down

enough

their

on

the

hind

did

recognise
skins
were
ripped
flippers whipped
"

ground

for Kotick.

not

in

He

pile.

turned

and

WHITE

THE

galloped (a

short

time)

seal

back

with
bristling

to

can

SEAL

gallop very

141

swiftlyfor

the sea, his little new

horror.

At

Sea-Lion's

moustache

Neck,

where

THE

i42

great sea-lions sit

the

BOOK

JUNGLE
the

on

of

edge

surf,he

the

into the cool water,

flipperoverhead
rocked
and
there, gasping miserably. 'What's
here ?
said a sea-lion gruffly; for as a rule the
sea-lions keep themselves
themselves,
to
Scoochnie I Ochen
scoochnie I
('I'm lonesome,
lonesome
! ') said Kotick.
They're killing
very

flung himself
*

'

all the holluschickie

sea-lion

The
!
noise

'

as

off
'

find

that for

ing
polish-

thirtyyears.*

Kotick, backing

steadyinghimself
that brought him
flippers

with

inches of

all

up

island

where

any

and

years,

talkingto

your

talk

it,and

men

no

after

unless

ever

of

year,

come,

you

you

driven.'

be

here

year

of

know

to

followed

look

here

come

get

Isn't there

Islet and

old Kerick

seen

as

three

men

an

'I've

But

much

as

water

seals will

always

twenty

making

are

sense
Non-

'

'

the

course

inshore.

'

Well

if you

will

done

'

jaggededge of rock.
for a yearling! said the sea-lion,
done
I suppose
appreciategood swimming.
of looking at it ;
awful from your way

it is rather

can

He's

of his

could

but

have

him, and

over

standingwithin
who

must

It's horrible,'said

screw-stroke

your

drove.

his head
friends

You

ever.

went

wave

turned

he said ;

beaches

all the

on

such

island ?

the

-poltoos

can't

seem

you

"

betters
to

Sea

have

; suppose

Vitch.

began Kotick.
[the halibut] for
found

I've

say
to

'

He

you
may

it yet.

fondness
go

to

know

for

Walrus
some-

THE

Don't

thing.
mile

and

thought

swam

round

sleptfor

half

143

like that.

It's

I should
you
little one.'
first,

nap

Kotick

he

if I

SEAL

off

flounce

swim, and
take

WHITE

his

to

haul

were

that

that

out

good advice, so

was

beach, hauled

own

six-

and

out,

twitchingall over, as seals

will.
Then
he headed
straightfor "Walrus Islet,
little low sheet of rocky island almost
east
due northa
from
Novastoshnah, all ledges of rock and
gulls'nests, where the walrus herded by themselves.
He
the big,
landed
close to old Sea Vitch
ugly, bloated, pimpled, fat -necked, long-tusked
hour,

an

"

walrus

of

except

when

his hind
*

"

he

is

asleep

half
flippers

Wake

making

Pacific,who

North

the

up

half

in and

manners

no

then, with

was

of the surf.

out

Kotick, for the gullswere

barked

great noise.

! Ho

Hah

Vitch, and

he

his tusks

and

the

and

next,

'

he

as

"

has

struck

waked
so

Hmph

on

the

What's

walrus

next

him

up,

till

direction

and

they
but

that ?

were

the

'

said Sea

blow

next

all awake

the

with

struck

and

rightone.
Hi !
It's me,' said Kotick, bobbing in the
surf and looking like a littlewhite slug.
skinned
said Sea
!
Well
!
May I be
Kotick
at
as
can
Vitch, and they all looked
you
fancy a club full of drowsy old gentlemen would
hear
did not
to
look at a little boy. Kotick
care
about skinningjust then ; he had seen
any more
staringin

every

"

THE

i44

of

enough

place for
Go

it ;

and

Kotick
shouted

He

fish in his

rooskies
and

the

the

for

you

Walrus

Islet.

and

Vitch

be

to

Sea

All
"

the

Clam

Vitch

rolled

be

terrible

the

GooveGulls

for

"

always

are

up

the

cry,

nearly
gun

weeds,
sea-

Burgomaster

heard

from

and

very

and

me

Clam-

caught

for clams

population was

-eater

air and
!

never

rude, took

have

not

the

the Puffins, who

told

could

screaming :

'

come

Clam-eater

the

Epatkas,

chance

any

Vitch, shutting his

life,but always rooted

minutes

while

'

Sea

that

so* Limmershin

"

and

could

he

as

Kittiwakes

looking
and

Sea

ever

busy here.'
dolphin-jump in

knew

and

Isn't there

don't

men

though he pretended to
Naturally the Chickies

person.

We're

his

loud

out

out,' said

made

'

where

go

away.

as

eater

to

find

Run

'

eyes.

called

he

so

seals

BOOK

JUNGLE

fired

five
on

Stareek

yellingand
[old man] !

side

side

to

'

grunting

coughing.
*

Now

will

tell ?

you

'

said

Kotick, all

out

of

breath.
*

is

Go

and

ask

Sea

he'll
livingstill,
*

him

How

shall

'

said Kotick,

Cow,' said Sea Vitch.

be

able

know

to

Sea

tell

'

If he

you.'

Cow

when

meet

sheeringoff.
He's
the only thing in the sea
uglierthan Sea
Vitch,' screamed
a
burgomaster gull, wheeling
under
Sea Vitch's
nose.
Uglier,and with worse
'

manners

Stareek

'

THE
Kotick

WHITE
back

swam

SEAL

145

Novastoshnah, leaving

to

the

There
he found
that no
gulls to scream.
one
sympathised with him in his little attempts to
discover a quiet place for the seals. They told
him that men
had always driven the holluschickie
"it was
and
that if he
part of the day's work
did
like to
not
see
ugly things he should not
the killing
have gone
of
to
-grounds. But none
seals had
the
the other
seen
killing,and that
"

made

difference

the

Besides, Kotick
4

\Vhat

he had

alone.

you
to

be

able

with

Fire-dance
That

going
beaches
not

by

such

was

get

find

to

for
at

himself

seals
them.

from

beach

going

quiet

So
the

he
North

the

sea,

the

danced

the

island

and

sea,

with

where

explored
to

notion

the

as

he

in

his

soon

find Sea

to

in

as

of

live on,

to

be

little heart.

because

person

leave

never

play in

off and

left the

was

will

ought
gentle

years

and

heavy

very

have

will

they

You

went

off alone
He

bullet-head.
there

;i

he

set

up

grow

you
yourself.' Even

killing.Go

autumn

could, and

then
five

another

to

father, and

your

Kotick

And

Kotick.'

mother, said

his

stop the

to

adventures, is

fightfor

to

his friends.

and

do/ said old Sea Catch, after

beach, and

In

able

Matkah,

seal.

seal like

the

on

nursery

white

his son's

big

him

must

you

heard

be

and

was

between

he

good
men

and
South

if

Cow,
was

firm

could

explored
Pacific,

THE

146
swimming
day

and

than

much

as

be

He

the

Shark, and

the

Hammerhead,
ruffians

the

an

that he

If the

beach

could

it for seals

smoke

of

else

he

whaler

and

and

where

been
had

men

He

picked
albatross, who
the

was

when

very

Kotick

smashed
cliffs in

to
a

thunder.
he

could

nursery.
that

knew
that

see

what

him

place

that

for

peace

down

went

old

an

there

and

see

as

that

And

he

pulled out
there

even

it

was

so

in

had

the
that

again.

come

Kerguelen

pieces against some

with
heavy sleet -storm

Yet

knew

stumpy

he

Or

visited

once

would

meant.

Kotick

they

with

told

it ;

found

never

that

seals had

once

up

he

hard, with

killed off, and

come

of

proud

slope
there was
always the
horizon, boiling down

the

on

Kotick

could

island

to

scarlet-

fancy.

good and
play on,

was

behind

and

the

place for

one

very

Cow,

down

the

in

grow

Sea

met

island

blubber,

and

all the

met

and

up

moored

are

years,

never

loaf

he

heavy polite fish, and

of

he

adventures

more

and

that

spotted scallopsthat
but

with

met

in

miles

narrowly escaped being

Basking Shark, and the Spotted

untrustworthy

hundreds

hundred

told, and

caught by

and

BOOK

three

as

night.

can

seas,

JUNGLE

tailed

Island

quiet, and
was

but

all

black

wicked

lightning and
against the gale

once

all the

been

seal-

other

islands

them,

for

he visited.

Limmershin

gave

long

list of

he

THE
said that Kotick
a

four

when

WHITE

spent five

months'

147
with
exploring,

seasons

each

rest

year
used to

holluschickie

the

SEAL

Novastoshnah,

at

fun of him

make

his

to the Gallaimaginaryislands. He went

the Equator,where
pagos, a horrid dry place on
he was
the
to
nearly baked to death ; he went
GeorgiaIslands,the Orkneys, Emerald Island,Little
Island,Cough's Island,Bouvet's Island,
Nightingale
the Cressets, and even
island
to
a littlespeck of an
of the Cape of Good
south
But
Hope.
where
everythe People of the Sea told him
the same
islands once
those
to
things. Seals had come

and

time, but

upon

Even

when

he

had

men

thousands

swam

and got to
Pacific,
when
he was
(that was

the

found

Island),he
a

north

his way

trees,

going

driven
I shall
The

him

that

to
not

hauled

out

of

out

on

an

'

an

too.

; and

on

island full of

old, old

seal

who

fish for

him, and

Now,' said Kotick,

with
killing-pens

on

headed

he

and

beaches

own

seals
there

came

Novastoshnah,

to

miles

mangy

men

caught

sorrows.

the

and

if I

am

holluschickie

care.'

old seal said

last of the

found

he

of

heart,

his

Kotick

back
the

his
to

where

all his

him

told
am

he

dying, and

was

hundred

back

Horn

the

green

few

nearly broke

That

round

all off.

them

placecalled Cape Corrientes

coming back from Cough's

they told

rock, and

killed

Lost

Rookery

Try
of

once

more.

Masafuera,

I
and

am

the

in the

THE

148
when

days
there

story

seal

shall

Try

people
live

never

curled

said

been

ever

That

shoulders,
father.

him

thought

Give

that

year,

her

all down

This

she

thought

of

when

he

to

and

marry

curly white

big, and

as

the

settle down,

as

always

full-

mane

his

as

said.

'

seventh

the

his

on

fierce

season,' he

member,
Re-

wave

beach.'

there

would

Matkah,

summer,

holluschick, but

it is
up

and

seal

another

was

put off

who

till the

marrying
Fire-dance

Lukannon

Beach

the

night before

needed
to

the

the

the

day

ever

am

danced

time
on

Kotick

his last

on

beaches, and

another

me

and

next

will.

seal that

that

Curiously enough,

fish

others

only white

immensely ;

heavy,

as

farthest

that goes

he

and

islands.'

Mother,

and

old

lead

the

white, who

or

sea-catch, with

grown

fallen

and

(itwas

the

begged him
no
longer

was

off

north

moustache

Novastoshnah

to

his mother,
he

am

on

cheered

back

set

the

day

some

his

up

'

born

only seal, black

looking for new

for

that

quiet place. I am
that day, but
see

to

Kotick

beauty), and

came

of

thousand

more.'

once

And

has

to

beaches
out

come

hundred

the

by

us

the

on

seal would

white

the

killed

men

was

BOOK

JUNGLE

with
he

exploration.

he

westward,

went

trail
at

keep

of

least
him

great
one

in

because

shoal

hundred

good

of

he

had

halibut,

pounds of

condition.

He

THE
chased

the

till he

them

himself

WHITE

and

up

ground

149

tired,and

was

that

then
the

sleepon

to

went

-swell

SEAL

in

sets

he

curled

Island.

Copper

to

of

hollows

night,
well, so about midperfectly
he felt himself
when
gently bumped on a
night,'
weed-bed, he said, Hm, tide's running strong toand
under
water
opened his
turning over
he jumped like a
Then
eyes slowlyand stretched.
cat, for he saw
huge thingsnosing about in the shoal
the weeds.
and browsingon the heavy fringesof
water
of Magellan ! he said,
By the Great Combers
in the Deep Sea
Who
his moustache.
beneath

He

knew

the

coast

;ire

these

'

people?

They

like

were

no

walrus, sea-lion,seal,bear,

scallopthat

whale, shark, fish,squid,or

thirty feet
but

They were
long, and they
tail that

shovel-like

between

before.

seen

ever

of

had

looked

leather.

thingsyou
foolish-looking

water

tat

flippers,

ever

saw,

been
were

and

tails in

deep
when
they weren't grazing,bowing solemnly
as
a
and waving their front flippers
another

balanced

they
to

and

heads

Their

the

of

twenty

if it had

as

out

most

had

hind

no

whittled

wet

Kotick

one

waves

man

on

the

his

arm.

said

'Ahem!'

ends

Kotick.

their

'Good

gentlemen
by bowing and
Frog- Footman.
sport,

big things answered

waving their flipperslike the
that
saw
When
they began feedingagain Kotick
their upper
pieces that they
splitinto two
lip
?

'

The

was

THE

5o

could

twitch

again

with

apart about

foot and

of

bushel

whole

BOOK

JUNGLE

bring together
between

seaweed

the

tucked

splits. They
and

chumped
bowed

They

happen

have

to

feeding, that,'

show

off

so.

but I should
like to know
gracefully,
The
and
twitched,
splitlipsmoved

'

Well

stared

I've

'

said

Kotick.

to

If

lose

his

you

do
front

your
see

bow

you

names.'

your
and

the

glassy

but

they did not speak.

Kotick,
you're the only people
;

uglierthan

met

ever

said

in

joint

extra

an

needn't

eyes

mouths

'

flipperyou

green

their

began
again,and Kotick
Very good,' he said.

temper.

into

solemnly.
style of

Messy

stuff

the

Vitch

Sea

and

"

with

manners.'

worse

Then

he

remembered

Gull
little

had

in

found

Cow

Sea

The

sea

the

in his travels

He

did
has

ought
that

to

that

not

have

for

was

tumbled

he

knew

he

he

had

he

that

schlooping and

on

the weed,

and

language

and
as

answer,

only

when

master
Burgo-

last.
went

languages

many
Cow

the

Islet, and

water,

cows

chumping in
questionsin every

him

to

Walrus

at

and

flash what

screamed

yearling at

backward

in

six
seven,

prevents

the

Sea

and
him

in

his

they
from

Cow

Sea

up

nearly as
the

But

where

under

speaking

Sea
talk.

cannot

neck

say

them

picked

talk

beings.

because
bones

had

he

People

human

asked

Kotick

that

grazing

the
even

he
sea

to

THE
his

WHITE

SEAL

151

companions ; but, as you know, he has

and by waving it
jointin his fore flipper,

extra

and

down

sort

of

and

about

he

makes

what

code.
clumsy telegraphic
By daylightKotick's mane
was

and

his temper

Then

the Sea

was

Cow

began

slowly,stopping to
from

time

and

was

them,
could
went

every

and
not

to

all the

hurry

moustache

idiots

such

long

them,
if

ago

they

what

for

good enough for

wish they'd hurry.'

Kotick.

The

herd

feed
time

while

them

they

hours, and

under

and

up

Kotick

one

round

swam

half-mile.

held

but

them,

As

council

bowing
nearly bit
a

Kotick

impatience till

he

saw

had

known

stones

"

them,

and, for

the

began

swim

followed, and the pace

to

astonished

first time

he

they

off

that

his

they

of water,
current
followingup a warm
then he respectedthem
more.
One
nightthey sank through the shiny water
like

is

is

were

sank

as

miles a day,
fortyor fifty
at
night,and kept close to

north

with

councils

island ; and

same,

them,

over

farther
few

than

arc

Cow

work

go.
very

followed

killed

safe

All the

more

stopped

been

for the Sea

crabs

bowing

People who

some

weary

went

the shore

out

Catch.

the Sea

never

Kotick

have

found

good enough
It

time, and

would

are

hadn't

absurd

end

travel northward

to

hold

himself:

saying to
these

to

the dead

up

to

answers

standingon

where

gone

an

and

"

since

quickly.
him, for he

he

Kotick
never

THE

52

dreamed

into

down

hole

It

sea.

wig

'

he

he

into

fathoms
and

under

of

the

Kotick
of

had

said, when

fitted

he

of
and

there

long
and

down

feel of

Catch, that

the

and

water,
no

the

for

of

good,

counted

did
and
up

in the

then

and

that

within

six miles of the beach

the

mainland

was

sea

would

them,
in, and

climb

to

knew
a

up

by

the

Sea

true

there.
himself

assure

he

that
the

along

swam

delightfullow sandy
beautiful rollingfog. Away

shoals

and

behind

the

out

to

grounds
play-

were

deceives

to

was

that

stretches

dance

to

come

ever

northward
rocks

there

all, Kotick
never

had

thing he

seals

It

miles, exactly

sand-dunes

which

men

islands half hidden

to

for

'

browsing

long

were

and

end.

beaches

slopinginland

roll in, and

fishingwas

beaches

sand

and, best

first

finest

running

rollers

to

the

The

hard

dark

gasping

rose,

seal-nurseries,and

were

grass

the

There

rock

make

to

of

seen.

smooth-worn

badly

through.

edges

ever

the

the

the farther
at
puffing,into open water
a
was
long dive, but it was worth it.'
had separated,and were
The
sea
cows

lazilyalong

dark

Kotick

out

was

cliff that

plunged

it, twenty

led him

they

My

of

air before

fresh

tunnel

and

water,

swimmer.

"

long, long swim,

was

wanted

deep

anything of
by the shore

was

cliff

foot

the

at

Cow

for

headed

They
ran

Sea

that

BOOK

JUNGLE

ran

line
let

never

; and

stretch

of
a

bars

and

ship come

between

the islands

of

water

deep

that

THE

WHITE

SEAL

153

and somewhere
cliffs,
up to the perpendicular
below the cliffswas
the mouth
of the tunnel.

ran

It's Novastoshnah

better,'said Kotick.
I

Men

thought.

if there

were

would

knock

the

is

sea

'Sea
can't
men

any

again,but

over

Cow

be wiser

must

down

come

and

than

the cliffs,
even

the shoals

ship to splinters.If

times

ten

seaward

to

placein

any

safe,this is it.'

began to think of the seal he had left behind

in a hurry to go back
to
him, but though he was
he
Novastoshnah,
thoroughly explored the new
He

country,

be

would

he

that

so

able

to

all

answer

questions.
tunnel, and

the
No

but

one

of there
back

cow

sea

or

been

of the mouth

sure

through

could

Kotick

under

dreamed

have

he

looked

hardly believe

them.

days going home, though he

he hauled
swimming slowly; and when

He
not

six

was

she

saw

his island
But

and
told

the

by
at

all the

seal about

was

out
met

and

found

in his eyes that he had

last.

holluschickie

the

them

look

he

first person

waitingfor him,

been

had

seal who

the

was

the

Neck

Sea-Lion's

justabove

of

southward.

when

place,and

the

to

seal would

cliffs even

the

at

made

raced

being such

he had

that

and

he dived

Then

his

own

Sea

Catch, his father,

seals,laughed

other
what

and

he

had

age

at

him

discovered, and

said

'

This

when
a

he

young

is all very

well,

THE

i54

Kotick, but you can't

and

order

did.
The

seal
had

Remember

seals

other

laughed

began twistinghis head

justmarried that year,
I've

'

no

be safe.

and

side

the

young
He

side.

to

show

to

fightfor,'said

to

nursery

What's

all

you
the

great

the

Kotick.

placewhere
fighting?

