’Good。Remember，now，nottobeafraid。Andthereisnoneedtogoquickly。Only——onlytheremaybesomesmallsingingintheJunglebehindyouandbefore。\"
\"ThinkyouwewouldhaveriskedanightintheJunglethroughanythinglessthanthefearofburning？Itisbettertobekilledbybeaststhanbymen，\"saidMessua’shusband；butMessualookedatMowgliandsmiled。
\"Isay，\"Mowgliwenton，justasthoughhewereBaloorepeatinganoldJungleLawforthehundredthtimetoafoolishcub——
\"IsaythatnotatoothintheJungleisbaredagainstyou；
notafootintheJungleisliftedagainstyou。Neithermannorbeastshallstayyoutillyoucomewithineye-shotofKhanhiwara。Therewillbeawatchaboutyou。\"HeturnedquicklytoMessua，saying，\"HEdoesnotbelieve，butthouwiltbelieve？\"
\"Ay，surely，myson。Man，ghost，orwolfoftheJungle，Ibelieve。\"
\"HEwillbeafraidwhenhehearsmypeoplesinging。Thouwiltknowandunderstand。Gonow，andslowly，forthereisnoneedofanyhaste。Thegatesareshut。\"
MessuaflungherselfsobbingatMowgli’sfeet，butheliftedherveryquicklywithashiver。Thenshehungabouthisneckandcalledhimeverynameofblessingshecouldthinkof，butherhusbandlookedenviouslyacrosshisfields，andsaid：\"IFwereachKhanhiwara，andIgettheearoftheEnglish，IwillbringsuchalawsuitagainsttheBrahminandoldBuldeoandtheothersasshalleatthevillagetothebone。Theyshallpaymetwiceoverformycropsuntilledandmybuffaloesunfed。Iwillhaveagreatjustice。\"
Mowglilaughed。\"Idonotknowwhatjusticeis，but——comenextRains。andseewhatisleft。\"
TheywentofftowardtheJungle，andMotherWolfleapedfromherplaceofhiding。
\"Follow！\"saidMowgli；\"andlooktoitthatalltheJungleknowsthesetwoaresafe。Givetonguealittle。IwouldcallBagheera。\"
Thelong，lowhowlroseandfell，andMowglisawMessua’shusbandflinchandturn，halfmindedtorunbacktothehut。
\"Goon，\"Mowglicalledcheerfully。\"Isaidtheremightbesinging。ThatcallwillfollowuptoKhanhiwara。ItisFavouroftheJungle。\"
Messuaurgedherhusbandforward，andthedarknessshutdownonthemandMotherWolfasBagheeraroseupalmostunderMowgli’sfeet，tremblingwithdelightofthenightthatdrivestheJunglePeoplewild。
\"Iamashamedofthybrethren，\"hesaid，purring。\"What？DidtheynotsingsweetlytoBuldeo？\"saidMowgli。
\"Toowell！Toowell！TheymadeevenMEforgetmypride，and，bytheBrokenLockthatfreedme，IwentsingingthroughtheJungleasthoughIwereoutwooinginthespring！Didstthounothearus？\"
\"Ihadothergameafoot。AskBuldeoifhelikedthesong。ButwherearetheFour？IdonotwishoneoftheMan-Packtoleavethegatesto-night。\"
\"WhatneedoftheFour，then？\"saidBagheera，shiftingfromfoottofoot，hiseyesablaze，andpurringlouderthanever。\"Icanholdthem，LittleBrother。Isitkillingatlast？Thesingingandthesightofthemenclimbingupthetreeshavemademeveryready。WhoisManthatweshouldcareforhim——thenakedbrowndigger，thehairlessandtoothless，theeaterofearth？Ihavefollowedhimallday——atnoon——inthewhitesunlight。Iherdedhimasthewolvesherdbuck。IamBagheera！Bagheera！Bagheera！
AsIdancewithmyshadow，sodancedIwiththosemen。Look！\"
Thegreatpantherleapedasakittenleapsatadeadleafwhirlingoverhead，struckleftandrightintotheemptyair，thatsangunderthestrokes，landednoiselessly，andleapedagainandagain，whilethehalfpurr，halfgrowlgatheredheadassteamrumblesinaboiler。\"IamBagheera——inthejungle——
inthenight，andmystrengthisinme。Whoshallstaymystroke？Man-cub，withoneblowofmypawIcouldbeatthyheadflatasadeadfroginthesummer！\"
\"Strike，then！\"saidMowgli，inthedialectofthevillage，NOT