'

will

you

'

of

use

say,'said

to

more

in the sea.'

making

was

Oh, if you'retrying to back

'

about

it.

only

want

from

thing you

this,and

at

been

we've

that's

preferredprowling

where

knows

one

no

nurseries, and

our

You

fuss about

no

from

come

off like this.

us

fightingfor
never

BOOK

JUNGLE

of

out,

seal,with

young

I've

course

ugly

an

chuckle.
Will

'

and

you

with

come

lightcame

green

if I win

me

If

win,

you

He
head

had

the young
on

his

time

Kotick
you

haunches

dragged
going to

and

him, and

roared

to

five

island where

Then

carelessly,

hauled

seasons

him
I've

past.

off your
you

necks
silly
now.

you

Look

I've

your

won't
out

my

found

unless

for

back

down

the
Then

over.

done

of

blubber

himself

his enemy

knocked

the seals

in the

he threw

you'llbe safe,but

teach

very

his mind, for Kotick's

his teeth sunk

seal's neck.

these

seal

young

change

to

and

out

beach, shook

was

I'll come.'

no

darted

said Kotick

all.

having to fightat
'Very good,' said the

'

his eyes, for he

into

at

angry

best

for

you

the

heads

believe.

are

I'm

yourselves!'

THE
Limmershin

told

Limmcrshin
every

WHITE

year

155
in his life

never

"

thousand
all his

in

never

"

that

me

ten

sees

SEAL

big

seals

and

fighting

little life did

he

sec

anything like Kotick's charge into the nurseries.

He
flunghimself at the biggestsea-catch he could
him
find,caught him by the throat, choked
and
bumped him and banged him till he grunted for
and

mercy,

then

You

next.

Kotick

see,

a^ide

him

threw

had

and

the

as

and, best of all,he had

His

curly white
flamed, and

eyes
he

his

splendidto

was

stood

mane

look

directions; and

shouted

son

He's

him

admired

for the
dared

in

and

head,

the

cowered

Kotick
It

old

and

Matkah

marry

his

and
best

father,

Catch

seal

down

that
and

fight,
gorgeous
there was
a seal that

was

and

Sea

end, blowing like

on

fought as long as

lift up

bachelors

tackle your

answer,

their men-folk.
two

young

roar
gave one
fool, but he is the

Don't

locomotive, while
to

as

tearingpast,
though they

Catch

in, his moustache

going

his

'
you !

with

roared

Kotick
waddled

be

may

rage, and

at.

Sea

the Beaches.

fighteron
my

He

dition,
perfectconfought before.

and
big dog-teethglistened,

haulingthe grizzledold seals about

had been halibut,and upsettingthe
in all

his

in

with

Sea Catch, his father,saw

Old

and

year,

never

up

the

fasted for four

never

big seals did every

deep-sea swimming-tripskept him
months

attacked

then

they paraded

THE

156

At

night, just

climbed

I'll come

is such

with

and

Then

of

and

white

seal

what's

and

island

The

them

cut

you,

your

one

week

if there

"

and

tunnel?

Answer,

rippleof

or

tide

the

will

'We

come,'

will follow

'We

voices.

his

his eyes

red

have

he would

from

He
head

scorned

his

between

head

proudly.

but

more,

any

comes

Kotick.

beaches.

tired

Who

sea

like the

not

was

tail.

to

look

at

or

(nearly

ten

to

of his wounds.
later

he

and

holluschickie
to

the

dropped

shut

same,

thousand

them,

have

'

Seal.'

Kotick

shoulders

north

to

Cow's

the

down

Kotick, the White

of

murmur

thousands

touch

proud

again,'roared

you
was

the

not

you

the Sea

to

me

There

All

could

pigs of

fat

you,

shall teach

mauled.
fearfully

place/

Here

said

the

on

bleedingseals.

and

torn

was

Son, I'm

worse.

all up

he

himself

Whale

Killer

with

down

for
stiffly,

up

'

the

Lights were
fog, Kotick

the

looked

by side,

'

My

more,

Northern

and

and

side

said, I've taught you your lesson.'

self
wig ! said old Sea Catch, boosting him-

he

Now,'

up

the

as

rock

nurseries

scattered

bare

beach

the

flashingthrough

and

winking

down

and

grandly up
bellowing.

BOOK

JUNGLE

the
the

Sea
seals

his

and

Cow's
that

army

old

seals)went

away

Kotick

leading

tunnel,

stayed

at

Novastoshnah

THE
idiots.

called them

off the

met

seals told

Sea

Cow's

WHITE
But

SEAL

spring,when

next

of
fishing-hanks
tales

such

tunnel

of

that

157

the

the

Pacific,Kotick's
beaches

new

and

more

they all
beyond
seals

more

left

Novastoshnah.
Of

it

course

seals need

minds, but
from

all done

not

long time to
year by year

Novastoshnah, and

nurseries,
Kotick

and

was

to

sits all the

fatter and

chickie

the

turn
more

for the

once,

in their

thingsover
seals

Lukannon,

went

and

away

the other

quiet,sheltered beaches where

summer
through,gettingbigger
year, while the hollushim, in that sea where no man

stronger each

play round

at

comes.

THE

158

JUNGLE

BOOK

LUKANNON
This

is the

when

sing

they
It is

summer.

great

MET

are

sort

of very

in

mates

my

deep-sea song
heading back

that

all
their

to

beaches

sad 'seal National

the

St. Paul

the

in

the

Anthem.

(and oh,

morning

seals

but

am

old!)
Where

rolled
I heard

The

The
The
The

lift the

of Lukannon

dropped

breakers'

the

million

two

"

beside

the

voices

salt

ofpleasantstations

song

down
of blowing squadrons that shuffled

song

of midnight

my

in

mates

!)

"

churned

beforethe

lagoons,

the

sealers

the
to

sea

dunes,

jlame

"

"

came

never
morning (I'll

the

strong

them

meet

and

came

that

dances

of Lukannon

more

They

that

song

beaches

met

chorus

"

beaches

The

ground-swell

summer

them
song

ledges the

the

roaring on

went

in

all the

darkened

legions that

shore.
And

the

through

foam-flecked

far

offing as

could

voice

as

reach

We

hailed

the

and
landing-parties

we

them

sang

the

up

beach.

The
The

beaches

of Lukannon

dripping, crinkled

"

the

"winter-wheat

lichens,and

the

tall

so

"

sea-fogdrenching

all!
The

platforms of
worn

The

beaches

our

playground, all shining

smooth

and

of Lukannon

"

the home

where

we

were

born

LUKANNON

meet

in

mates

my

159

the

morning,

broken,

scattered

band.

Men
Men

shoot

in

us

drive

the

Salt

the

to

us

club

and

water

us

silly

like

House

land

the

on

and

sheep

tame,
And

Ifheel

And

Ere,
The

still

sing

we

wheel

down,
tell

empty
beaches

the

Deepthe
as

of

Lukannon

before

sealers

the

came.

"

down

Sea

sharps

Lukannon

to

southward
;

the

Viceroys
the
egg

shall

know

oh,

story
tempest
their

of

Gooverooska

our

flings
sons

wot

go

ashore,
no

more

"RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVr

'Rikki-Tikki-Tavi'
At

hole

the

called

Red-Eye
Hear

Eye

come

to

and

eye

Rcd-Eyc

head

end

saith

dance

when

with

death

!*

head,

to

the measure,

shall

in

went

Wrinkle-Skin.

and

up

(Keep
This

to

little

what

*Nag,

he

where

Nag.)
is dead

one

(At thypleasure.Nag.)
Turn

for

and

(Run
Hah

is the

THIS

tikki-tavi
of

Darzee,

undra,
the

by
the

real

The

hide

twist

betide

story

of

"

theey Nag.)

hooded

(H"

for twist

Death

has

missed

thte, Nag!)
the

great

war

that

RikkU

rooms
fought single-handed,through the baththe big bungalow in Segowlee cantonment.
the
Chuchtailor-bird, helped him, and

the

middle
the

and

turn

musk-rat,
of

floor, but

the

wall, g;ive

who

him

fighting.

advice

never

comes

always
;

but

out

creeps

Rikki-tikki

into

round
did

THE

64
He

his fur

head

and

his tail,but

quite

he

to

like

scuttled

tikki-tikki-tchk
One

day,

the

burrow

of

carried

No,' said

he

and

he
*

who

Now,' said
had

just

frightenhim,
It is the

have

he

as

he

the

big

moved

hardest

out

his father

and

and

clucking,

little wisp of

it till he

'

isn't

we'll

the

hot

draggled
'

Here's

funeral.'
in and

him

let's take

reallydead.'

the house, and

fingerand

his

half

but

and
man

lost his

lying in

big

thumb,

choked

man

and

they

so

warmed

cotton-wool, and

his eyes

and

him

was

into

in

opened

tail till

Rikk-tikk-

'

garden path, very

boy was
saying:

dead

not

him

his

back,

his

between

up

found

clung to

mother

him

took

was

wrapped

of

Perhaps
him

picked

his

kicking

He

Let's

mongoose.

dry him.
They
said

him,

small

of

or

washed

with

revived, he

he

indeed, and

'

lived

ditch.

middle

the

on

his

war-cry,

was

flood

he

where

When

senses.

his

in

himself

scratch

fluff up

grass,

summer

floatingthere, and

grass

dead

high

long

end

the

in

cat

'

roadside

sun

and

mother,
down

the

through

weasel

leg,front

any

bottle-brush, and

little

and

could

; he

use

like

could

he

like

eyes

pleased,with

he

chose

it looked

His

pink

were

nose-

anywhere
that

rather

his habits.

and

restless

mongoose,

was

BOOK

JUNGLE

him,

sneezed.

(he

into

the

see

what

thing in

\v^

an

Englishman

bungalow) ;

the

don't

he'll do.'
world

to

frighten

RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVr
a

because

mongoose,

tail \vith

curiosity. The

family is,
was

he is

Run

'

and

the

up

and

in

order,

from

up

to

nose

of all the mongoose

Rikki-tikki
; and

'

out

He

true

round

eaten

motto

find

mongoose.
decided
that it

165

looked

good

not

was

at

the

to

wool,
cotton-

eat,

all

ran

table,sat
his

put

fur

scratched

himself, and

jumped
small
boy's

the

on

shoulder.
4

Don't

be

frightened,
Teddy,' said

father.

his

'

of

his

way
frien

That's

making

'Ouch!

He's

tickling under
my
chin,' said Teddy.
Ki

k ki

looked

ti kk

tweenRIKKI-TIKEI
be-

down

and

neck, snuffed

the

floor, where. he

because
'

'If

his

at

ear,

ID

and

BITWUN

DOWN
AKD

COLLAB

THE

NtCK.

down

climbed

rubbing his nose.

said Teddy's mother,
gracious,'

'Good
a

LOOK

"OV'l

boy'scollar

the

that's

wild,
we've

All mongooses

Teddy

sat

creature

been

doesn't

to

kind
are

I
to

suppose

he's

him

tame

him.'

like that/ said her

pick

so

'and

up

by

the

husband.

tail,or

try

put him

to

all

JUNGLE

THE

66

in

Let's

day long.
They

liked

he

finished

and

sunshine
the

went

HE

'

There

are

something to
piece of raw

HIS

NOSE

INTO

THE

things to

more

could

in all their lives.

stay and
He
He

it

on

himself,

to

in the

dry

to

'

than
I

about

out

all my
shall

in

family
certainly

find out.'

spent

all that

nearly drowned

his

it

was

INK.

find

said

out

sat

make

to

meat.

it

when

and

eat.'

felt better.

he

PUT

his fur

up

this house,' he
find

and

immensely,

fluffed

of the house

out

into the verandah

out

Then

roots.

him

little

it

in and

run

give

him

gave

Rikki-tikki

he'll

cage,

BOOK

into the ink

nose

the

end

of the

day roaming
himself

in

over

the

the

house.

bath-tubs, put

and
burnt
writing-table,
big man's cigar,for he climbed
on

"RIKKI-TIKKl-TA\
in

167

big man's lap to see how writing

At
he ran
done.
into Teddy's nursery
nightfall
watch
how
to
kerosene-lamps were
lighted,and
when
bed Rikki-tikki
climbed
to
Teddy went
up
restless companion, because
he
too
a
; but he
had to get up and attend to every noise all through
the night, and
find out
it. Teddy's
what
made
mother
and father came
in, the last thing,to look
up

the

was

" IKKI-TIKKI

boy,

their

at

pillow.
k

he

beast

If

the
than
snake

But
so

bite the

may

said

and

'I don't

father.
if he
came

Teddy's

AWAKE

WAS

ON

Rikki-tikki

child.'

'

He'll do

'Teddy's
a

safer

bloodhound

into the
mother

was

awake

on

the

that,'said Teddy's mother;

like

had

PILLOW.

THE

nursery

wouldn't

thing,'

such

no

with
to

that
watch

little
him.

think

of

anything

awful.

Early

in the

morning

Rikki-tikki

came

to

early

THE

i68

breakfast

in the verandah

and

they

gave

and

he

sat

because

BOOK

JUNGLE

banana

him

all their

on

Teddy's shoulder,

ridingon
and

laps

after

one

well-brought-up

every

boiled

some

mongoose

(she

in the

General's

he

ever

went

BREAKFAST

RIDING

ON

It

and

thickets
'

This

is

he

here

in

trees,

bottle

scuttled

and

came

across

garden
to

was

garden, only

half

be

large
vated,
culti-

bushes

as

summer-houses

as

Marshal
of

clumps

Niel

bamboos,

roses,

and

Rikki-tikki
licked his lips.
high grass.
splendid hunting-ground,'he said, and

his tail grew

and

do

SHOULDER.

orange
of

to

was

of
lime

what

what

see

big

at

carefully

into the

out

with
TO

house

Rikki-tikki

seen.

TEDDY'S

live

to

men.

Then

to

used

had

Rikki

white

about

run

mother

if

and

Rikki-tikki's

Segowlee)

CAME

day

to

rooms

told

house-

some

in, and

HE

always

be

to

other,

mongoose

hopes
have

the

egg

there

thorn-bush.

-brushy
and

down

till he

heard

up

at

the
the

very

thought of it,
garden, snuffing
sorrowful

voices

RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI'
It was
had

with

they sat

(WX

on

is the

'What
'We

are

very

babies tell out

1

am

nest

filled the hollow

The

nest

rim

and

SAID

DABStt.

matter?'

with

swayed

cotton

nest

cried.

asked

Rikki-tikki.

and Nag
yesterday,

Rikki-tikki, 'that

stranger here.

fro,

and

to

miserable/ said I).ir/ee. 'One

of the

'said

I I'm!

the

MISCBABU,'

VCKY

AM

had

fluff.

They
big

by pulling two
stitchingthem up the edges

together and

downy

but

beautiful

fibres,and

and
as

and his wife.

Darzee, the tailor-bird,

made

leaves

169

Who

is

ate

is very

Nag

?'

of

our

him.'

sad

"

THE

7o

without

nest
at

horrid

sound

Nag,

the

long

from

balances

wicked

he

ground,

the

snake's

their

expression,whatever

of

five

feet

lifted

he

stayed

Rikki-tikki

at

that

the

hood

dandelion-tuft

looked

eyes

of

out

had

he

"

jump

inch

was

When

he

grass
hiss

spread

exactly as

with

low

and

clear of the

wind, and

in the

thick

inch., by

tail.

fro

and

the

in the

Rikki-tikki

made

head

to

down

came

cobra, and

tongue

balancing to

from

Then

black

big

cowered

there

the

up

of himself

one-third

for

that

feet.

rose

grass

bush

the

clear

two

the

of

cold

back

only

answering,

foot

the

his wife

and

Darzee

BOOK

JUNGLE

change

never

snake

be thinking

may

of.
*

Who

is

He

spread

Rikki-tikki
it that

the

it is

exactly like

tikki

grown
eat

had

met

never

fed him

had

He

length

any

on

snakes.

of his cold

Nag
heart

dead

mongoose's

his hood

of

time,

live cobra

business

was

to

that

and

and

in life

too, and

afraid.

minute

stay

to
at

Rikkimother

all

fightand

the

ened
fright-

that

knew

of

hook-

though

was

'

and

back

the

before, his
he

keep

ever,

part of

mongoose

our

be afraid !

and
than

eye

to

afraid for the

was

all

upon

more

the

ones,

knew
he

spread

hood

impossible for

for

mark

The

Nag.

am

spectacle-mark on

and-eye fastening.
but

slept. Look,

his

out

saw

looks

he

as

'

his

put

off Brahm

sun

said he.

the first cobra

people when
the

'

Brahm

god

great

Nag

bottom

"RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI'

'Well/

said

Rikki-tikki, and

fluff up again, marks

it is rightfor you to
*

Nag

least little

death

nest

'

that

sooner

he

behind

Kikki-

in the garden
mongooses
later for him
his
and

or

wanted

the grass

to

side.

one

Let

should

talk,'he said.

us

not

Behind

think

get Rikki-tikki off his

So he dropped his head a little,
and put it

guard.
*

began to

you

of

out
fledglings

in

knew

family,but
on

marks, do

no

eat

movement

He

meant

or

his tail

thinkingto himself,and watchingthe

was

tikki.

173

you

Look

You

eat

Why

eggs.

'

birds ?

eat

behind

you

'

Dar-

sang

zee.

Rikki-tikki

better

knew

than

time

waste

to

in

He

jumped up in the air as high as he

could go, and justunder
him whizzed
by the head
wife.
She had crept up
of Nagaina, Nag's wicked
end of
behind
him
make
he was
to
an
as
talking,

staring.

him

; and

he

missed.

He

it"he had

and

her

been

an

lashingreturn-stroke
but
clear

and

did

not

of

the

hiss

almost

the
he

was

time

the

as

to

he would
break

afraid of

of the cobra.

stroke

her

across

old mongoose

was

bite ; but

one

savage

down

came

that then

known
with

heard

He

her

the

back,
have

back

terrible

bit,indeed,

long enough, and he jumped

whisking tail,leavingNagaina torn
bite

angry.
*

Wicked,

wicked

Darzee!'
N

said

Nag, lashing

THE

i74

high

as

up

; but

of snakes, and

reach

and

he

little

back

sat

with

stroke, it

of what

it

he

could

down

sat

think.

to

It

angry),
legs like a

was

had

misses

snake

did

feel

not

not

that

sure

So

once.

he

house, and

the

near

serious

and

him,

givesany sign

at

gravel path

hot

Nagaina
a

snakes

two

the

to

did

he

of

is

Rikki-tikki

next.

them, for

manage
off

trotted

When

anything or

do

to

and

Nag

grass.
says

means

hind

out

and

all round

But

the

never

follow

to

care

looked

and

rage.

disappeared into

tail and

in

fro.

red

red, he

grow

nest

it

and

to

growing

eyes

his

the

built

had

only swayed

eyes

on

kangaroo,

chattered

its

it

mongoose's

toward

Darzee

felt his

Rikki-tikki

(when

reach

could

he

as

thorn-bush

the

BOOK

JUNGLE

for

matter

him.
If
you

will

find

fightsthe
off and
not

read

you

they

snake

eats

and

some

and

eye

old

books

say

that

magic

and

think

he

behind.

It

him.

cures

it made
had

gave

runs

is

That

when

wonderful
he

knew

him

no

as

head

more

managed
him

and

"

snake's

Rikki-tikki

mongoose,
that

of

things much

herb.

mongoose

"

the motion

that makes

the

history,

get bitten, he

to

that

against mongoose's jump,

follow

natural

when

happens
herb

of

of quickvictoryis only a matter

ness
quickness of foot, snake's blow

The

true.

of

the

all the
to

confidence

than

any

young

pleasedto

more

in

can

it strikes,

was

escape

eye

blow

from

himself, and

'

RIKKI-TIKKI-TAYI

'

177

when

Teddy came
running down the path, Rikkitikki was
ready to be petted.
But
just as Teddy was
stooping,something
flinched a little in the dust, and a tiny voice said :
*

careful.