thetalkoftheJungle，andthehumanwordsbroughtBagheeratoafullstop，flungbackonhaunchesthatquiveredunderhim，hisheadjustatthelevelofMowgli’s。OncemoreMowglistared，ashehadstaredattherebelliouscubs，fullintotheberyl-greeneyestilltheredglarebehindtheirgreenwentoutlikethelightofalighthouseshutofftwentymilesacrossthesea；
tilltheeyesdropped，andthebigheadwiththem——droppedlowerandlower，andtheredraspofatonguegratedonMowgli’sinstep。
\"Brother——Brother——Brother！\"theboywhispered，strokingsteadilyandlightlyfromtheneckalongtheheavingback。
\"Bestill，bestill！Itisthefaultofthenight，andnofaultofthine。\"
\"Itwasthesmellsofthenight，\"saidBagheerapenitently。
\"Thisaircriesaloudtome。ButhowdostTHOUknow？\"
OfcoursetheairroundanIndianvillageisfullofallkindsofsmells，andtoanycreaturewhodoesnearlyallhisthinkingthroughhisnose，smellsareasmaddeningasmusicanddrugsaretohumanbeings。Mowgligentledthepantherforafewminuteslonger，andhelaydownlikeacatbeforeafire，hispawstuckedunderhisbreast，andhiseyeshalfshut。
\"ThouartoftheJungleandNOToftheJungle，\"hesaidatlast。\"AndIamonlyablackpanther。ButIlovethee，LittleBrother。\"
\"Theyareverylongattheirtalkunderthetree，\"Mowglisaid，withoutnoticingthelastsentence。\"Buldeomusthavetoldmanytales。TheyshouldcomesoontodragthewomanandhermanoutofthetrapandputthemintotheRedFlower。Theywillfindthattrapsprung。Ho！ho！\"
\"Nay，listen，\"saidBagheera。\"Thefeverisoutofmybloodnow。
LetthemfindMEthere！Fewwouldleavetheirhousesaftermeetingme。ItisnotthefirsttimeIhavebeeninacage；
andIdonotthinktheywilltieMEwithcords。\"
\"Bewise，then，\"saidMowgli，laughing；forhewasbeginningtofeelasrecklessasthepanther，whohadglidedintothehut。
\"Pah！\"Bagheeragrunted。\"ThisplaceisrankwithMan，buthereisjustsuchabedastheygavemetolieuponintheKing’scagesatOodeypore。NowIliedown。\"Mowgliheardthestringsofthecotcrackunderthegreatbrute’sweight。\"BytheBrokenLockthatfreedme，theywillthinktheyhavecaughtbiggame！
Comeandsitbesideme，LittleBrother；wewillgivethem’goodhunting’together！\"
\"No；Ihaveanotherthoughtinmystomach。TheMan-PackshallnotknowwhatshareIhaveinthesport。Makethineownhunt。
Idonotwishtoseethem。\"
\"Beitso，\"saidBagheera。\"Ah，nowtheycome！\"
Theconferenceunderthepeepul-treehadbeengrowingnoisierandnoisier，atthefarendofthevillage。Itbrokeinwildyells，andarushupthestreetofmenandwomen，wavingclubsandbamboosandsicklesandknives。BuldeoandtheBrahminwereattheheadofit，butthemobwascloseattheirheels，andtheycried，\"Thewitchandthewizard！Letusseeifhotcoinswillmakethemconfess！Burnthehutovertheirheads！Wewillteachthemtoshelterwolf-devils！Nay，beatthemfirst！
Torches！Moretorches！Buldeo，heatthegun-barrels！\"
Herewassomelittledifficultywiththecatchofthedoor。
Ithadbeenveryfirmlyfastened，butthecrowdtoreitawaybodily，andthelightofthetorchesstreamedintotheroomwhere，stretchedatfulllengthonthebed，hispawscrossedandlightlyhungdownoveroneend，blackasthePit，andterribleasademon，wasBagheera。Therewasonehalf-minuteofdesperatesilence，asthefrontranksofthecrowdclawedandtoretheirwaybackfromthethreshold，andinthatminuteBagheeraraisedhisheadandyawned——elaborately，carefully，andostentatiously——ashewouldyawnwhenhewishedtoinsultanequal。Thefringedlipsdrewbackandup；theredtonguecurled；thelowerjawdroppedanddroppedtillyoucouldseehalf-waydownthehotgullet；andthegiganticdog-teethstoodcleartothepitofthegumstilltheyrangtogether，upperandunder，withthesnickofsteel-facedwardsshootinghomeroundtheedgesofasafe。
Nextinstantthestreetwasempty；Bagheerahadleapedbackthroughthewindow，andstoodatMowgli’sside，whileayelling，screamingtorrentscrambledandtumbledoneoveranotherintheirpanichastetogettotheirownhuts。