Be

dusty
dusty

brown
earth

death

am

snakelingthat
and

'

It

Karait, the

was

lies for choice

his bite is

the

on

dangerous as the
cobra's.
small
But he is so
that nobody thinks
of him, and so he does the more
harm
to
people.
Rikki-tikki's eyes grew red again,
and he danced
the peculiarrocking,swaying
Karait with
to
up
motion
that he had inherited from
his family. It
looks very funny,but it is so perfectly
balanced a
gait that you can flyoff from it at any angle you
this is an
please; and in dealing with snakes
had only known,
he
advantage. If Rikki-tikki
was
more
doing a much
dangerous thing than
fighting
Nag, for Karait is so small, and can turn
so
quickly,that unless Rikki bit him close to the
back
in

of

his eye

eyes

were

head, he would

the

lip.

or

But

all red, and

get the

Rikki
he

as

did

rocked

return-stroke
not

back

know

and

his

forth,

Karait
struck
good place to hold.
Rikki
out.
jumped sidewaysand tried to run in,
littledusty gray head lashed within
but the wicked
fraction of his shoulder, and he had to jump over
a
the body, and the head followed his heels close,
Teddy shouted to the house : Oh, look here !
is killing
Rikki-tikki
Our
a snake
; and
mongoose

looking for

"

'

JUNGLE

THE

78

BOOK

His father
Teddy's mother.
he came
with a stick, but by the time
out
ran
up,
had
Karait
too
far, and Rikkilunged out once
the snake's
tikki had
back,
jumped
sprung,
bitten as
dropped his head far between his fore-legs,
high up the back as he could get hold, and rolled
bite paralysed Karait, and
RikkiThat
away.
tikki was
just going to eat him up from the tail,
of his family at dinner, when
after the custom
he

heard

from

scream

on

that

remembered
and

ready,he

ness

He
oil

went

all his

keep

must

for

away

is the

I have

picked

himself

settled
him

it all

tikki
course,

he

did

might just as
the

dust.

'

from

up

the
saved

said

that

under

with

on

amused
not

well

then
dust

was

big
at

the

the dead

quick-

and

scared

all the

Karait.

mother

hugged him,

from
a

castor-

Rikki-tikki.

Teddy's

Teddy
he

goose,
mon-

thin.

thought

; and

had

rather

was

that?'

slow

strengthand

dust-bath

of

use

crying that he
Teddy's father
Teddy looked

in

wanted

makes

bushes,while Teddy's father beat

'What
'

if he

full meal

death, and

providence,and
eyes.

Rikki-

fuss, which, of

understand.
have

Rikki

Teddy's mother
petted Teddy for playing
was
thoroughly enjoying

himself.

night,at dinner, walking to and fro

the wine-glasses
the table, he could have
on
himself
three
times over
with nice things ;
That

remembered

Nag

and

Nagaina, and though

among
stuffed
but
it

he
was

RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVr
very

pleasantto

be

and

sit

mother,
would

get red

off

go

to

patted and

petted by Teddy's

Teddy's shoulder, his

on

from

into his

179

time

long

to

war-cry

time, and
of

'

he

eyes

would

Rikk-tikk-tikki-

'

tikki-tchk !

,,

IN

THE

DAKK

Teddy
Rikki-tikki
was

too

Teddy

HI

BAN

carried

UP

AGAINST

him

off

sleeping under

well bred

bite

to

asleephe

THE

CNUCNUNDBA,

or

to

bed,

and

his chin.

scratch, but

MflK-KAT.

insisted

on

Rikki-tikki
as

soon

as

off for his

nightlywalk
round
the house, and in the dark
he ran
up against
Chuchundra, the musk-rat, creeping round
by the
wall.

was

Chuchundra

is

went

broken-hearted

little beast.

THE

180

He

and

whimpers

make

but

room,
*

Rikki-tikki, don't

Do

think

you

Those

snake-killer

kill snakes

who

for

me
'

how

some

There's

not

almost

ing.
weep-

'

killed

by snakes,'

sorrowfully than
that

sure

dark

night ?

the least

Nag

won't

ever.

mistake

'

danger,'said

garden, and

Rikki-tikki

I know

don't

you

there.'

go

'

cousin

My

'

'

Told

you

H'sh

should
'

so

Chuchundra
off

his

tell

the
you

you

Chua

in the

must

tell

of

scratch-scratch

Can't

in

he

the

garden.'
Quick,

me.

cried

am

chundra,
Chu-

till the

H'sh

man,'

to

run

The

house

could
"

as

was

justcatch
noise

out

I mustn't

hear, Rikki-tikki

you

world,

tears

poor

very

spiritenough

room.

listened.

thought

'

the

You

'

and

had

anything.
he

down

never

middle

Rikki-tikki
but
still,

said

stopped.

everywhere, Rikki-tikki.

whiskers.
'

-'

me"

'

to

sat

sobbed.

into

is

talked
"

he

I'll bite you

or

rolled

what

rat, told

the

then

Nag

have

I didn't

Chua,

and

Chuchundra,

he

be

to

is in the

Nag

the

kills musk-rats

get

more

am

you

but

of

scornfully.

Chuchundra,

And

middle

kill me.'

said

the

into

run

gets there.

never

said Rikki-tikki
'

to

night,trying to

kill me,' said Chuchundra,

Don't
'

'

he

all the

cheeps

his mind

up

BOOK

JUNGLE

the
as

'

still as
faintest
faint

as

'RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI
that

of

the

dry
*

walking

wasp

of

scratch

on

window-pane,"

snake's

scales

work.
brick-

on

That's

'and
You're
to

181

Nag or Nagaina,'he said to himself;

he is crawling into the bath-room
sluice.
have talked
right,Chuchundra
; I should

Chua.'
stole off

He

Teddy's bath-room, but there

was
nothing there, and then to Teddy's mother's
of the smooth
bath-room.
At the bottom
plaster
brick pulledout
sluice
make
wall there was
to
a
a
for the bath-water, and as Rikki-tikki
stole in by
to

curb

where

the

bath

is put, he heard

the

masonry

Nag

Nagaina whisperingtogetheroutside in
moonlight.
said
When
the house
is emptied of people,'

the
*

and

Nagaina
then

and
in

her

to

husband,
remember

and
quietly,

and

out

he will have

garden will

the

killed Karait

'

and

we

our

that

is the first one

tell me,

be

own

the

to

to

go

away,

again. Go
who
big man

bite.

Then

come

for Rikki-tikki

will hunt

together.'
*

But

are

you

sure

that

there
'

is

anything to be
Nag.
no
people in

gained by killingthe people? said

there were
Everything. When
in the
have
the bungalow, did we
any mongoose
garden ? So long as the bungalow is empty, we
are
king and queen of the garden ; and remember
*

that

as

soon

as

our

eggs

in the

melon-bed

hatch

THE

82

(as they

but

go,

quiet.'
not
thought

I had

'

to-morrow),

may

and

room

is

there

wife, and

his

the

will

Rikki-tikki

Nag.

should

we

I will kill the

if I

child

the

Then

quietly.

that

need

no

will

children

our

of that,'said

afterward.

Rikki-tikki

BOOK

JUNGLE

bungalow

will

I will

'

for

hunt

and

big man

and

can,

need

come

be

away

and

empty,

go.'

with
and
tingled all over
rage
hatred
at
this,and then Nag's head came
through
his five feet of cold body followed
the sluice,and
Rikki-tikki

it.

Angry as
frightenedas
Nag

coiled

into

the

in

in

of

size

raised

up,

was

the

very

cobra.

big

his head, and

dark, and

the

looked
could

Rikki

glitter.
if I kill him

Now,

fighthim

favour.

his

the

saw

bath-room

if I

and

he

Rikki-tikki

was,

himself

his eyes

see

he

here, Nagaina will know

the open

on

What

floor, the odds

to

do ?

fro, and

then

am

'

said

;
are

Rikki-

tikki-tavi.

Nag
heard
was

him
used

snake.
man

but

to

and

drinking from

Rikki-tikki

biggestwater-jarthat
is good,' said the
fill the bath.
That
to
when
Karait
Now,
killed, the big
was
the
'

'

had

when

he

will

he

comes.

wait

waved

here

stick.
he

not

He
in

comes

have

Nagaina
in the

cool

to

stick.

"

have

may

do

bathe
I

you

that
in

shall
hear

till daytime.'

stick

morning

the

wait
me

still,

here
?
"

till

I shall

RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI'

"

There
tikki

was

no

183

from

answer

outside, so

Rikki-

knew

Nagaina had gone away.

Nag coiled
himself down, coil by coil,round
the bulge at the
bottom
of the water
-jar,and Rikki-tikki
stayed
still as death.
After an
hour
he began to move,
muscle
the jar. Nag
was
by muscle, toward
looked
his big back,
at
asleep,and Rikki-tikki
be the best place for a
wondering which would
If I don't break his back at the first
good hold.
jump,' said Rikki, he can still fight; and if he
He
looked
the thickness
at
fights O Rikki!'
*

"

of

the

for

much

him

only make
It

must

as

head.
and
to
on

he
and
the

; and

said

he

when

go.'
jumped. The
under
water-jar,

the

his teeth

bulge

tail would

the

near

too

was

last ;

at
am

'

the

there,

once

let
he

clear of

bite

head,'

the

the hood

not

Then

that

savage.

be

must

hood, but

the

and

Nag

above

head

below

neck

of

Rikki

met,

red

the

This

gave

made

the

fro

as

circles ; but

him

is shaken

and

his eyes

were

down,

down

second's

Then

by

he

dog

and,

battered

was

"

the

purchase,
and

to

round

and

red, and

it ;

againstthe

hold

to

just one
of it.

most

of

curve

his back

braced

little

lyinga

was

the

earthenware

rat

floor, up

head

he held

fro

in great
on

as

the

the floor,upsettingthe tin

body cart-whippedover
dipper and the soap-dishand the flesh-brush,and

banged againstthe

tin side

of

the

bath.

As

he

he

closed

he

held

made

sure

the

honour

for
found

with

THEN

jaws tighterand tighter,for

be banged to death, and,
he would
of his family,he preferred to be
his

R1KK1-T1KKI

WAS

BATTERED

TO

hot

off

wind

like

AND

FRO

AS

something

RAT

The
and

him

senseless, and
man

had

fired

both

big
had

IS

SHAKEN

DOG.

thunderclapjust behind

knocked

singed his fur.

by the noise,

dizzy,

was

pieceswhen

to

BV

went

He

locked.

teeth

his

felt shaken

aching, and

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

184

shot-gun into Nag just behind

been

him
red

fire

wakened

barrels

the hood.

of

'RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVr
Rikki-tikki
he

said

mother

himself

man

but

the

picked him
again, Alice ;
now.'

head

did

up

and

the

Then

little

Teddy's

face,and

white

very

now

saw

dragged
Nag, and Rikki-tikki
and
Teddy's bedroom
spent half the
nightshaking himself tenderlyto find
broken
into fortypieces,
he reallywas

the

whether

fancied.

he

he was
morning came
pleasedwith his doings. Now

When

she

settle with, and

there's

I have

will hatch.

will be

worse"

when

the

knowing

no

Goodness

must

but well
stiff,

very

and

shut, for

left of
to

of

out

big

with

in

came

was

rest

the

mongoose
saved
lives
our

has

what

dead

was

It's the

"

chap

as

and

move,

his eyes

with

on

he

quitesure

was

not

held

185

Nagaina to
than
five Nags,
she spoke of
eggs

go and

Darzee,*

see

he said.

waiting for breakfast,Rikki-tikki

Darzee
where
thorn-bush
was
singinga

Without
to

of

the

triumph

the

at

Nag's death

was

had

the

thrown

'Oh, you
tikki
"

all over

garden,for the sweeper

the rubbish-heap.
of

feathers!'

Is this the time

"

news

song
of

the

body on
stupid tuft

angrily.
Nag is dead

The

top of his voice.

ran

is dead

"

to

is dead

said Rikki-

sing?
!

'

sang

'

Darzee.

caught him by the head

The
held fast.
and
brought the bangbig man
pieces! He will never
stick, and Nag fell in two
babies again.'
eat
my
"

The

valiant

Rikki-tikki

that's

All

'

for

out

up

rubbish

and

'

and

and

him.

threw

him

about

and

Nag came
picked him

sweeper

and

sing

us

Rikki-tikki

red-eyed

on

the

"

stick

Let

-heap.

Nagaina?'
sluice

'

went

stick

of

end

the

on

Darzee

of

end

the

on

where's

bath-room

the

to

came

Nag,'

but

round
looking carefully

said Rikki-tikki,

called

enough

true

'Nagaina

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

86

the

the

upon

great, the

filled his throat

Darzee

sang.

If I could

'

babies

out

when

to

You're

'

said

do

nest, I'd roll all your

your

Rikki-tikki.

the

safe

for

war

to

get up

right thing
in

enough

me

down

the

great, the

the

at

don't

know

right

time.

there, but

nest

your

here.

You

'

Stop singing a

it's

minute,

Darzee.'
For

'

I will

stop,'said

'

Where

'

On

for

Darzee.

What

Rikki-tikki's
is

it,O

sake

Killer

of

'

terrible

the

beautiful

Nag ?
is Nagaina, for the third time ?
rubbish-heapby the stables,mourning
'

the

Nag.

Great

is Rikki-tikki

with

white

the

teeth.'
'

where
'

Bother
she

In the

where

the

there

weeks

'

me?

And

my

keeps

her

strikes

sun

teeth
eggs

melon-bed,

on

Have

heard

ever

you

'

the

end

nearest

nearlyall day.

She

wall,

the

hid

them

ago.'
you

The

white

end

never

nearest

thought
the

it worth

wall, you

while

said?

to
'

tell

'RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVr

Rikki-tikki, you

Not

'

grain of sense
pretend that
chase

you

if I

melon-bed, and

could

was

his head

children
think

was

cobra's

keep

the

about

the
in

man

She

heap,

cried

and

in

But

knew

that

she

later

so

on

left Darzee
his

Darzee

was

very

to

song
like a

out,

threw

house

the

fluttered

she

Then

Nagaina by
Oh, my
wing

the rubbishis broken

and

stone

at

more

desperately

me

ever.

Nagaina

Rikki-tikki

Indeed

and

in.'

I would

when

And

she

'

wife.

moved
the

hissed, 'You

and

head

truly,you've chosen

slippingalong over
The
boy broke
Dar/.cc's

her

lifted up

warned

lame

Nag.

Nagaina's

continue

and

in

kill them.

and

nest,

time

didn't

cobras

young

of

to

who

he

bird, and

warm,

at

that

ways.
fluttered in front of

it.'

broke
than

babies

knew

fair

me.'

sec

like his own,

was

the

idea

the

to

little fellow

one

and

Nagaina

get

she'd

now

he

eggs

sensible

from

death

must

some

boy

The

it

meant

eggs
flew off

she

in

first that

wife

his

born

were

at

than

more

justbecause

and

there

went

let

broken, and
?

have

stables

the

to

feather-brained

hold

never

is

this bush

to

away

Darzee

wing

your

flyoff

?*

her eggs

eat

Darzec, if you

no.

will

you

going to

not

are

exactly;

eat

187

have
a

toward

bad

killed him.

placeto

Darzee's

be

wife,

dust.
it with

stone

'

shrieked

THE

88

Well

It

be

may

to

with

the

boy.

rubbish-heap

this

accounts

in

the

use

of

running

bird who

looks

she

at

wife

Darzee's

?
!

me

cannot

move.

piping sorrowfully,and
and Nagaina quickened
Rikki-tikki

heard

stables,and

the

patch
about

the

near

the

but

with

was

not

'

could

the

see

and

he

they

could

bit

off

baby

knew

the

taking care
had

missed

eggs

himself, when
*

path

of the

curled
minute

man

the

young

time
At

to

Rikki-tikki, I led

bantam's

said ; for

time

skin,

He

mongoose.
fast

as

to

see

were

began

to

Darzee's

wife

Nagaina

toward

he

hatched

were

could,

he

cobras, and

last there

Rikki-tikki
heard

as

found

he

inside the

up

litter

of shell.

they
or

from

melon-

warm

of

size

soon,' he

too

crush

he

the

up

instead

eggs

any.

left,and

the

the

the litter from

over

going

skin

on,

pace.

of

tops
to

her

for the end

the

kill

fluttered

leaving the ground,

never

cobras

that
each

wife

frightened

cunningly hidden,

day

you.

that, for

so

There, in the

whitish

the

is the

catch

do

to

Darzee's

about

eggs,

than

gets

raced

wall.

the

on

night

to

eyes

them

melons, very

twenty -five
eggs,

he

settle

What

sure

you

'

snake's

still.

am

better

knew
at

lies

before

but

to

shall

husband

My

lie very

away

fool, look

Little

that

will

that

know

morning,

house

boy

consolation,

some

dead

you're

when

BOOK

JUNGLE

turned

whether

only
chuckle

he

three
to

screaming :
the

house,

'RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVr
and

she has gone

quickly

into the verandah, and

his mouth,

as

he

his

could

the
and

melon-bed

foot

Rikki-tikki

and

with

the

ground.
there

were

that

saw

eggs,

tumbled

third egg
the verandah
hard
as

to

the

to

father

and

but

two

scuttled

put

mother
;

smashed

down

in

come

killing!

means

Rikki-tikki

backward

oh,

"

'

she

"

191

at

they were

Teddy and
fast
earlybreaknot
eating

anything. They sat stone-still,and their faces

white.
were
Nagaina was coiled up on the matting
of
by Teddy's chair,within easy striking-distance
Teddy's bare leg,and she was
swaying to and fro
singinga song of triumph.
that killed Nag,' she hissed,
Son of the big man
little.
Wait
not
a
ready yet.
'stay still. lam
If you move
all you three.
I strike,
Keep very still,
*

if you

and

do

his father could

mustn't

Nag

do

was

move.

foolish

Oh,

'

all

father,and

his

on

Teddy.
whisper, Sit still,
Teddy, keep still.'
4

to

Rikki-tikki

Then

fixed

were

eyes

I strike.

move

killed my

people,who
Teddy's
You

not

came

cried

and

up

'

Turn

round, Nagaina ; turn and fight!

All in good time,'said she, without
"

eyes.
Look

at

1 will settle my
your

and

white

and

if you
'Look

friends, Rikki-tikki.

they
come

at

with

account

are

your

afraid.
step

nearer

They

moving her
you presently.
They are still

dare

not

move,

I strike.'

eggs,'said

Rikki-tikki,

'in

-bed

melon

the

Nagaina.'
The
big

wall.

the

near

half

turned

snake

the verandah.

on

egg

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

92

Ah-h

'

Go

and

look,

round, and
Give

the

saw

me,' she

it to

said.

put his paws

Rikki-tikki

for

his

and

egg,

snake's

For

egg

young

king-cobra?

of

brood?

the

down

Nagaina
for the

'by

the

last

price
For

the

"

eatingall

are

clear round,

spun
of

father

the

one

egg

shoot

out

shoulder, and

with

table

What

cobra

young
the

ants

'

last

very

others

the

melon-bed.'

sake

Teddy's

For

The

the

by

side of the

each

on

blood-red.

were

eyes

one

forgettingeverything
and

Rikki-tikki

big hand,

drag

him

of

out

Teddy
little

the

across

tea-cups, safe and

the

catch

saw

of

reach

Nagaina.
Rikki-tikki.

chuckled
I

"

I that

"

floor.

He

blew

man

tck I
me.

shake

not

Then

all four

down,

'

caught Nag

bath-room.'

the

Tricked!

Tricked!

'Tricked!

feet

off.
in

him

Come

He

and

I did

then, Nagaina.

You

shall

Nagaina

saw

killingTeddy,

not

be

that
and

she
the

widow
had
egg

close

head

fro,

but

before

dead

was

two.

safe,and

it

'

was

by the hood last night in

he
began to jump up and
to

me

is

boy

together,his

threw
me

The

Rikk-tck-tck

to

he

the

could

the

big

Rikki-tikki-tck-

it.

and

Come

fightwith

long.'
lost

lay

her

between

chance

of

Rikki-

'RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVr
tikki's
Give

the

me

and

never

come

Yes,

'

with

will

for

Nag.

me

go

will

you

Kight !
of

hot

of

reach

whack

Then

and

herself

gathered
her, and
his

each

that

so

matting sounded

stroke, his little

him.

Nagaina,

and

again

like
a

circle

leaves

forgottenthe
and Xagaina came

egg.

she

get behind

to

keep

of

dry

with

came

watch-spring.

to

rustle

and

verandah, and

the

in

herself

Rikki-tikki

her head

round

the

like

gone

her

time

danced

Nagaina spun

head,

has

round

Again

together

Rikki-tikki

big man

all

at

matting of

the

on

rubbish-heap

Nagaina gathered

together, and
flung out
jumped up and backward.
a

the

never

'

coals.

again she struck,

will

you

go to
! The

bounding

was

keeping just out

like

and

away,

Kight, widow

for his
gun !
Rikki-tikki

e\vs

the

egg, Rikki-tikki.
last of my eggs, and
I will
go away
back,' she said,loweringher hood.

you

back

come

'Give

paws.

193

her
tail

her

blown

head

to

the

on

along by

the

wind.
He

had

verandah,

last,while

till

at

she

caught

steps, and

it in her

mouth,

flew

an

Rikki-tikki
her

behind

life,she

horse's

goes

turned

like

down

to

nearer

to

it,

verandah

the
the

path,with

the cobra

When

the

lay on

drawing breath,

was

arrow

her.

and

nearer

Rikki-tikki

like

It still

whip-lash flicked

for

runs

across

neck.

Rikki-tikki

knew

that

he

must

catch

her,

or

all

would

the trouble

for the

long

his

little song

of

Darzee's

nest

as

as

he

was

foolish

triumph.
wife

was

flew off her

She

wiser.

straight

still

Darzee

singing
But

grass

begin again. She headed

by the thorn-bush, and

Rikki-tikki

running
heard

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

194

Nagaina

came

and
her

along,
flapped

wings

about

Nagaina's head. If
had helped they
Darzee
but

her
ight have turned
Nagaina only lowered

hood

her

and

Rikki-tikki
NAGAINA

PATH,

THE
TIKKI

WITH
BEHIND

he

went

down

up

to

her, and

as

DOWN
RIKKI-

plunged

she

into

the

rat-hole

HER.

where
his little white

Still,

on.

delay brought

instant's

the

FLEW

went

teeth
with

were

her

"

she and

Nag

clenched

on

and

very

few

used
her

to

live,

tail,and

mongooses,

"RIKKl-TIKKI-TAVF
however

wise

and

cobra

into

its hole.

and

Rikki-tikki

out

and

feet

to

moist

they
It

in

when

it

follow

to

care

dark

was

knew

never

be,

may

the

hole;

might

open

and
strike
to
turn
give Nagaina room
He
held on
and
struck out
his
savagely,
brakes
the dark slopeof the hot,
as
on

him.

at

old

195

act

earth.

Then

the grass

waving, and

of the hole

the mouth

said

Darzee

We

tikki !

by

'

It is all over

stopped
Rikki-

with

Valiant
sing his death -song.
For Nagaina will surely kill
is dead !
Rikki-tikki
him underground.'
So
up

on

the

he

must

sang

the

spur

very mournful
song that he made
of the minute, and just as he got
the

quiveredagain,
with dirt,dragged himself
and Rikki-tikki, covered
of the hole leg by leg,lickinghis whiskers.
out
Rikki-tikki
Darzee
stopped with a little shout.
to

shook
*

most

touchingpart

some

of the dust

come

out

the grass
one

again.' And

after another
Rikki-tikki
he

sleptwhere

to

the red

"

to

he

the house.

he will tell the

said, when

sneezed.

will

done

up

never

that live between

began to troop
had spoken the

sleptand

in the afternoon, for he had

"Now,1

ants

himself

curled
was

if he

see

widow

The

him, and

heard

stems

of his fur and

out

said.

over,' he

It is all

grass

in the

down
truth.

grass and

slepttill it was late

a hard
day'swork.

he awoke,

I will go

Coppersmith, Darzec,
garden that Nagaina is dead.'
Tell

the

back
and

THE

196
The

is

Coppersmith

exactlylike
is because

garden, and

the

town

tells all

the

IT

he

listen.

to

heard

gong

his

; and

is dead
'

"

attention

then

dongl
That

set

IS

ALL

who

makes

news

little hammer
is

noise
on

always making

-crier

to
to

every

it

Indian

everybody

who

OVER.'

Rikki-tikki

As
'

he

'

cares

bird

reason

is the

he

beating of

the

pot ; and

copper

BOOK

JUNGLE

'

notes

went

like

up
a

the

path,

tiny dinner-

steady Ding-dong-tock ! Nag

Ding-dongNagaina is dead!

the

'

all the birds in the

garden singing,

"

and

the

used

to

frogs croaking
frogs

eat

When

mother

had

out

and

ate

all

been

and

more,

late

to

looked

till

him

he

when

came

that

night

could

eat

she

no

look

to

came

he

where

shoulder,

Teddy's

on

father

and

and

still, for

white

Teddy's

him

him

saw

Nagaina

Teddy

house,
very

and

over

bed

to

mother

night.

at
*

(she

given

went

Teddy's

the

to

was

and

Nag

little birds.

got

cried

that

for

as

fainting)

almost

197

well

as

Rikki

Teddy's
she

RIKKI-TlKKI-TAVr

He

saved

'Just

husband.

her

and

lives

our

life,' she

Teddy's

all

saved

he

think,

said
our

lives.'

Rikki-tikki

it's

Oh,
for

you,'

All

here.'

Rikki-tikki

had

but

he

garden
and
dared

did
as

jump
show

not

said

the

I'm

weren't,

with

up

for

jump,

all

the

light sleepers.

are

mongooses
*

woke

cobras

right

its

What

to

are

be

and

inside

and

proud

of

and

keep

bite, till
the

walls.

ing
bother-

you
;

dead

are

should

spring
head

proud,

too

grow

mongoose

and

he.

he

if

himself;

kept

that
tooth

it, with
never

they

cobra

THE

i98

JUNGLE

BOOK

DARZEE'S

(SUNG

IN

HONOUR

SINGER

tailor

and

Proud

the

of

and

under,

house

Sing

Terror

that

to

hid

the

in

dung-hilland

the

us

"

so

weave

the

is

his

me

the

slain,
lies dead.

impotent

"

flung

on

the

delivered

hath

is

head

your

nest

and

valiant,the
with

who

us,

his

name.

true,

eyeballsof flame,

the ivory-fanged,the
Rik-tikki-tikki,

hunter

with

eyeballs

flame.

Give

him

the

Bowing
Praise

him

Nay,
Hear

sew

"

garden

roses

dead

Tikki,
of

sky,

music

my

lift up

plagued
in

Rikki,

that

oh

Death

Tell

house

the

"

fledglingsagain,

your

that

Who

I know

that

sew.

Mother,
Evil

"

through

weave

so

that

lilt

my

am

joys

of the

Proud

RlKKI-TIKKI-TAVl)

OF

Doubled

Over

CHAUNT

! I will
with

sing

you

with

the
red

of

the

tail-feathers

with

I will

eyeballsof

(Here Rikki-ttkki

Thanks

Birds,
spread

nightingalewords

"

instead.

praise him
praise of

the

bottle-tailed

Rikki,

interrupted^and

the

rest

of the

song

is

lost.]

ELEPHANTS
TOOMAI

OF

THE

of the

Toomai
I will

remember

I will

I will

remember

1 will go

I will go
Out

out

to

lost

which

NAG,

elephant could
he

as

caught,that
for

an

pad

big leather
deep mud,
1

842, and

His

and

that

he had

mother,

not

Radha

was

an

forty-sevenyears,

and

years

before
come

Pyari,
"

he

when

old

nearlyseventy

then

that

way

every

"

was

ripeage

pushing,with

his forehead,

on

caress

Snake, had served

I le remembered

elephant.

in their lairs.

picket-stake.

my

in

him

of sugar-cane,

playmates masteries*

it for

"

morning break,

Black

means

makes

bundle

chain

forest affairs.

all my

the wood-folk

snap

loves, and

serve

and

kiss,the waters' clean

fully twenty

was

the

Government

Indian

the

day, until

untaiatcd

I will revisit ray

KALA

for

man

ankle-ringand

forget my

sick of rope

am

kind, and

the

winds'

the

to

own

my

until

out

to

I will

back

strengthand

old

my

sell my

not

I was,

what

Elephants

at

the
to

Radha

gun

stuck

in

Afghan War of
his full strength.
the darling,"

THE

202

been

had

who

dropped

and

was

good,

for

burst

the

best-looked-after

hundred

twelve

in

ship
days
on

of

Government

march

the

across

far from

in

Magdala,

in the steamer,

sunstroke

cold
at

up

miles

baulks

of

teak

in

There

he

had

half

elephantwho
After

that

employed,

he

with

was
a

his

of

hoisted

tents,

the

on

into

for

taken

carry

mortar

rocky country very

Emperor Theodore
back

come

had

again

said, to

the

his fellow-

seen

epilepsyand starvation
place called Ali Musjid, ten

and

south

the

haul

to

been

taken
score

sent

and

timber-yardsat

killed

few

had

he

fair share

off

down

pile big
Moulmein.

insubordinate

an

shirkinghis

was

all

tents,

soldiers

the

afterward

of

of

to

had

He

medal.

later ; and

thousands

and

piled

best-loved

and

the

seen

entitled, so

Abyssinian War
elephants die of

years

had

India, and

of

carried

been

and

strange

shell

the service

had

made

and

water,

advice
a

in

the

steam-crane

always

twenty-five he

elephant in

had

had

saw

him

was

He

tusks

stand

was

he

so

; he

of

in

lying dead

he

India.

India

end

the

at

he
a

pounds' weight

Upper

his back

and

before

being afraid, and

the

that

bayonets pricked
So

Kala

that

that

knew

Nag

with

afraid

were

first time

the

places.

up

and

Kala

the

rifles,and

gave

little milk

his

backed, screaming,into

he

softest

drive

same

elephantswho

that

out,

hurt

got

the

in

caught

him, before

told

Nag,

BOOK

JUNGLE

young

of the work.

and
timber-hauling,
other
elephants who

TOOMAI

OF

trained

were

wild
are

THE

the

to

is

nothing else

but

break

them

country

as

Kala

hound

Nag

bands

those
with

the

real

docs

down

the

at

five feet,and

them

prevent

but he could

shoulders,

do

splitting,
more

with

elephantcould

do

sharpened ones.

after

When,

to

the

at

off short

untrained

any

and

up

fair feet

ends,

than

ment.
Govern-

for work.

cut

Indian

the

them

ten

of copper

Elephants

departmentwhich

needed

stood

hills.

catch

them, and catch them, and

send

had been

stumps
the

hunt

they are

round

with

Garo

whole

one

in, and

his tusks

and

the

strictly
preserved by
There

205

business,in helpingto

elephantsamong
very

ELEPHANTS

weeks

and

weeks

of

cautious

the hills,
the
drivingof scattered elephantsacross
wild monsters
driven
into the
fortyor fifty
were
last stockade, and
the big drop -gate, made
of
tree-trunks
lashed together,jarred down
behind
of command,
them, Kala Nag, at the word
would
into
that flaring,
trumpeting pandemonium
go
when
the flicker of the torches
at night,
(generally
made
it difficult to judge distances),
and, picking
wildest tusker
of the mob,
the biggestand
out
would
him and hustle him into quietwhile
hammer
the
the hacks of the other elephantsroped
men

on

tied the smaller

and

There
Kala

know,

nothing in

was

Nag,
for

ones.

the
he

old

had

wise

stood

the way
Black
up

more

of

fightingthat

Snake,
than

did
once

not

in

his time

the

to

in

mid

-air

that he
him

invented

till the life

knees

there

of

out

brute

quick sickle -cut

all by himself

of

him

upon

went

with

out

only

was

be

to

tiger,and,

springing

kneeled

and

the wounded

trunk

the

with

had

over,

and

soft

knocked

had

way,

of

charge

his

curling up

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

206

harm's

sideways
his

; had

knocked
his

with
and

gasp

huge
howl,

fluffystriped thing

head,

the

on

Nag to pullby the tail.

of
'Yes,' said Big Toomai, his driver, the son
and
had taken
him to Abyssinia,
Black Toomai
who
of the Elephants who
had seen
grandson of Toomai

ground

him

for Kala

caught,

fears except

feed him
'

and

rag

eldest
he

son

would

neck

him.

upon
of

when

height of

four

He

ten

Big Toomai,

he

was

up, and

grew

four.'

see

feet,with only
old, the

years

and, according to

father's

his

take

to

us

also,'said Little Toomai,

me

his full

to

he will live

him, and
of

of
generations

three

seen

Snake

Black

the

nothing that

has

groom

is afraid

He

is

He

me.

standingup
one

there

'

place

Kala

on

handle

would

custom,

the

Nag's
heavy

elephant-goad that had been worn

smooth
by his father, and his grandfather,and his
he was
what
talking
great-grandfather.He knew

iron

ankus,

the

of ; for he had
had

walk, had

could

dreamed

Kala

under

end

of

taken

him

down

walk, and
of

born

the

played with

could
he

been

Kala

Nag

disobeying his

his
to

would

Nag's shadow,

trunk
water
no

before
as

soon

more

shrill little orders

he
as

have
than

TOOMAI
he

would

OF

have

when

Big

under

Kala

dreamed

Toomai

ELEPHANTS
of

him
killing

carried

the

Nag's tusks, and

that

master

THE

and

he

him

took

he

'

long strides up
old pig,and
made

fat

little brown

told him

Yes,' said Little Toomai,

that

on

to

day
baby

salute

his

be.

to

was

209

to

is afraid of

Kala

him

Nag,

lift up

me,

called

his feet

after the other.

one
*

Wah

'

said

and
elephant,'

father.

his

Little

he
*

Toomai,

wagged

The

his

Government

elephants,but they belong to

thou

thou

big
fluffyhead, quoting
*

us

may
mahouts.

art

for
pay
When

old, Kala

rich
Nag, there will come
some
Rajah,and he will buy thee from the Government,
of thy size and thy manners,
account
on
and then
wilt have
thou
nothing to do but to carry gold
on
earringsin thy ears, and a gold howdah
thy
with gold on
back, and a red cloth covered
thy
the head
of the processions
of
sides,and walk
at
the King. Then
I shall sit on
thy neck, O Kal.i
before
will run
Nag, with a silver ankus, and men
with
for the
us
golden sticks, crying, Room
will be good, Kala Nag,
That
King's elephant!
but not so good as this hunting in the jungles/
Thou
art
a
boy,
Umph ! said Big Toomai.
This running up and
and
wild as a buffalo-calf.
art

"

"

'

as

the

down

among
I
service.

hills is

not

the

best Government

gettingold, and I do not love

brick elephant-lines,
one
elephants. Give me
am

wild
stall

THE

210

to

elephant,and

each

of

instead

big

flat, broad

safely,and

BOOK

JUNGLE

roads

tie them

to

stumps

exercise

to

to

upon,

this

come-and-go camping. Aha, the

Cawnpore barracks were
good. There was a bazaar
close by, and only three hours' work
a
day.'
remembered
the Cawnpore
Little Toomai
phant-li
elesaid

and

preferredthe

life,and

camp

roads, with

the

hated

daily grubbing

and the long

forage-reserve,
nothing to do except to watch
in his pickets.
What

little Toomai

liked

bridle-pathsthat only

an

those

for

Kala

in

there

the
was

Nag fidgeting
to

was

broad, flat

grass

when

hours

much

very

scramble

elephant could

take

up
; the

valley below ; the glimpses of the

wild
elephants browsing miles away ; the rush of
the frightenedpig and peacock under
Kala
Nag's
feet ; the blinding warm
all the hills
rains, when
and valleyssmoked
misty mornings
; the beautiful
dip

into

He

nothing.

the

when

nobody knew where

they would
camp
night ; the steady,cautious drive of the wild
and
of the

last

the mad

and

night'sdrive, when

into the stockade

that

rush

the
in

not

get

out,

and

and

phants,
ele-

hullabaloo

elephantspoured
a

landslide, found

flung themselves
be driven
back
at the heavy posts only to
by yells
and flaring
torches and volleysof blank
cartridge.
Even
little boy could
be of use
a
there, and
Toomai
useful as
He
three boys.
would
was
as
they

could

like boulders

blaze

that

TOOMAI
his

get
best.

torch

But

and

because

like
had

men

they

of

time

make

would

yell with

the

when

the

Keddah

that

is, the

the end

of the

"

signsto

hear

not

climb

213

came

pictureof

to

could

little Toomai

Then

it, and

wave

reallygood
began, and the

looked

"

world,

and

ELEPHANTS

the

drivingout
stockade

THE

OF

another,

one

themselves
to

up

speak.
top of

the

his sunquivering stockade-posts,

hair
his
brown
bleached
flying loose all over
shoulders, and he looking like a goblin in the
there was
lull you
as
soon
a
as
torch-light
; and
could hear his high-pitched
yellsof encouragement
Kala
to
Nag, above the trumpeting and crashing,
and snapping of ropes, and groans of the tethered
elephants. Mat/, mat/, Kala Nag ! (Go on, go
do !
Black
Snake
(Give him the
!) Dant
on,
Somah
Soma/o !
!
tusk !)
(Careful,careful !)
Mar!
Maro!
(Hit him, hit him!) Mind the
one

the

post !

Arre

! Arre

//at ! Tai

Kya-a-ah

'

he

Kala
Nag
big fightbetween
fro across
to and
the wild elephantwould
sway
would
Keddah, and the old elephant-catchers

and
the

the

shout, and

would

cat

nod

to

find time

of their eyes, and

out

wrigglingwith joy

Little Toomai

to

the

on

top of the posts.

He
down

did
from

lants,

which

h.id

more

the

and

than

post
threw

wriggle. One night he

and
slippedin between
the

up

dropped,to

loose

driver who

end
was

of

slid
the

rope,

tryingto

THE

2i4

BOOK

JUNGLE

calf
purchase on the leg of a kicking young
trouble
than
full-grown
(calvesalways give more
in his
him, caught him
animals),, Kala Nag saw
him
to
trunk, and handed
Big Toomai, who
up

get

slapped him
the

and

then

there, and

put him

back

on

post.

Next

a
scolding,and
morning he gave him
said :
Are
not
good brick elephant-linesand a
little tent-carrying
needs
enough, that thou must
little
elephant-catching on
thy own
account,
go
*

worthless

Now

is less than

the

He

did

the

was

He

him.

the

the
who

man

about

What

'

what

"

who

elephantsthan

any

worst

that

is a madman.

Else

why

these

wild

He

may

devils ?

'

can

the world

to

tions
opera-

elephants for
knew

more

livingman.

said little Toomai.