\"Theywillnotstirtilldaycomes，\"saidBagheeraquietly。
\"Andnow？\"
Thesilenceoftheafternoonsleepseemedtohaveovertakenthevillage；but，astheylistened，theycouldhearthesoundofheavygrain-boxesbeingdraggedoverearthenfloorsandsetdownagainstdoors。Bagheerawasquiteright；thevillagewouldnotstirtilldaylight。Mowglisatstill，andthought，andhisfacegrewdarkeranddarker。
\"WhathaveIdone？\"saidBagheera，atlastcomingtohisfeet，fawning。
\"Nothingbutgreatgood。Watchthemnowtilltheday。Isleep。\"
MowgliranoffintotheJungle，anddroppedlikeadeadmanacrossarock，andsleptandsleptthedayround，andthenightbackagain。
Whenhewaked，Bagheerawasathisside，andtherewasanewly-
killedbuckathisfeet。BagheerawatchedcuriouslywhileMowgliwenttoworkwithhisskinning-knife，ateanddrank，andturnedoverwithhischininhishands。
\"Themanandthewomanarecomesafewithineye-shotofKhanhiwara，\"Bagheerasaid。\"ThylairmothersentthewordbackbyChil，theKite。Theyfoundahorsebeforemidnightofthenighttheywerefreed，andwentveryquickly。Isnotthatwell？\"
\"Thatiswell，\"saidMowgli。
\"AndthyMan-Packinthevillagedidnotstirtillthesunwashighthismorning。Thentheyatetheirfoodandranbackquicklytotheirhouses。\"
\"Didthey，bychance，seethee？\"
\"Itmayhavebeen。Iwasrollinginthedustbeforethegateatdawn，andImayhavemadealsosomesmallsongtomyself。Now，LittleBrother，thereisnothingmoretodo。ComehuntingwithmeandBaloo。Hehasnewhivesthathewishestoshow，andwealldesiretheebackagainasofold。Takeoffthatlookwhichmakesevenmeafraid！ThemanandwomanwillnotbeputintotheRedFlower，andallgoeswellintheJungle。Isitnottrue？
LetusforgettheMan-Pack。\"
\"Theyshallheforgotteninalittlewhile。WheredoesHathifeedto-night？\"
\"Wherehechooses。WhocananswerfortheSilentOne？Butwhy？
WhatisthereHathicandowhichwecannot？\"
\"Bidhimandhisthreesonscomeheretome。\"
\"But，indeed，andtruly，LittleBrother，itisnot——itisnotseemlytosay’Come，’and’Go，’toHathi。Remember，heistheMasteroftheJungle，andbeforetheMan-Packchangedthelookonthyface，hetaughttheetheMaster-wordsoftheJungle。\"
\"Thatisallone。IhaveaMaster-wordforhimnow。BidhimcometoMowgli，theFrog：andifhedoesnothearatfirst，bidhimcomebecauseoftheSackoftheFieldsofBhurtpore。\"
\"TheSackoftheFieldsofBhurtpore，\"Bagheerarepeatedtwoorthreetimestomakesure。\"Igo。Hathicanbutbeangryattheworst，andIwouldgiveamoon’shuntingtohearaMaster-wordthatcompelstheSilentOne。\"
Hewentaway，leavingMowglistabbingfuriouslywithhisskinning-knifeintotheearth。Mowglihadneverseenhumanbloodinhislifebeforetillhehadseen，and——whatmeantmuchmoretohim——smelledMessua’sbloodonthethongsthatboundher。
AndMessuahadbeenkindtohim，and，sofarasheknewanythingaboutlove，helovedMessuaascompletelyashehatedtherestofmankind。Butdeeplyasheloathedthem，theirtalk，theircruelty，andtheircowardice，notforanythingtheJunglehadtooffercouldhebringhimselftotakeahumanlife，andhavethatterriblescentofbloodbackagaininhisnostrils。Hisplanwassimpler，butmuchmorethorough；andhelaughedtohimselfwhenhethoughtthatitwasoneofoldBuldeo’stalestoldunderthepeepul-treeintheeveningthathadputtheideaintohishead。
\"ItWASaMaster-word，\"Bagheerawhisperedinhisear。
\"Theywerefeedingbytheriver，andtheyobeyedasthoughtheywerebullocks。Lookwheretheycomenow！\"
Hathiandhisthreesonshadarrived，intheirusualway，withoutasound。Themudoftheriverwasstillfreshontheirflanks，andHathiwasthoughtfullychewingthegreenstemofayoungplantain-treethathehadgougedupwithhistusks。