Petersen

happen.

should
even

Petersen

Keddah

India, and

Sahib

be

in

all the

happen

Sahib

frightened.
but

men,

all the

will

! the

Happen

'

of

the ways

was

man

caught

of

Government

of

head

pay

Petersen

to

Toomai
of white

much

whose

hunters,

spoken

greatest white

was

the

"

Little

know

not

have

pay,

matter.'

of

Sahib

my

foolish

those

he go

hunting
require thee to

to
elephant-catcher,
sleepanywhere in these
last to be trampled to
fever-filled jungles,and
at
an

death
ends
we

Then

in the

Keddah.

It is well

that

this

the catchingis
safely. Next week
of the plains are
back
to
sent
our
we

will

march

on

smooth

nonsense

over,

roads, and

and

stations.

forget

TOOMAI
all this

meddle

in

but

none

Keddah
does

he

not

help

to

I say, and

is

to

ears,
or

and

else

make

Kala

there

will
a

"

and

he

told

Kala

attend

follower

of

Shame!

all his

his

to

in his feet ;

surelycatch

Nag

the Elephants

Worthless

thorns

off without

of

the end

the dirt of

in

went

mahout,

one!

no

he

case,

my

of

Toomai

Nag

arc

at

pension at

foot-tracks,a jungle-bear. Bah!

but

into the

"

Wicked

hunter

Little Toomai

him

I sit

underfoot

Sahib

wild

thou

belongs to
Nag will

hunter,

familyof

wash

Petersen

thee

gets

one!

that

see

with

So

mere

trodden

and

Go

son

that

go

them.

who

Bad

Keddah?

that

angry

business

must

not

"

Is the

be

am

and
only a fighting
elephant,

rope

man

his service.

so

befits a mahout,

son,

215

jungle-folk.Kala

me,

but

ELEPHANTS

the

dirtyAssamese

obey

as

THE

hunting. But,

shouldst
these

OF

and

thcc

elephants'
Go!

saying a word,

while
grievances

he

No
matter,' said Little
examining his feet.
Toomai, turning up the fringeof Kala Nag's huge
Pctcrscn
to
They have said my name
rightear.
Sahib, and perhaps and perhaps and perhaps"
that I
is a big thorn
That
Hai !
knows
?
who
*

was

"

"

have

pulledout

gettingthe
elephants together,in walking the newly caught
between
a
couple of
wild
elephantsup and down
from giving too much
to
tame
ones,
prevent them
and
the plains,
march
to
the downward
trouble on
The

next

few

days

were

spent

in

THE

216

in

had

that

things

of

stock

taking

BOOK

JUNGLE

and

blankets

the

been

worn

came

in

out

and

ropes
lost

or

in

the

forest.
Petersen
Pudmini

Sahib

end, and
under

there

each

hunters, and

catchers, and

regular Keddah,

who

and

on

belonged
leaned

sat

out,

againstthe

fun

of the

arms,

and

made

away,

and

laughed when

broke

the

line and

Toomai

Big

tracker, said
'

There

least.
to

moult

all

have

"

he

said,

was
'

What

had

listens

who

livingthings

where

and

Sahib

Petersen

must

man

of

in

Now

Machua

pity to send
the plains.*

'Tis

the

who

clerk

the

to

up

piece

one

goes

The

start.

of

men

the

force, or
their

across

going
newly caught elephants
were

wild

to

the

friend

Little
headof

his,

good elephant-stuffat
that
jungle-cock
young
all

ears

the

to

on

did

him,

over

He

Pudmini's
not

as

silent of

most

elephant.

lying all along

is that ?

with

Appa,

undertone

an

elephant,

permanent

drivers

the

him, and
in

As

about.

ran

went

behind

Toomai

table

jungle year in
the elephants that

their guns

with

trees

an

the

of

Sahib's

Petersen

to

to

beaters,the

backs

to

wages.
his

to

ready

stayed in
the

their

back

went

line that stood

joined the

year

he

camps

sittingat

drivers

the

pay

paid

clerk

native

other

coming

was

season

she-elephant

off

paying

the

to

was

man

and

was

tree

been

hills,for

the

among

had

he

his clever

on

know

turned

back,
of

2I7
man

the

enough

to

This

Keddah

rope
is

when

the

blotch

not

the last

at

rope

we

his shoulder

on

Sahib

Little

He

rope ?

calf with

Toomai,

Toomai

and

bowed

is

what

one,

smaller

is

than

name?'

thy

said

Sahib.

frightenedto speak, but

made a sign
Nag was behind him, and Toomai
his hand, and the elephant caught him
up in

Little Toomai
Kala
with

too

was

held

and

his trunk

his face with

only

was

child, and

except where

concerned, he

said

'Oho!'

'and

green

put

ire

why

didst

Was

it

trick?
the

from

corn

out

to

melons,'

dry?

had

into

taught

child could

be.

roar

their

teach

help

thy

thec
when

houses

the

'

corn,
green
said Little Toomai,

broke

elephantswere

thou

to

roofs of the

Protector

'Not

as

hands, for he

his

Sahib, smiling underneath

Petersen

moustache,

elephant that

bashful

justas

was

Then

Sahib.

Petersen

covered

I .ittie Toomai

head,
fore-

Pudmini's

level with

him

in front of the great

them

there the

his mother.'

Little

at

looked, and

throw

Petersen

about

Barmao

from

away

wit

into the

get that young

pointed

picket-pin. Little

his

had

earth.

He

tryingto

Appa

Petersen
the

drive,and threw

were

Machua

to

plains-driverswho
dead elephant.'
even
a
but a boy. He went
a man,

among

and

of

of

the

all the

sitting

men

laughter.

elephants that

Poor,"

Most

trick

of

when

2i

THE

feet
he

is

He

will
'

Of

'

does

Must

to

thou

'Yes.'

seen

time.

proper

There
old

just
hidden

Petersen
at

Remember,

'

for

good

went

of

too.'

hunter

children

on.

there, Sahib

go

'

Little

asked

big gasp.

smiled

Sahib

again.

to

when

me

then

and

'When
is the

That

elephants dance.

the

Come

hast

thou
will

seen

let thee

go

Keddahs.'

laughter,for that is
and it means
elephant-catchers,
flat places
are
great cleared

another

was

joke

and

Keddah

ever.

not

Sahib

elephants dance,

into all the

boy,

great thatch

become

than
are

Petersen

hast

thou

full

that

mayest
more

never

with

Toomai,

face

under

Keddahs

bad

very

jails. See, little one, here

because
spend in sweetmeats

scowled

that

Big

in

end

time

that

said

doubts,' said

can

play in,'Petersen
'

an

who

Sahib,'

son,

my

little head

In

though,

the

boy
not

Big Toomai
to

have

much

very

ground.
my

annas

hast

hair.

Toomai,

that

four

thou

under

hanging eight

was

wished

'

age

are

he

scowling. He is
Sahib.'
end in a jail,

Sahib.
his

air,and

the

eight feet

were

Toomai,
he

in

up

'

Little Toomai

boys.

they were

BOOK

JUNGLE

among

never.

away

There
in

the

forests

ball-rooms, but

by accident,
dance.

and

of

roar

even

that

are

these

are

no

man

has

When

driver

ever

boasts

called

only
seen

of

phants'
elefound

the
his

phants
eleskill

GKEIN

COBS,

MIOTICTOt

Of

TMt

MKLOXt/

IAIO

LmXt

TOONAI

TOOMAI
and

OF

bravery the

didst thou
Kala

bowed

Nag

dance
elephants

father,and gave
mother, who
was

again and

221

'And

say,
?

down,

and

he

away

with

his

piece to

his

went

silver four-anna

the

when

'

Little Toomai

put

the earth

'to

ELEPHANTS
drivers

other

the

see

THE

and
nursing his baby-brother,
Kala Nag's back, and the
they all were
put up on
line of grunting,
squealingelephantsrolled down
the hill-path
the plains. It was
to
a
very lively
of the new
march
who
account
on
elephants,
gave
trouble at every ford, and who
needed
coaxing or
beatingevery other minute.
for
prodded Kala Nag spitefully,
Big Toomai
he

was

happy
and

angry, but Little

speak. Petersen Sahib

very
to

him

given

money,
feel if he

soldier would
;md

ranks
'

dance

Big
thou

did

'

he

shouldst

That
is

and

Kala

Nag,

good

behaviour.
to

noticed
as

of the

out

was

and

what

the

elephant-

his mother.
*That

grunted.

hill-buffaloes

these

he

Oh

meant.

you

blockingthe way?*
two

or

three

round

angrily,crying:

knock

this youngster

go

him,

private

called

by

mean

of

one

driver,

Assamese

me

be

never

ahead, turned

chosen

him

heard

Toomai

front,what
An

Sahib

Petersen

to
said,at last,softly

of trackers,
in

been

too

was

his commander-in-chicf.

praisedby

What

had

had

felt

he

so

Toomai

Why

should

down

with
Q

of

Petersen
you

elephants
Bring up
mine

into

Sahib have

donkeys

of

the

THE

222

rice-fields?

Lay

let him

and
of

the

BOOK

JUNGLE

his tusks.

with

prod
these

alongside,Toomai,

beast

your

all the

By

Gods

elephantsare possessed,or
smell their companions in the jungle.'
else they can
hit the new
Kala Nag
elephant in the ribs and
of him, as Big Toomai
knocked
the wind
out
said,
the hills of wild elephants at the
We
have swept
Hills,

new

It is

only your carelessness

keep order along the whole line

last catch.
Must

him

Hear

said the other

hills !

the

swept

'

Ho

plains-people. Any

you

that

the

drives

all the
should

why

What

'

they

little

OAe,

chain
*

his

'

knows

and

; but

only

the

thy elephants
comes

as

son,

heard

never

Yes

they know
fore
There-

season.

but

river-turtle

Little

Toomai

thou

hast

thou

the

all

talk is this ?

father

have

that

who

called

there
cool

'

out.

Well,

head.

They

has
thy father, who
elephants,to double-

picketsto-night.'

What

years,

'

Art

hills of

all the

the

on

it behooves

dance, and

swept

do ?

one.

^ill tell thee, for

will

for

wise,

very

mud-head

know

wisdom

waste

will

are

have

We

elephants to-night will

wild
I

but

one

ended

are

You

driving

'

driver.

jungle would

the

saw

never

we

! ho

in

'

said

we

such

Big Toomai.

have

four

walls of

unshackled

for their

who

For

forty

and
elephants,

tended

about

moonshine

plains-man

'

lives

his hut.

to-night and
dancing, I have seen

dances.'
in

hut

Well, leave
see

the

what

place

TOOMAI
where
the

OF

THE

ELEPHANTS

Baprce-Bap!

Dihang

must

swim

When

an

River

how

Here

223

windings has

many

is another

ford, and

we

the calves.

Stop still,
you behind there.'
in this
And
talkingand wrangling and
way,
splashingthrough the rivers,they made their first
march
of receiving-campfor the new
to
sort
a
elephants; but they lost their tempers long before
they got there.
Then
the elephants
chained
were
by their hind
legsto their big stumps of pickets,and extra ropes
fitted to the new
and the fodder
were
elephants,
back
was
piledbefore them, and the hill-drivers went
to Petersen Sahib through the afternoon
light,
telling
the plains-drivers
careful that night,
and
to be extra
the plains-drivers
asked the reason.
laughingwhen
Kala
Little Toomai
attended
to
Nag's supper,
and as evening fell wandered
through the camp,
unspeakably happy, in search of a tom-tom.
run

about

He
And
Sahib

ami

make

sits down

to

If he

believe he would
seller in
drum

the

beaten

the

him

out,

he

flat of

before
down, cross-legged,

began to come
he thumped and

But

the

tom-tom

thumped

the

little

the hand

Kala

and

Nag
in

he

wanted

he

what

burst.

lent

camp

an

found

not

have

with

been

had

had

of

sort

net

fashion
irregular
revel all by himself
spoken to by Petcrscn

noise in

Little Toomai
!

is full,he does

child's heart

Indian

sweetmeattom-tom

and

"

as

the

"

he

sat

stars

lap,and
thumped, anJ
his

THE

224
the

done

been

thought of

he

more

and

The

squealed and

and

he

could

Shiv,

who

his mother

in

what

to

From

the

his

King

for

Thorn

on

rightof

as

taken
one

side

to

night wind
The

air

was

together,make
bamboo-stem

for

the

blow,

to

ago,

fate,
at

the

gate.

kine,
O

little

son

Kala

sleepyand

Nag's

till

to

very

big

at

stretched

side.

lie down

one

; and

after
at

the

he rocked

put forward

ears

of mine

only Kala Nag

full of all the

one

winds

joyous tunk-a-tunk

tillhe felt

it blew

Beggar

left standingup

as

very

"

sleepy head,

side,his

all,

elephantsbegan

was

It is

Preserver.

made

in with

told

once

the

the

to

hut

old, old

an

says

long

time,

to

camp

eat.

toil and

the

is their custom,

ropes,

the

made

and

Shiva

at

their
time

verse

of

day

guddee

for

fodder

the line

slowlyfrom

of

camel, fodder

verse,

the

last the

another,

and

! he

came

of each

himself

"

heart

Little Toomai
end

he

the

mother's

And

harvest

the

upon

! Mahadeo

Mahadeo

first

portion,food

things made

All

the

doorways

the
each

Gave

the

happy.

Shiv, who

should

they

tune

no

him

sleepwith

to

great God

poured

Sittingat

hills.

was

at

from

and
soothing lullaby,

the

all alone

thumped,

strained

brother

the

about

all the animals

to

he

trumpeted

hear

small

putting his

At

that had

more

elephants

new

and

the

great honour

words, but the thumping made

no

song

the

elephant-fodder. There

the

among

him, the

to

BOOK

JUNGLE

to

listen

slowly across

the

night noises that,

silence

"

againstthe other,

the
the

click

of

rustle

of

TOOMAI

OF

THE

ELEPHANTS

225

something alive in the undergrowth,the scratch and

bird (birdsarc
awake
in
squawk of a half-waked
the nightmuch
often than we
more
imagine),and
the

fall of

water

slept for
brilliant
up

ever

time, and

some

moonlight,and

with

far away.

so

his

Kala

cocked.

ears

when

Little Toomai
he

Nag
Little

waked

he

watched

than

no

more

the

the
stillness,

All

they

the

had

far away
pinhole of noise

heard,
a
*

so

hoot-toot

elephantsin

been

shot, and

the

the

'

of

lines

their

was

still standing

was

Toomai

in the fodder, and watched

the
rustling
big back againsthalf the stars in heaven
he

it

that

turned,
of his

curve

and

while

it sounded

pricked through
wild elephant.

jumped

grunts

at

up

as

if

last waked

and
out
sleeping mahouts, and they came
drove
in the
picket-pegs with big mallets, and
tightenedthis rope and knotted that till all was
quiet One new
elephant had nearlygrubbed up
his picket,and Big Toomai
took off Kala Nag's legthat elephantfore-foot to hindchain and shackled
Kala
round
foot, but slippeda loop of grass-string
tied
that he was
Nag's leg,and told him to remember
fast.
He
that he and his father and his grandknew
father
had
done
the very same
thing hundreds of
the
to
Kala
before.
times
Nag did not answer
He stood still,
did.
he usually
order by gurgling,
as
little
the moonlight,his head
a
lookingout across
raised,and his ears
spreadlike fans,up to the great
folds of the Garo

hills.

THE

226

Look

said

Big

Toomai

into

the

hut

going
of

his

rolls

and

when

of the

he

tang,'and

slowly and

pickets as

out

'

Toomai,

Little

slept.

little

restless in the

grows

Little

to

sleep,too,

to

with

snap

if he

him

to

BOOK

JUNGLE

of

mouth

he

Toomai

heard

was

the coir

Kala

Nag

valley.

went

just
string

rolled

as
silently

as

and

night,1

out

cloud

Little Toomai

the road
in
pattered after him, barefooted, down
the moonlight,calling
under
his breath, Kala Nag !
Kala
O
with
Kala
me
Nag ! Take
Nag !
you,
The
sound, took three
elephant turned without
a
'

'

strides back
his

trunk, swung

before

Little

boy

the

to

him

Toomai

in the
to

up

moonlight,put
his neck, and

settled

had

down
almost

his knees

slipped

into the forest.

There
the

was

lines,and
and

then

Kala

tuft of

high
along

washes

cluster of

back,

or

touched

blast of furious

one

the

Nag

He

bamboo

would

but

Garo

watched
not

forest

the

stars

Kala

thing,
every-

Sometimes

those

where

along his

scrape

his shoulder

times

he

moved

sound, driftingthrough

though it- had been

going uphill,but though Little

tell in what

Then

on

move.

would

creak

between
any

to

down

from

along his sides as a wave

a
ship,and sometimes

wild-peppervines
it ;

was

began

sides of

absolutelywithout
thick

silence shut

grass washed
the

trumpeting

the

smoke.

as

Toomai

in the rifts of the trees, he could

direction.

Nag

reached

the

crest

of the

ascent

TOOMAI
and

OF

stopped for

under

the

Toomai

mist

leaned

the forest
and

crowded.

past his

below

earth, and
Then
arul
"

branches

steep bank

moved

as

The

undergrowth on
like

noise

heaved

sprang

the

hollow.

he felt that

and

alive

his head

down
as

tree-stems

the moist, warm

over

into

the

runaway

rush.

one

the

The

gun

huge

again,
valley
goes
limbs

as
steadily
pistons,
eightfeet to each stride,
skin of the elbow-pointsrustled.
wrinkled

the

he

in

"

and

closed

Nag began to go
quietlythis time, but

down

the

awake

"

between

Kala

not

in

hog-beardigginghard in
snuffingas it digged.
the

miles, and

looked, and
him

thicket ; and in the darkness

he heard

could

bat brushed
bigbrown fruit-eating
porcupine'squillsrattled in the

ear

and

and

river

the

over

awake

Little Toomai

for miles

forward

was

227

lyingall speckledand furry

trees

moonlight

blue-white

ELEPHANTS

minute, and

the tops of the

see

THE

torn

either side of him

and

canvas,

the

rightand left with

again,and banged him

his shoulders

away

back

rippedwith
saplingsthat

on

the

flank,

and great trails of creepers, all matted together,

hung
from his tusks as he threw his head from side to side
and

ploughedout

laid

himself

down

"ngingbough
and

he wished

his

pathway.
close

should

that he

were

Then
the

to

sweep

back

Little Toomai

great neck, lest

him

to

in the

and
grass began to get squashy,
feet sucked and squelchedas he put them
The

ground,
lines again.
Kala Nag's

the

down, and

THE

228

the

mist

night

of

the rush

bed

the

through

"

Above

step.
round

There

down

all the

valleychilled

splashand

trample,

running water, and Kala Nag strode

his
of a river,feeling
each
at
way
of

noise

the

the

water,

it swirled

as

could

Toomai

hear

trumpeting both up stream

great grunts and angry snortings,and
him
be full of rolling,
about
seemed
to

splashingand

and

was

elephant'slegs,Little

the

more

of the

bottom

the

at

Little Toomai.
and

BOOK

JUNGLE

"

mist

some

shadows.

wavy
'

Ai

'

said, half aloud, his teeth

he

elephant-folkare

'The

chattering.
It

to-night.

out

is

the

dance, then.'
Kala

clear, and

trunk
he

time

swashed

Nag

path.

began

That

made

was

front of him, where

to

itself and

recover

have

must

the

Little Toomai

looked

he

water,

climb

had

not

;
to

blew

his

but

this

make

his

already,six feet wide, in

bent jungle-grass
was
trying
stand
Many elephants
up.

that way

gone

the

another

alone, and

not

was

of

out

only a

back, and

before.

few minutes
behind

him

great

glowing like hot

himself out
of the misty river.
coals,was
justlifting
Then
the trees
closed up again,and they went
on
and
trumpetings and crashings,and the
up, with
of breaking branches
side of them.
sound
on
every

wild tusker, with

At
trunks

part of

his little pig'seyes

last Kala
at
a

the

Nag
very

circle of

trees

stood

top

of

still between
the

that grew

hill.
round

two

They
an

treewere

irregular

LITTLE

TOOMA1

LAID

HIMSELF
"OUCH

DOWN
SHOULD

CLO"I
SWEEP

TO
HIM

TNI
TO

OfAT
THE

NECK
GROUND.

LETT

TOOMAI
of

space

been

in the

grew

bark

hard

branches, and

as

see,

were

the

in all that

ground

brick floor.

of the
and

231

and

acres,

could

centre

There

moonlight.
upper

as

away,
all shiny and

showed

four

or

rubbed

was

ELEPHANTS

Little Toomai

trampled down

trees

THE

three

some

as

space,

OF

Some

but
clearing,

the white

had

their

beneath

wood

polishedin the patches of

creepers hanging from the
bells of the flowers of the

the

white things
like convolvuluses,
creepers, great waxy
hung down fast asleep; but within the limits of the

clearingthere

not

was

singleblade

of green

"

nothing but the trampledearth.

it all iron-gray,
The
moonlight showed
except
where
it, and their
some
elephants stood upon
Little Toomai
shadows
looked,
were
inky black.
of his
out
holding his breath, with his eyes starting
head, and

he

as

elephants
swung
tree-trunks.
ten, and

he

tillhe lost
to

of

count

the

again and againon

the

soon

as

leaves and
their necks
footed

were

nuts

they moved

and

white-tusked
and
the

theywere

as

wild

like

them
their

within

ghosts.

males, with fallen

twigs lyingin
folds of their

with
she-elephants,

the

only up to
his fingers
head began

clearinghe could hear

undergrowth as they worked

the circle of the tree-trunks

There

his

and

more

between

the

the hillside ; but

up

tens,

and

more

into the open from

could count
Little Toomai

Outside

swim.

and

more

out

counted

crashingin
way

looked,

the wrinkles
ears

of

fat,slow-

restless littlepinky-black

THE

232

only

calves

three

stomachs

their

four

or

feet

and

faces, and

anxious

dirt of their

caked

and

tusk

the

drawing
They
and

and
of

all

swaying

hollow,
; savage

shoulder

was

flank

to

broken

full-stroke,the terrible

the

claws
tiger's

with

one

standing head

in

ground

by

themselves

his side.

on

head,

to

the

across

walking

or

couples,or rocking
and

scores

"

scores

elephants.
Toomai

Nag's

knew

elephants
Once

the

but

it

her

chain

was

Little

snapped

not

Toomai

know,

tame

She

short

must

saw

with

even

wild

drag

elephant ;

and

these

of

that

men

night.

forward

ears

leg-ironin
Sahib's

Petersen

for

and

put their
a

Kala

his trunk

with

chinking of

straight from

come

did

and

Pudmini,

the hillside.

up

him

to

Keddah-drive

thinking

not

started

heard

of

neck

were

they

they

reach

not

off the

happen
of

lay stillon

he

long as

so

scramble

and

elephant does
man

that

nothing would

neck

in the rush

of

were

fro

there
of

marks

scrape,

of

cuts

; and

their shoulders

them

their

bark

rough

from

of

and the
bygone fights,
mud-baths
dropping from
solitary

great v/eals and

with

to

like

trunks

scarred
bull-elephants,

old

their tusks

proud

very

with
elephants,

old-maid

under

high running

elephants with

young

justbeginning to show,
lanky,scraggy

BOOK

JUNGLE

the

when

forest,

pet elephant,

off,grunting,snufflingup
have

broken

Petersen
another

her

Sahib's

pickets,and
camp

elephant, one

on
deep rope-galls

that

his back

and
he
and

TOOMAI

OF

He,

breast.

THE
have

must

too,

ELEPHANTS
run

233

away

from

some

of

any

more

Kala

Nag

in the hills about.

camp

last

At

there

was

in the

elephantsmoving
from

out

into

his station

the

gurgling,and
their

forest,and

between

of

middle

sound

no

the

all the

the

rolled

and

trees

went

crowd, clucking and

elephantsbegan

talk

to

about.
tongue, and to move
Still lying down,
Little Tooiuai
looked
own

and

scores

upon

and

ears,

He

in

the click of

by accident, and
together, and

twined

sides and

shoulders

flick and

hissh

came

of

the

over

tusks
the
the

in the
the

moon,

backs, and wagging

and

tossingtrunks,

heard

tusks

of broad

scores

little

and

rollingeyes.

they crossed

as

dry rustle
chafing of

crowd, and

great

tails.
he

down

sat

trunks

enormous

the incessant

Then
in

of

other

black

cloud
ness
dark-

quiet,steady hustlingand pushing

He
knew
and gurglingwent
on
just the same.
that there were
elephantsall round Kala Nag, dnd
of
of backing him
chance
that there
out
was
no
In
the assembly ; so he set his teeth and shivered.
and shouting,
at least there was
a Keddah
torch-light
;

but
a

but

the
unseen

was

came

Then
up

he

here

trunk

the

up

all alone
and

touched

in

the
him

dark, and
on

once

the knee.

elephant trumpeted,and they all took

an

for five

or

ten

terrible seconds.

The

dew

it

from

like rain on
the
spattereddown
backs, and a dull booming noise began,not

trees

above

THE

234
very

loud

what

it

it grew

; but

was

lifted up

fore

one

them

two,

steadilyas

fell"from

dew

fall,and

rocked

his

to

up

and

ground

booming
shut

to

ears

twice

of

he

heavy

could

forward

surge

feel

few

feet

the

on

Kala

Nag

and
strides,

on

and

hard

earth

groaning

his*

and

arm

somewhere

felt the

the

calves

squeaked together.

and

shuffle,and

have

lasted

booming

fully two

ached

in

of the

night air

The

the

every

hours,
;

nerve

that

morning

the

broke

but
dawn

in

one

he

this stamp

"

and

all the

Once
others

would

thumping

things
of

two

the

boom

tree

was

creaking

He

Kala

was

sheet

from

three

It

Little

by

little

thump

on.

knew
was

moved

sound

he heard

and

out

tell where

not

or

went

put

Nag

no

two

Then

all

it was

earth.

could

in the

ground

juicygreen

bark, but

clearing. There
elephants,except once, when

was

left

more

the

him.

he

The

raw

near

like

put his hands

him

or

began again.

forward, still tramping, and

he

no

But

the

of

elephants

cave.

oh, and

change to the crushingsound

being bruised, but in a minute
feet

was

through

ran

one-

it sounded

the sound.

out

other, and

The

of

went

Nag

one-two,

"

and

mouth

tell

not

Kala

the

shivered, and Little Toomai

of hundreds
or

then

till there

trees

giganticjar that

one

the

at

the

the

and

trip-hammers.

beaten

war-drum

to

and

the

on

could

grew,

stamping all togethernow,

were

and

foot

down

brought
as

Little Toomai

first,and

at

BOOK

JUNGLE

must

Toomai
the

smell

coming.
of

paleyellow

LITTLE

TOOMAI

WOULD

MAYt
MAVl

r\IM"t"
t"l"0

WH*"1
OUT.

MI

WAI

tOONB*

TOOMAI

OF

behind the green

the first

Before

ray,

THE

ELEPHANTS

and the booming stopped with

hills,

though the lighthad

as

237

Little Toomai

had

been

order.

an

the

ringingout of
his head, before even
he had shifted his position,
there was
not
an
elephantin sightexcept Kala Nag,
Pudmini, and the elephantwith the rope-galls,
and
there was
neither sign nor
rustic nor
whisperdown
the hillsides to

Little

show

Toomai

got

where

the others had

stared

again

and

gone.
The

again.

he remembered
as
in the
clearing,
it, had grown
stood in the middle
of it,but
trees
night. More
the undergrowth and the jungle-grass
the sides
at
had

been

rolled back.
Now

more.

elephants
stamped

had

the

the

trash

and

the

thick

fibres into hard

!

Pudmini
shall

'

said

from

third

go

and

room

The
had

"

juicycane

trash,

to

earth.

Nag,

to

my

and

his eyes

lord, let
Sahib's

Petersen

round, and

the
took

belongedto some
establishment, fiftyor
sixty or
may

once

trampling.

more

thy neck.'
elephantwatched

snorted, wheeled
He

out

Little Toomai,

Kala

"

and

drop

The

grass

the

stared

slivers,the slivers into tiny fibres,

heavy.

very

understood

stamped

into

Wah

he

Little Toomai

have

keep by

us

camp,

two

his

go
own

little native
a

were

hundred

or

away,

path.

king's
miles

away.
Two

hours

later,as

early breakfast,

the

Peterscn

Sahib

elephants,who

was

had

eating
been

THE

238

that

double-chained
mired

Pudmini,

the

to

his

hair

dew

but

tried

he

have

But,

milk,

warm

quinine inside
scarred

hunters

before

him,

he
spirit,

will, and
'

of

him
of

told

if I lie in

dance

Nag

sat

faint.
worth

nerves

no

lyingvery

was

with

Petersen

head, and
with

while

glass

dash

the

tentedly
con-

old

of

hairy,

jungles sat three -deep

him
as
though he were

at

with

Kala

As

his

and

Sahib, and
-

dead

with

elephant

hammock

his tale in
up

pinched, and

drenched

brandy,

the

looking

wound

Now,

little

Nag,

and

have

shooting-coat under

Sahib's

'

he

Sahib's

in Petersen

in

hours

Kala

camp.

the

"

children

two

and

Petersen

I die !

"

native

since

speaking of, in

of

salute

trumpet,

with

and

leaves

slid off his neck

he

down,

the

gray

dance

it, and

seen

was

to

faintly:'The

cried

into

of

full

was

to

shoulders,

face

Little Toomai's

night,began

foot-sore, shambled

very

BOOK

JUNGLE

short

words,

as

child

one

word, send

men

to

see,

they will find that the elephant-folk have

in their dance-room,
more
room
trampled down
times
and
they will find ten and ten, and many
They
leading to that dance -room.
ten, tracks

and

made

more

room

with

Nag took me,

!
very leg-weary

and

Kala
is

Little
the

long

Toomai
afternoon

their feet.
I

have

Also

saw.

seen

Kala

it.

Nag

'

lay back
and

and
into

slept all through

the

twilight,and

TOOMAI
while

OF

he

the

eighteen
had
only

had

Machua

Peterscn

Sahib

fifteen

had

such

dance

to

look

twice

been

done

need

no

had

spent

-place.
the

at

in the

toe

he

there, or

packed, rammed
child speaks truth/ said he.

The

Appa

elephantsfor

two

found

what

his

and

239

catching elephants,and

before

once

with

the

in

years

Appa
clearingto see

Sahib

hills.

the

Machua

of

track

across

scratch

ELEPHANTS

sleptPetersen

followed
miles

THE

to

earth.
*

All

this

night,and I have counted seventy

tracks
See, Sahib, where
crossing the river.
Pudmini's
leg-iron cut the bark off that tree!
was

done

last

Yes

; she

was

They
they

too.'

there

looked

wondered

for the ways

the wit of any

Forty

have

I followed

it is
"

what

When
the

say ?

we

can

back

he gave

sheep

and

and

that there

would

be

in

had

come

had

Appa,

it

camp

Sahib

ate

as

well

what

seen

his head.
time

was

for

alone

in his

should

have

as

salt, for

and

never

of the Hills,

Gods

that the camp

rice
a

Machua

he shook

and

fowls,

some

flour

Big Toomai
the plainsto

'

white, to fathom.

man

all the

to

orders

of

ration

of

and
yond
be-

elephantsarc

elephant,but

the

Petersen

evening meal.

two

child

By

they got

tent, but

lord,

my

seen.

or

five,' said

that any

this child has

of

black

man,

and

years

I heard

have

other, and up and down,

each

at

he

double
knew

fe
up

hot-foot from

search for his

son

and

his

the camp

elephant,

and

he

though

as

of it all ; and

hero

the

catchers, the
the

wildest

from

the

show

that

all the

as

front

of

he

was

elephant-

killed

the

to

one

blood

with

jungle-cock,to
free of

forester,initiated and

and

breaking the

forehead

newly

of

Toomai

ropers,

from

him

his

marked

they

of

there

last,when

at

flames

the

died

and

down,

the elephants look

lightof the logs made
though they had been dipped in blood too,
red

the

Appa,

Keddahs,

self,who

forty

years

that

he

had

-leaped

high

in

to

all the

seen

other

his

feet, with

Little

air

above

head,

the

brothers.

his

Toomai,

little one

but

shall
of

Toomai

great-grandfatherwas
man

night, and

has
the

no

the

has

favour

of

seen

the

in

great

so

Appa,
held

Toomai

shouted

and

Appa,

lords

my

ing
speak-

am

be called Little

more

called

he

seen

was

Listen, too, you

lines there, for I, Machua

This

road

Machua

than

name

all

Sahib's

made

who

Appa,

of

drivers

Petersen

Appa,

never

Machua
no

Listen, my

in the

Machua
had

of

head

the

"

other

never

And

and

secrets

them

at

jungles.

Machua

'

all the

know

breast

And
the

both.

drivers

elephants, passed

other, and

looked

big brown

the

and

trackers

who

men

he

by the blazing camp-fires in

picketed elephants,and Little

the lines of
was

them

afraid of them

were

feast

was

found

he had

that

now

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

24o

Elephants,
before

as

him

through

his

What
the

elephant-folk

long
and

OF

TOOMAI
of

of

Gods

the

become

shall

follow

the

the

harm

in

clear

Keddah

the

shall
bull-elephant

whirled

that

places

the

honour,

my

"

Make

He

he

shall

shall
the

take

under

runs

no

their

has

seen

salute

Gunga

Pershad,

Kuttar

Guj,

ahaa

Pudmini,

ahaa!

And
their

thou

broke

out

crashing trumpet-peal
it

had

the

dance
heart

Birchi

thou

hast

"

too,

the

that

only

was

seen

of

all for
what
the

of the

the

never

seen

Nag,
Together !

the

my

To

line

flung

their

heads,
fore"

the

Viceroy of

of the Keddah.
sake

of

man

had

Little
seen

elephantsat night and

Garo

Guj,

Kala

full salute

into

hears, the Salaamut

who

Guj,

"

and

But

Elephants!

the

elephants! ahaa !
!
of the Elephants. Barrao
that last wild yellthe whole
at
till the
trunks
tips touched

pearl among
Toomai

Hira

dance, and

the

of

Toomai

to

children.

karo, my

Salaam

him

Give

saw

man

never

hidden

in your

dances

is the

here

"

not

chains,*-

the

pickets,

your

lords !

in

lords

my

shall

is and

he

who

line of

sight that

your

at

the

up

little one

know

dihai

him.

crush

the

He

to

before

India

become

stale trail,and

when

shall

if he slips
the wild tuskers ; and
rope
that
the feet of the charging bull-elephant,

bellies

up

he

He

him.

Appa

the
eye

243

with

Machua

"

and
tr.iil,

new

trail,with

him

Jungles is
I

I, even

mixed

he

ELEPHANTS

great tracker

greater than

THE

hills !

Toomai,
before"
alone

in

THE

244

SHIV

THE

AND

SONG

(THE

who

poured

Sittingat
Gave

King

the

All

Thorn
And

he

Broken

the

he

for

Shiva
!

of

he made

bones

to

to

gate.

"

the

kine,
O

little

son

to

the

poor,

beg

from

door

the

of mine

door

wall

at

to

kite,

wolves

wicked

the

at

all,

that

men

fate,

Preserver.

folk,millet

holy

blow,

to

ago,

Beggar

the

to

the

winds

toil and

for sleepyhead,

rich

SANG

the

long

and

guddee

tiger,carrion

and

rags

day

made

camel,fodder for

to

gave

the

to

of

"

heart

scraps

Cattle

and

Mahadeo

mother's

Wheat

And

for

harvest

the

upon

things made

Mahadeo

the

portion,food

his

MOTHER

BABY)

THE

doorways

each

to

From

the

GRASSHOPPER

TOOMAI'S

THAT
TO

SHIV,

BOOK

JUNGLE

without

the

night.
Naught
Parbati

he

beside

Thought
Stole
So

the

him

little

she tricked

Tall

are

this

too

cheat

to

Mahadeo

But

found

!
the
was

watched
her

them

Mahadeo

and

Shiva

the

and

come

hid

low
go

are

it in her

to

"

jest
"

breast.

Preserver.
and

turn

camels,heavy
least

too

saw

husband, turning Shiv

grasshopper
him,

he

lofty,none

the

see.

kine,

of little things,O

little

son

of mine

AND

SHIV

When
4

dole

the
of

Master,

Shiv

Laughing,
Kvi-n

he,

From

her

Saw

the

Saw

and

Who

Least

And

and

surely
made

for
mother's

Things

given
he

Shiva

making
to

meat

the

had

their

all

thief,
leaf!

new-grown

prayer
that

part,

heart.'

the

gnawed

wondered,

thy

it, Parbati

'

unfed

to

Shiv,

live.

Preserver.

"

Mahadeo

Thorn

Little

of

things

plucked

said,

have

'neath

hidden

one,

one

All

245

she

not

answer,

she

feared

hath

All

made

breast

is

mouths

little

the

laughingly

ended,

was

million

GRASSHOPPER

THE

Afahadeo
the

camel,
heart

he

fodder
for

made

for

all^
the

sleepy heady

"

k'tne,
0

little

ton

of

mine!

SERVANTS

MAJESTY'S
HER

Her
You

can

But

the

You

can

But

the

it out

work

Fractions

by

of Twecdle-dum

way

twist

it,you

of

way

had

Majesty'sServants
is
turn

can

by simpleRule

or

the way

not

it,you

Pilly-Winky'inot

the

of

Three,

of Twccdle-dce.

plaitit till you drop,

can

of

way

Winkie-Pop !

rainingheavilyfor one whole month

of thirtythousand
a
"raining on
men,
camp
of camels, elephants,
thousands
horses, bullocks,
and
mules, all gathered togetherat a place called
Riwal
Pindi, to be reviewed
by the Viceroy of
IT

been

of"
visit from the Amir
a
receiving
Afghanistan a wild king of a very wild country ;
for a bodyhim
had brought with
and the Amir
guard
had
who
horses
and
men
eight hundred
He

India.

was

"

seen

never

lives

"

mob

camp
men

savage
at

the

back

of these

or

and

of

horses

before

locomotive
savage

be

sure

and
stampede up and
heel-ropes,
through the mud in the dark, or

from

their
where
some-

Every night

Asia.

Central

would

horses

in

to

break

down

the

the camels

their

camp
would

THE

250

of

the

that

for

was

from

shouted, Get

in and

'

tent's gone

My

knew

boots

and

roaring and
the

tent

Vixen,
other

blundered

into

did

camp,
At
that

the

and

with

two

lay along the

Vixen

Just

as

had
I

was

one

of

near

three

tail of

my
and

got to, and

have

got
the

and

gun,

in

more

any

waterproof
made

by

the
over

of

found,

wondering
I might be.
sleep I heard

gun,

to

sort

that

where

getting ready

had

lines
Artillery
night. As I

at

rammers

another

begin

sight of

the

about

saw

the mud.
of

tail-end

because

on,

might

through

I was,

as

ran

out

was

gun,
or

camels

dark, I put

of

was

camel

angry

Then

plowter

to

the

muzzle

where

and

stacked

were

cannon

there

ghost.

somewhere

was

want

wigwam

over

then

the
out

bubbling,and
pole snapped, and

the

drizzle

and

long

last I fell

not

and

many

way

where

the

wet

ploughing my
knew

did

it,and

before

loose, and

my

into

out

and

mad

how

on

fox-terrier, went

know

not

put

my

help laughing.

not

so

scuttled

the

like

and

side ;

in, as

cave

about

could

were

grunting

dance

to

'

waterproof
the

through

quick ! They're coming

out,

they

'

Little

slush.

ropes

'

who

the

over

imagine how
pleasant
tryingto go to sleep. My tent
the camel
lines,and I thought
one
night a man
popped his head

safe ; but

was

fall

and

can

you

men

away

about

run

and

tents,

lay far
it

and

loose

break

BOOK

JUNGLE

HER

MAJESTY'S

SERVANTS

251

jingleof harness and a grunt, and a mule passed

He
me
shaking his wet ears.
belongedto a screwbattery,for I could hear the rattle of the
gun
rings and chains and things on
his
straps and
saddle-pad. The screw-guns are tiny littlecannon
in two
made
screwed
pieces that are
together
a

when

the

taken

up

find
in

time

them.

use

mountains, anywhere

road, and

to

comes

they are

very

They

that

mule

useful

arc

for

can

fighting

rocky country.
Behind

the

big soft

mule

there

was

camel, with

his

feet

squelchingand slippingin the mud,

and his neck
bobbing to and fro like a strayed
hen's.
Luckily, I knew enough of beast language
wild-beast
guage,
not
language, but camp- beast lan-

"

of
he

course

"

He

have

must

tent, for he

do ?

the

natives

been

the

one

called

to

shall I
go ?

Where

the

it took

it.)

glad to

know

Oh,

it

you,' said
have

friends,that

your
All

right.
;

account

what

but

I may

been

be beaten

You'll
as

well

"

floppedinto
What

shall I

foughtwith

run

we

me

mule,

"

on

on

for this in the

you

'

and

you

disturbingthe

give

white

and
tent-pole,

Shall

the

hit

stick and

broken

my

very

was

that

mule,

I have

thing that waved, and

the neck.'
(That was
was

know

to

saying.

was

my

from

camp
ing
morn-

something

on

now.'

I heard

the

harness

jingleas

the

mule

backed

THE

252
and

like

rang

drum.

kicks

two

'Another

than

better

know

camel

the

caught

BOOK

JUNGLE

to

in

ribs

mule-battery

and fire !"

night,shouting "Thieves
and keep your
sillyneck quiet.'

Sit down,

at

camel

The

doubled

rule, and

two-foot

camel-fashion, like

up
down

sat

regularbeat of hoofs
big troop-horse cantered up
he were
on
parade,jumped
close
'

the

to

It's

Those

'

lines

our

'

"

Who's

sleep.
I'm

'

'

of

one

are

'

bad

you

to

My

to

see

get

isn't allowed

number

to

two

the mule,
He's

'

gun

and

the

me

up

waked

troop,
Stand

pardon,'

anything
little peace

over

said

Aren't

much.
?

and

Ninth

Lancers

the

these

walked

"

there.'
little,
mule.

'

camels

It's
too

of

out

my

quiet here.'
humbly,

night,and we were
only a baggage-camel

'we

in the
am

How's

'

lords,'said the camel

dreams

afraid.

friends.

horse.

Oh, beg your

sickening for
lines

of

said
Battery,'

your

through

this week.

if he

his

out

'

Fifteen, E

Number

dark

too

time

breech-piecemule

Cunliffe's

Dick

landed

racketed

have

third

here

the

Who

too.

though

and
gun-tail,

his condition

of the First Screw

other's

steadilyas

as

said, blowing

camels
the

again
to
keep

horse

darkness, and

mule.

he
disgraceful,'

nostrils.

in the

There

whimpering.

was

that

time,' he said, 'you'll

through

run

the

dreamed

very
of

the

much

39th

HER
Native

MAJESTY'S

and
Infantry,

not

am

253

brave

so

as

you

arc,

lords.'

my

Then

why

the

picketsdidn't you stay and carry

instead of
39th Native Infantry,

baggage for the

running all round

They

'

camel.
Shall

we

am

run

said

and

ear

bullocks.
have

On

waked

the

deal

good

the

'

camp

of

mule,

is that ?

you

very

prodding

you'llsnap

'or

He

guns/

Bullocks

word,

my

What

the

'

the

listened.

dreams/ said

Listen !

again?

down/

said the mule.

bad

very

sorry.

on

'

camp?

long legs between

your
one

the

such

were

"

'Sit

SERVANTS

'

cocked

he said ;

and

put

gun-

friends

your

thoroughly.
to

It takes
a

up

gun-

bullock.'
I heard

chain

draggingalongthe ground,and
a
yoke of the great sulky white bullocks that drag
the elephantswon't go
the heavy siege-guns
when
the firing,
to
nearer
came
shoulderingalong
any
together; and almost steppingon the chain was
another
wildlyfor Billy/
battery-mule,
calling
a

'

'

to

That's

the

of

one

the

for
calling
dark
squealing
; the

troop-horse.

youngster, stop

recruits/said

our
'

He's

old

me.
never

mule

Here,
hurt

anybody yet/
The
lay down togetherand began
gun-bullocks
huddled
mule
chewing the cud, but the young
close
"

to

Billy.

Things

'

he

said ;

fearful

and

horrible

THE

254

Billy!

They

I've

into

came

asleep. D'you
*

think

they'llkill

great mind

very

hand

mule

with

lines

our

kicking,'said Billy.

one

BOOK

JUNGLE

'

us

while

we

were

'

to

give you

The

idea of

numberfourteen-

training disgracing the

batterybefore this gentleman !
member
Gently, gently ! said the troop-horse. Rethey are always like this to begin with.
your

'

'

'

'

first

The

Australia
half

time

I
I

when

saw

if I'd

day, and

was

in

(it was
three-year-old)I ran

ever

camel

seen

man

I should

for
have

been

running still.''
for the English cavalry
horses
Nearly all our
are
Australia, and
brought to India from
are
broken
in by the troopers themselves.
*

True

enough,'said Billy. Stop shaking,youngster.

The
first time
they put the full harness
'

with

all its chains

legs

and

learned

on

kicked
real

the

every

bit

science

of

batterysaid they had

But

'

this

jingled,'said
don't

mind

trees,

and

the

they

now,

find

driver, and

my

off with

ran
*

H'm

"

'

with

said

and

down

I couldn't

Billy.

my
I

was

the

it.'
that

know

Things

like

You

'

fore

hadn't

anything

mule.
It

these

ofF.

or

head-rope broke,

my

on

kicking then, but

seen
anything like

Billy.

fell up

it

harness

young

bubbled

of

never

wasn't

that

and

back, I stood

my

the

and

find you,

lines

and

I couldn't

Billy,so

gentlemen.'
*

As

soon

as

heard

the

HER
camels

MAJESTY'S
loose I

were

quietly. When

battery a
gentlemen, he
"

Who

up.

away

gun -bullocks
shaken

came

SERVANTS

are

you

on

my

255
account,

own

mule

screw-gun
be
must

fellows

very
the

on

calls

badly
ground

there?'
The

rolled their cuds, and answered

gun-bullocks
both together:
The
seventh
yoke of the first gun
of the Big Gun
were
Battery. We
asleepwhen
the camels
but when
we
were
trampled on
came,
*

got

we

quiet in

walked

and

up

mud

the

away.

than

to

be

It is better

disturbed

to

lie

good

on

friend here that there

told your
bedding. We
was
nothingto be afraid of, but he knew so much
Wah
that he thought otherwise.
!
on
They went
chewing.
That
of being afraid/ said Billy. You
comes
get laughed at by gun-bullocks. I hope you like
'

un.'

it,young
The

mule's

young

bullock

old

clicked
*

their horns

Now,

That's

in the

the

snapped,and

I heard

of

him

beefy
world ; but the bullocks only
togetherand went on chewing.
been afraid.
angry afteryou've

something about

say

teeth

don't

be

worst

kind

being afraid

not

of

cowardice,*said

any

the troop-

forgivenfor being scared

in the night,/ think, if they see thingsthey don't
of our
broken
We've
understand.
out
pickets,
of us, just
again and again,four hundred and fifty
tales of whiprecruit got to telling
because a new
horse.

'

Anybody

can

be

THE

256
snakes

of the loose

death
*

not

in Australia

home

at

well

till we

head-ropes/
camp,' said Billy;

above

stampeding myself,for

you

do

what

do

in

been

Oh, that's quite another

troop-horse.

and

watch

to

keep

where

hind

my

into

his knees

drives

of

set

and

me,

legs well

under

back

my

then,

all I have

putting

am

my

to

do

feet,and

to

be

and

me,

shoes,' said

new
on

two

or

service

Cunliffe's

Dick

'

day

'I'm

of the

fun

the

for

out

active

on

to

our

all very

but

scared

were

That's

I haven't

is

of

ends

thing,when

the

BOOK

JUNGLE

bridle-

wise.'
'

What's

'

By

the

bridle-wise ?

the Blue

aren't

taught

How

can

round
neck

you

at

with
the

rein

on

swing round,

to

in

that

say

death

or

death

If

up

to

you

neck.

to

your
you.

the

man,

instant

little and

your
and

you

to

step off when

he says

Now,

on

hind

'

head

feel

room

legs. That's being bridle-wise.'

We
aren't taught that way,' said Billythe
at
stiffly. We're
taught to obey the man
your

of

round

round

come

spin

Get

haven't

you

you

business

your

anything, unless you can

the rein is pressed on

or

rear

mule.

Blocks,' snorted

mean

you

legs under

your

Back

bridle-wise

life
life

hind

your

do

means

that's

course

be

when

once

It

to

do

said the
young

of the

Gums

troop-horse,

'

so.

with

he

I suppose
all this fine

says

it

comes

so,

and
to

the

fancy business

mule
our

step in when
same

and

thing.

rearing,

HER
which

be

must

That

I have

said
depends,'

to

with

in

go

knives,

for your

the

hocks, what

and

"

I have

to

take

just touchingthe next man's

crushingit. I can see Dick's lance to
right eye, and I know I'm safe.
my
be the

and

man

when

me

we're

Don't

Well, I got

that

if it hurt !
4

Dick's

man,

That's

don't

slashed

fault.

The

the

rightof

I shouldn't

that stood

'

up

at

up

H'm

!
are

Dick

to

said the
mule.
young
the chest once,
but

across

have

cared

fault it was,

whose

'

of

some

As
man

Billy;
dirty things at
*

do

balanced

saddle, hang

too, and

is

to

climb

creep

up
on

and

tread

on

any

by

at

do, and

horses

on

I have
him

"

it sounds

away

saying,it wasn't
lyingon the ground,

time

said

run

don't

was

to

I shall step

thing to

our

was

Next

me.

well

as

may

myselfnot

lyingdown

Knives

ears

without

fault"

them.

I stretched

cut

you

what

blame

Dick's

man

boot

'

your

once.

and

that Dick's

said the young

mule.
Y'ou must,' said the troop-horse. " If
you

trust

the

hurry.'

hurt

one

lot I should

'A

in

knives

the

wasn't

horse

or

than

care

is

to

do

troop-horse. Generally
lot of yelling,
hairymen

among

farrier's knives,

care

257

long shiny knives, worse

"

boot

bad

very

SERVANTS

'

do ?

you

MAJESTY'S

time.

him, and
to

over

go
hard.'
very
The

proper

with

all four

feet and

and

foolish.

mountain

crawl

he

well-

your

wrigglealong,

THE

258
till you

come

else,on

Then

then

down
*

'

into the
Don't

hen's

that

say

badly-packed saddle
seldom.

very

I wish

It's beautiful.

Why,

out

what

the

men

the

thing is

never

'

and

upset

I could
it took

three

show

years

if

I lead

way.
of

you

the

batterywhen

the

Fired

people

at

without

who

are

thinking hard.
to

want
'

Oh

no,

you
are

the

as

of your

out

it comes

that

to

firing!

sort

'

said

the

stand

neat

The

baggage-camel

and

fro for

some

into

troop-horse,
I should

that.

know

; you

do
positionthey'll

scientific and

running

Dick.'

wouldn't
in

of

chance

I couldn't

charge,with

the guns

That's

to

much

as

mile

go

Remember

climbing.'
1

as

to

of

againstthe sky-line,

up

have

find

to

science

The

drivingat.

it's

business.

our

you

me

but

mule,

show

split

can

again per-haps

because, if you do, you may get fired at.

that, young
un.
Always keep hidden

possible,even

un,

troop-horse.

tripsyou

Now

will

were

to

head, young

said the
mule

'

keep quiet,

far below.'

so

ear,' said Billy.

still and

your

ever

when

for

enough

being put together,

little poppy
shells drop

the

trip?

ever

just room

one

any

are

guns

tree-tops

you

They

the

watch

you

hold

to

man

feet above

stand

you

"keep quiet while

and

there's

ledge where
ask

"never

of

hundreds

out

hoofs.

your

BOOK

JUNGLE

; but

had

time

all the

knives

been

that

"

past, anxious

charging.

pah

bobbing

soon

as

his
to

'

head

get

HER
word

MAJESTY'S

SERVANTS

259

in

I heard him
edgeways. Then
say, as he
cleared his throat, nervously:
I
I
I have fought a little,
but not
in that
climbing way or that running way.'
No.
Now
mention
it,'said Billy, you
you
don't look as though you were
for climbing
made
Well, how was
or
it,old Hayrunning -much.
*

"

"

'

"

"

bales?'
'The

way,' said

proper

camel.

the

'We

all

down"

sat

'

Oh,

my

We

in

went

down

sat

on,

saddles

over

backs,

Sat down

of

and

the

outside
the

'

hundred

big square,

packs and
our

"

said

!
breastplate

his breath.

troop-horseunder
'

'

and

crupper

us,' the camel

men

the square, and

piledour
they fired

all sides of the

did, on

men

the

square.1
'

What

of

'

along ? said the

to
riding-school
across

but

us,

trust

do

to

I can't

does

said

the

plenty of
clouds

of

'

And

our

is the

Cunliffe

head

my
it

teach

came
us

fire

masters

only

in

I'd

man

and, besides,
girths,
the ground.'
fires across
who
you?'

on

matter

'There

are

close

camels

smoke.

sit still and

let

that

It tickles my

camel
other

and

lie down

Dick

with

'What

men

'

that.

see

Any men
troop-horse. They

sort

am

plenty of men
by, and a great

not

and
many

then.
frightened

wait.'

yet,'said Billy, you

'

dream

bad

dreams

THE

260

and

night. Well ! well !

speak of sittingdown,

upset the camp

I'd lie down,

fire

man

have

not

to

across

There

was

me,

foolish

awful

so

and

that ?

as

his

up

indeed.

you

only

of the

one

and

is

let

would

Did

then

big head

There

and

his head

other.

each

to

say

gun-bullockslifted
is very

heels

my

long silence,and

Before

at

something to
hear anything

ever

BOOK

JUNGLE

said, This
'

one

of

way

fighting.'
Oh, go on,' said Billy.

suppose

fellows

you

don't

Please

'

mind

fight standing

me.

on

your

tails?'

way,' said the two

been
twins.) This

Only

have

must

to

us

Tails'

To

show

smoke

Then

Heya

the

like
level

unyoked
talk

across

walls, and
goes

up

we

as

cats

!
nor

not

side.

other

Hullah

"

is

that he
the

on

coward.

climb

Tails

Two

soon

as

is camp

'

for ?

trumpet

as

slang

said the

mule.

young
'

does

To

way.

big gun

the

trumpets.' ('Two
elephant.)

What

"

of

yoke

Tails

for the

is that

'

put all twenty

Two

together. (They

one

Tails

big

run

again,and we
the
plain
piecesof the
many

wall

of

us,

while

graze
to

We

town

some

fall out,

cattle

were

together
do

till

we

big
with

and

are

guns
mud

the

coming

not

across

go

the

the

great

We

like calves.

yoke

is
all

gun

Heeyah ! Hullah

to

nearer

any

Two

the

tug

plain,twenty

though

going

dust

home.'

HER
*

do

Oh

you

MAJESTY'S

you choose that time

said the
mule.
young

'

time
We

any
till we

back

there

speak back,

then

there

left.

This

Our

father

was

"

us

in

waiting
the city

killed,and

arc

great coward.

That

brothers

are

from

bull of Shiva.

sacred

big guns

is

grazing for those that

nothing but Fate. None

fight. We

to

way

spoken/
Well,

is

again and

Tails

of

more

is Fate
Tails

are

grazing,

Eating is always

Two

some

is all the

the less,Two
proper

and

for

yoked up

are

where

to

Sometimes

that

are

other.

or

eat

tug the gun

for it.

261

And

'That

good.

SERVANTS

is the

Hapur.

We

have

I've

learned somethingto-night,*
certainly
said the troop-horse. Do
you gentlemenof the
batteryfeel inclined to eat when you
screw-gun
are
being fired at with big guns, and Two Tails is
4

behind
*

and

About
let

with

you

with
1

not

your

but

rt

the

pick your
other

in the

family,on

understand

or

us,

heard

never

course,'said

made

over

such

load,
own

stuff.

"

driver

way,

things

into

run

sit down

to

no

and

'

people
tain
moun-

you

I'm
said

can

your

Billy,

of his foot.

stamp

Of

feel inclined

we

well-balanced

let you

as

sprawl all

men

knives.

to

mule

much

as

ledge,a
trust

'

same

troop-horse,every one is
quitesec that
way, and I can

the

your

great many

'

father's side, would

things.'

fail

to

THE

262

Never

be

was

Southern

and

came

called

Remember

her

skate,' and

horse

'See

said

that

I'm

from

mule

in

ready ?
*

saw

of

between

of the

big

any

if

brown

breeding.
-horse

car

can

imagine

the

white

an

how

of

the

his eye

teeth, I'd have

his
on

imported Malaga
'

mother's

my

Melbourne

aren't

we

Cup

accustomed

to

you

side
and

to

where

being ridden

parrot-mouthed,pig-headed
pea-shooterbattery. Are you

any

pop-gun

hind

your
reared

expecting a
voice

that, you

horse

'

On

both

son

roughshod by

over

every

My

could

he

into rags

Sunol
you

related

Carbine, winner

'

felt.

here, you

come

and

to

the dark.

he
jackass,'

donkey.

without

horse

feelings of

Australian

know

wild

means

the

in
glitter

kick

hates

'

Brumby
Imagine

mule

every
was

father's

my

gentleman,

bite and

across.

Brumby

for

father

his

that

pull down
he

family on

my

Billyangrily;

reminded

father

mind

you

side,'said

BOOK

JUNGLE

called

legs!
facing

up

furious
of

out

Children, what

are

'

squealed Billy. They

each

other, and

fight,when
the
you

darkness

was

gurgly, rumbly
the
to
right:

fightingabout

there ?

Be

quiet.'
Both

beasts

disgust,for
listen

to

an

dropped

neither

down

horse

elephant'svoice.

nor

with
mule

can

snort

bear

of
to

HER

MAJESTY'S

'It's Two
can't

stand

fair !
*

the
in

Tails!'
him.

SERVANTS

said
A

the

tail

263

troop-horse.
each

at

end

'I

isn't

'

said Billy,
feelings
exactly,'
crowding into
We're
troop-horse for company.
very alike
things.'

My

sonic
'

we've

suppose

mothers,' said

the

inherited

them

troop-horse.

about.
quarrelling
up?

Hi!

Two

from

It's

"

Tails,

our

worth

not

arc

tied

you

'

Yes/ said Two

trunk.
what

I'm

'

Afraid

of

bullocks

the

not

heard, but

and

went

on

camel
what

"

We

said,half aloud
!

nonsense

are

Two

true.

afraid of the guns

over.'

the

Tails

Two

it is

been

coming

bullocks

The

laugh all up his

the night. I've heard
saying. But don't be

picketed for

fellows have

you

afraid.

I'm

Tails, with

'

And

that

sorry

Tails, why

are

you
you

'

they fire ?
hind leg
Well,' said Two
Tails, rubbing one
againstthe other, exactlylike a little boy saying a
stand.'
whether
4I don't quite know
you'd underpoem,
when

don't, hut

We

we

have

to

pullthe guns,'said

the bullocks.
'

1 know

braver

than

it,and
you

My
Pachydermatous

with

me.

I know

think

you

you
are.

arc

But

battery captain
Anachronism

good

deal

it's different

called

the other

me

day.'

THE

JUNGLE

another

fighting,I suppose
recovering his spirits.

264
'

That's

Billy,who

said
f

but

don't

Tou
I do.

It

will

know
means

is just where

what

that

betwixt

and

am.

when

happen

of

way

was

BOOK

can

between,

inside

see

shell bursts

of

means,

; and

course,

and

that

head

my

'

what

bullocks

you

can't.'
'

I can,' said the

bit.

I try

it.

see

can

there's

know
I'm

when

me

driver's

than

more

I know

of, and

think

to

not

troop-horse.

that

and

you,

nobody
All they

sick.

I do think

how
is

do

can

to

to

can't

about

take

to

me

knows

till I get well, and

pay

little

it.'

about

great deal of

least

At

'

care

cure

stop my
trust

my

driver.'
*

it.

Ah
I

without

to

We

I know

do

don't
*

put

that soaks

in

on

whole

That

'

to

you

explains

be

know

what

said

into

the

Dicks

feel any

me

not

ground
troop-horsegave a

not

the

bullocks.

talking to

you.

It is red

stuff

is.'

bullocks.

the

and

it.'

I'm
blood

on

better.

uncomfortable,

spiteof

don't.

of

regiment

understand,' said

not

do,'

We

The

go

troop-horse.

making

just enough

enough

You

the

Dick.'

could

You

know

said
trust

can

back

my

and

'

smells.'

kick

and

bound

and

snort.
*

Don't

talk

of

it,' he

said.

'

can

smell

it

HER

MAJESTY'S

just thinkingof

now,
run

when

"

I haven't

it is

'But

bullocks.

but

run,

Why

want

to

back.'

my

camel

and

the

stupid?
Billy. I don't

want

to

so

you

'

talk about

to

are

'

said

Two

it.'

Tails, waving his

to

saiil the

Tails

'Oh, I'm

here

all

No.

bullocks.

'

We

could

four

in
straight

see

do

that

till the

talkingto

not

inside your heads.'

We
of our
out
see

see

If

been

his foot

stamped

it jingled.

can't

have

we

night,'

bullocks.

Two

'

on

me

'

are

explain.
'Surely. Yes,

on

Dick

want

you

265

It makes

here,' said the

not

I don't

There

'

tail

it.

It's vile stuff/ said

'

SERVANTS

iron

ring
You

you.

eyes,'said

the

front of us.1

and

nothing else you

wouldn't
be needed
to
pullthe big guns at all. If
like my
I was
sec
captain he can
thingsinside
his head before the firing
begins,and he shakes all
'

"

but

over,

like him

was

as

he

wise

be

halt* the
had

a
'

good

That's

and

bath
all

'H'sh!'
understand

said
what

But

if I

were

I should

I haven't

I liked.

month.'

doesn't

Two

if I

"

be, sleeping

to

fine,'said Billy;
the

away

be here.

I used

bathingwhen
for

run

guns.

never

forest,as

very

thing a long name

to

pullthe

I should

in the

day

much

too

I could

all that

as

king

knows

make

it any

troop-horse.
Tails

'

means.*

but

givinga

better.'
'I

think

THE

266
You'll

'

Tails

better in

understand
'

angrily.

explain to

why

me

'

the

began trumpeting furiouslyat

He

said Two

minute/

just you

Now,

like this !

don't

you

BOOK

JUNGLE

of

top

his trumpet.
that !

Stop

'

said

Billy
hear

I could

together,and

and

them

the

troop-horse
shiver.

and

stamp

trumpeting is always nasty, especially

elephant's
dark
on
a
night.
Won't
Tails.
said Two
I shan't stop,'
you
explain that, please? Hhrrmph! Rrrtl Rrrmph!

An

'

Rrrhha

little

'

Then

found

that

if there

is

is

She

thing in

one

knew

well

as

the

world

the

that

knew

is

another, it

of than

afraid

more

dark, and

last.

at

me

I heard

stopped suddenly,and

in the

whimper

had

he

Vixen
did

as

elephant

little barking

'

dog

she

so

stopped
yapped

pickets,and
Tails
'

dog

he

said.

kick

at

you.

then

Go

why

doesn't
in

me
'

'

Now,
kicked
Two

squeaked.
snuff

Don't

you
one

some

at

Go

Two
little

away,

ankles,

my

his

in

or

I'll

dog nice little doggie,

yelping little beast ! Oh,
She'll bite
her away?
take

little

Good

home,

"

minute.'

Seems

that

as

and

shuffled

Tails
bully Two
his big feet.
round
to

me,' said Billy to

to

friend

our

Two

Tails

the

is afraid of

troop-horse,
things.

most

if

across

Tails

had
the

full

meal

for

parade-ground, I

nearly.'

every

should

I've

dog
be

as

fat

HER
I

whistled,and Vixen
and

licked my
hunting for

over,

about

let her

never

or

MAJESTY'S

she

would

I buttoned

Two

ran

all

me

that

have

up

and

nose,

know

SERVANTS
to

told

267

me,
me

through the

I understood
all

taken

muddy all
a
long tale

of

sorts

camp.

beast talk,
liberties. So

her

into the breast of

and
my overcoat,
shuffled and
stamped and growled to

Tails

himself.
!
Extraordinary

said.

It

in

runs

Most

'

!
extraordinary
family. Now, where

our

that nasty little beast

gone to ?
I heard him feeling
about with

he
has

'

We

all

be affected in various

to

seem

blowing his

went

on,

were

alarmed, I believe,when
'Not

but

where

nose.

ways,'he
Now, you gentlemen
I trumpeted.'

alarmed, exactly,'said

it made

his trunk.

feel

me

as

the

troop-horse,

though

had

hornets

saddle

ought to be. Don't beginagain.'

I'm frightened
of a little dog, and the camel
here is frightened
by bad dreams in the night.'
It is very lucky for us that we
haven't
all got
to fightin the same
way,' said the troop-horse.
my

'

who
to

What

had

been

know
*

with
'

snort

Orders,'

snapped.

to

know,' said

quiet for

is,why

Because
a

want

we're

we

have

told

the

long time
to fight
at
"

mule,

young
'

what

want

all.'

to,' said the troop-horse,

of contempt.
said

Billy the

mule

and

his

teeth

THE

268
Hukm

'

with

hai !

gurgle ;

'

(It is
and

who

BOOK

order), said

an

Tails

Two

hai

but

Yes,

'

Hukm

repeated,
*

JUNGLE

camel

the

and

the

orders

bullocks

'

gives

the

'

said

the

recruit-rnule.
The

back

your

camel

and

But

Now

All

holds

at

Billy, and
'

have
no

He's

to

that

do is

to

one

too

way

obey

questions.'
quite right,'said

Or

"

the

twists
and

the

un,'

young

getting kicked.

man

Two

on

'

much,
of

sits

other.
?

the orders
know

is

Or

"

troop-horse

after the

one

to

head

nose-rope

the

givesthem
want

your

the

the bullocks

you

ask
'

Or

"

who

you

and

walks

tail,'said Billyand

your

said

who

man

at

head

your

Tails.

'

I can't

and
between
always obey, because I'm betwixt
;
but Billy's
next
to
right. Obey the man
you who
gives the order, or you'll stop all the battery,

besides

gettinga thrashing.'
The
gun-bullocksgot up to go.
We
will go
coming,' they said.
*

lines.
and

It is

we

are

true
not

that

we

clever

very

only people to-nightwho

Good-night, you brave

Nobody answered,

only out

see

but

have

'

back
of

Here

I am/

our

our

eyes,
are

been

the

afraid.

people.'
and
the troop-horse said, to

that
change the conversation, Where's
A
about.'
somewhere
a
man
dog means
'

to

still,
we
not

is

Morning

yapped Vixen,

under

little

dog

the

gun-

HER
tail with

You

man.

my

camel

SERVANTS

MAJESTY'S

upset

you

you,

269

big,blunderingbeast of
tent.
My man's very

our

angry.'
'

Phew

Of

'

! said the bullocks.

I'm

Let

after

looked

'lluahl
*

is,'said Vixen.

he

course

by

They plunged
somehow

to

forward

their

run

Now

yoke

Don't

What

struggle.
bullocks

The

that

snorts

slued

and

crowded

in

nearlyfell down
1

You'll

break

troop-horse.

the
off

They

"

eat

knew

never

scared

of

an

munition-wagg
am-

till

up

daylight.

in

necks

your

"

us

the

the

minute,' said
with

matter

white

the

men

We

do

not

"

beef

eat

and

of

they lumbered
Indian

made

what

near

and

twang,

Englishmen.

cattle-driver touches

bullock

'

Pull ! said the

before

no

pole of

long, hissing
cattle give, and
pushed and
and stamped and slippedand
the mud, gruntingsavagely.

yoke snapped with

together.
I

managed

'em.'

I live with
'

hung

off into

What's

and

it,'said Billy calmly.

matter

went

Indian

bullocks.

the

it jammed.

You're

earth's the

on

'

the

on

done

have

you

pose
you supbullock-driver?

in the mud,

where
1

Do

said

Ugh!'
quickly.'

be white?

must
*

black

Ouachl

get away

us

He

"

course

cattle

so

thing that
the

cattle

like it.

May

I be

floggedwith

my

own

!
pad-chains

THE

270
Who'd

have

thought
heads

losingtheir
of

Most

Billy.
going to
I

men,

the

like

look

have

know,

this

at

I can't

I'm

say

over-fond

who
myself. Besides, white men
than likely
to
placeto sleepin are more
I've

good

man.

things in

haven't

of 'em

and

those

troop-horse.

then.

you,

big lumps

two

said

white

the

I'll leave

'

of

I'm

pockets,'said

their
'

mind.

Never

'

BOOK

JUNGLE

of

deal

Government

be thieves,

property

on

old

we'll go
and
along, young
un,
lines.
to
our
Good-night, Australia ! 'See
I
on
Good-night,
parade to-morrow,
suppose.
won't
Hay-bale ! try to control your feelings,

you

back.

my
back
you

Come

"

the

on

If you
Tails !
Good-night, Two
pass
don't
ground to-morrow,
trumpet.

Billythe
of

head

mule

campaigner,

nuzzling

dog,

that she

told

and

'

set

the

the

time

the

is
the

for

'

of

dressingme

all my
I

parade

'Where

left hand

politely. Now
tail's all muddy,
work

conceited

most

gave

of

scores

horses

kept.

I'm

On

swaggering
troop-horse's

breast, and

my

fibs about

him

coming to
she said.
dog-cart,'
'

into

the

the

as

Vixen, who

biscuits ; while

little

off with

stumped

old

an

came

him

It

formation.'

spoilsour

limp

us

must

and
for

the

will you
second

back

he'll have

parade/

be?

my

'

squadron.

troop, little
go

in

to-morrow

to
two

lady,'he

said

Dick.

My

hours'

hard

HER
The
was

MAJESTY'S

big parade of

held

that

The

and

all the

to

Vixen

the

his

Viceroy and
high,big black

the great diamond

first part of the review

271

thirtythousand

afternoon, and

good place close

Afghanistan,with
wool

SERVANTS

was

the

star

and
the

men

I had
Amir

hat of
in the

of

khan
astracentre.

all sunshine, and

of legs
wave
by in wave
regimentswent
upon
all moving together,and
guns all in a line,tillour
the cavalrycame
dizzy. Then
eyes grew
up, to
the beautiful cavalry
of Bonnie Dundee,' and
canter
cocked
her ear
the dogwhere
she sat on
cart.
The
second
squadron of the Lancers shot
with his tail like
the troop-horse,
by, and there was
silk, his head pulled into his breast,one
car
spun
forward and one
back, settingthe time for all his
squadron, his legs going as smoothly as waltzmusic.
Then
the big guns
came
by, and I saw
Two
Tails and
in
other
two
elephantsharnessed
while
line to a forty-poundersiege-gun,
twenty
walked
behind.
The
seventh
pair
yoke o'f oxen
had a new
rather stiff and
yoke, and they looked
and
tired.
the screw-guns,
Last came
Billy the
all
mule
carried himself as though he commanded
oiled and polished
the troops, and his harness
was
all by myself for
till it winked.
cheer
I
a
gave
looked rightor left.
Billythe mule, but he never
The
rain began to fall again,and for a while it
too
doing.
misty to see what the troops were
the plain,
They had made
a
big half-circle across
*

ti

was

and

of

and

of

and

grew

mile

from

long

it got

deck

of

steamer

been

the

on

had

he

began

bigger and

him.

reins

For

and

of

they
Amir.

the

at

of

neck

it seemed

he

know

Up

sign of
his

now

bigger,and

horse's

minute

when

even

else ; but

anything

his

on

on

imagine

cannot

the shadow

shown

not

or

get

came

Amir,

the

you

I looked

astonishment
to

it

steady come-down

this

spectators,

review.

only a

till then

the

there

frighteningeffect

troops has
it is

have

you

and

Viceroy

solid wall

one

"

Then

guns.

line

three-quarters

was

wing

to

That

ground began to shake, like the

when
the enginesare going fast.

the

nearer

Unless
what

wing

the

line.

till it

grew

horses, and

men,

straighttoward
as

into

spreading out

were

prew

BOOK

JUNGLE

THE

272

eyes

picked up

and

looked

as

though

behind
he

were

slash his way

his sword
and
out
going to draw
in
the
and
women
through the English men
Then
the advance
stopped
carriagesat the back.
the whole
line saluted,
dead, the ground stood still,
and thirtybands
began to play all together. That
the end of the review, and the regiments went
was
in the rain ; and
off to their camps
an
infantry
band

struck

with"

up

The

animals

in

went

Hurrah
The

animals

The

elephant

1',and
For

they
to

and

all got

get

out

by

two,

two

by

two,

!
in

went

two

the
into

battery muthe

of the

Ark
rain

HER

Then

MAJESTY'S

Central

said

wonderful
the

native

with

the

officer.

what

manner

this

was

'

answered,

There

was

an

order,

they obeyed.'
But

beasts

the

are

wise

as

the

as

men

'

said

chief.

the

'They

obey,

driver

his

and

and

the

his

the

his

major

his

is the
'

chief

of

servant

it

Would
*

for
for

'And

twirling
obey

his
must

Viceroy.'

the

there

that

so

obey

we

come

here

'

your

and

the

said

Amir
take

the

and

Viceroy,

who

it is done/
!

own

our

his

colonel

the

Afghanistan

reason,'

moustache,

captain

and

Thus

only

the

lieutenant,

the

the

obeys

in

and

regiments,

three

Empress.

were

his

and

colonel,

who

general,

phant,
horse, ele-

driver,

sergeant

captain,

brigadier commanding

brigadier

Mule,
his

obeys

and

sergeant,

do.

men

he

lieutenant

the

major,

the

as

bullock,

or

not

officer

long-haired

down

come

in

done

thing

And
and

he,

273

grizzled,

had
of

asking questions
Now,'

old

an

chief, who

Asian

Amir,

his

heard

SERVANTS

'

orders

the

wills.'

native
whom

said

officer,
you

from

do
our

THE

274

lent

EXEFHAKTS

OF

Alexander

die

to

The

wisdom

We

bowed

THE

OF

PARADE-SONG

WE

of

CAMP-ANIMALS

Gu.V-TtAMJ

THE

strength of Hercules,
of

foreheads,the canning

our

necks

oar

BOOK

JUNGLE

service

to

they

ne'er

our

knees;

were

loosed

again,"
Make

Of

lea-foot

for the

there, way

way

teams

Forty-Pounder train !

the

Gujr-BuLLoacs
Those
And

heroes
what

Then

of

into

come

Of

powder

action

and

for the

there,way

way

avoid

luinencs

know

they

we

Make

in their

Is

the 'brand

playedby

on

my

it's

The

Cavalry Canter

than

sweeter

feed

and

us

And

give us good

And

launch

The

way

us

of the

'

or

riders and
of
to

tana

Dragoons,

'Water*

handle

and

us

of

Dundee'

of 'Bonnie

war-horse

"

HORSES

'Stables

in column

again,

yoke

twenty

withers, the finest

break

and

one

guns

Lancers, Hussars,and

the

And

Then

die

tug

CAVALRY

By

them

upsets

Forty-Pounder train

the

cannon-ball,

and

to

me,

groom,

plentyof room,
squadrons and see
'

Bonnie

Dundee9

all ;

I'AKADE-SONG

OF

CAMP-ANIMALS

SCREW-GUN
As

and

me

The

companions

my

path

lost in

was

275

MULES

scramblingup

were

rollingstones,

but

we

hill,

forward

went

still;

wriggle and

For

we

And

everywhere,
it's our
delighton

can

two

Good

to

luck
road

turn

height,with

then, that

sergeant,

every

up

legor

lets

us

pick our

all the

driver-men

Bad

luck

For

we

And

everywhere,
it's our
delighton

to
can

two

mountain

lads,and

my

spare

to

climb,

to

wriggle and

that

climb,

cannot

lads,and

my

height,with

mountain

Pass it

Dont!

Urrrf

along

the

for

!)

line !

halt and

)'"trrhf

own

Wont!

Shan't!

Somebody's pck has slid from

it were
'Wish
only mine !
Somebody's load has tippedoff
Cheer

turn

CAMELS

camclty tune of our

To
help us trollopalouLi,
neck
is a hairy trombone
But every
! is a hairy trombone
(Rtt-tti-tii-tti
And
this is our
marching-song :
haven't

."/'//

load

spare

COMMISSARIAT
We

pack

Grr

row

Somebody's catching it

now

his

in the

Arrh)
!

back,
road-

up

legor

276

THE

ALL

BEASTS

THE

of the

Children

in

Serving each

of the

Children

line

our

TOGETHER

Camp

are

we,

his

degree ;
yoke and goad,
and

harness, pad

and

Pack
See

BOOK

JUNGLE

plain,

the

across

load.

heel-ropebent again,
Reaching, writhing,rollingfar,

Like

Sweeping
While

all away

the

to

that

men

war

walk

beside.

Dusty, silent,heavy-eyed,
tell why we
or
Cannot
they
and suffer day by day,
March
of the Camp

Children

each

Serving
and

by R.

"

degree;

harness^pad

THE

Printed

wet

of the yoke and goad^

Children
Pack

In his

are

R.

CLARK,

and

load.

END

LIMITED,

Edinburgh.

THE

WORKS

OF

RUDYARD

UNIFORM
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EDITION.

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Kin
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"
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JUNGLE

SECOND
lions

Illustrations

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THE

OF-THE

TAKER.

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JUNGLE

THE

Stories.

Thousand.

I38/A
THE

other

COURAGEOUS."

"CAPTAINS

Stories.

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SOLDIERS

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AND

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LTD.,

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Illustra-

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THE
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SO

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With

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JUNGLE

"CAPTAINS
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Illustrated.

BOOK.

COURAGEOUS."
AND

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illustrated.
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