ButeverylineinhisvastbodyshowedtoBagheera，whocouldseethingswhenhecameacrossthem，thatitwasnottheMasteroftheJunglespeakingtoaMan-cub，butonewhowasafraidcomingbeforeonewhowasnot。Histhreesonsrolledsidebyside，behindtheirfather。
MowglihardlyliftedhisheadasHathigavehim\"Goodhunting。\"
Hekepthimswingingandrocking，andshiftingfromonefoottoanother，foralongtimebeforehespoke；andwhenheopenedhismouthitwastoBagheera，nottotheelephants。
\"Iwilltellatalethatwastoldtomebythehunteryehuntedto-day，\"saidMowgli。\"Itconcernsanelephant，oldandwise，whofellintoatrap，andthesharpenedstakeinthepitscarredhimfromalittleabovehisheeltothecrestofhisshoulder，leavingawhitemark。\"Mowglithrewouthishand，andasHathiwheeledthemoonlightshowedalongwhitescaronhisslatyside，asthoughhehadbeenstruckwithared-hotwhip。
\"Mencametotakehimfromthetrap，\"Mowglicontinued，\"buthebrokehisropes，forhewasstrong，andwentawaytillhiswoundwashealed。Thencamehe，angry，bynighttothefieldsofthosehunters。AndIremembernowthathehadthreesons。Thesethingshappenedmany，manyRainsago，andveryfaraway——amongthefieldsofBhurtpore。Whatcametothosefieldsatthenextreaping，Hathi？\"
\"Theywerereapedbymeandbymythreesons，\"saidHathi。
\"Andtotheploughingthatfollowsthereaping？\"saidMowgli。
\"Therewasnoploughing，\"saidHathi。
\"Andtothementhatlivebythegreencropsontheground？\"
saidMowgli。
\"Theywentaway。\"
\"Andtothehutsinwhichthemenslept？\"saidMowgli。
\"Wetoretheroofstopieces，andtheJungleswallowedupthewalls，\"saidHathi。
\"Andwhatmore？\"saidMowgli。
\"AsmuchgoodgroundasIcanwalkoverintwonightsfromtheeasttothewest，andfromthenorthtothesouthasmuchasI
canwalkoverinthreenights，theJungletook。WeletintheJungleuponfivevillages；andinthosevillages，andintheirlands，thegrazing-groundandthesoftcrop-grounds，thereisnotonemanto-daywhotakeshisfoodfromtheground。ThatwastheSackoftheFieldsofBhurtpore，whichIandmythreesonsdid；andnowIask，Man-cub，howthenewsofitcametothee？\"
saidHathi。
\"Amantoldme，andnowIseeevenBuldeocanspeaktruth。
Itwaswelldone，Hathiwiththewhitemark；butthesecondtimeitshallbedonebetter，forthereasonthatthereisamantodirect。ThouknowestthevillageoftheMan-Packthatcastmeout？Theyareidle，senseless，andcruel；theyplaywiththeirmouths，andtheydonotkilltheweakerforfood，butforsport。
Whentheyarefull-fedtheywouldthrowtheirownbreedintotheRedFlower。ThisIhaveseen。Itisnotwellthattheyshouldlivehereanymore。Ihatethem！\"
\"Kill，then，\"saidtheyoungestofHathi’sthreesons，pickingupatuftofgrass，dustingitagainsthisfore-legs，andthrowingitaway，whilehislittleredeyesglancedfurtivelyfromsidetoside。
\"Whatgoodarewhitebonestome？\"Mowgliansweredangrily。
\"AmIthecubofawolftoplayinthesunwitharawhead？
IhavekilledShereKhan，andhishiderotsontheCouncilRock；
but——butIdonotknowwhitherShereKhanisgone，andmystomachisstillempty。NowIwilltakethatwhichIcanseeandtouch。LetintheJungleuponthatvillage，Hathi！\"
Bagheerashivered，andcowereddown。Hecouldunderstand，iftheworstcametotheworst，aquickrushdownthevillagestreet，andarightandleftblowintoacrowd，oracraftykillingofmenastheyploughedinthetwilight；butthisschemefordeliberatelyblottingoutanentirevillagefromtheeyesofmanandbeastfrightenedhim。NowhesawwhyMowglihadsentforHathi。Noonebutthelong-livedelephantcouldplanandcarrythroughsuchawar。
\"LetthemrunasthemenranfromthefieldsofBhurtpore，tillwehavetherain-waterfortheonlyplough，andthenoiseoftherainonthethickleavesforthepatteringoftheirspindles——tillBagheeraandIlairinthehouseoftheBrahmin，andthebuckdrinkatthetankbehindthetemple！LetintheJungle，Hathi！\"
\"ButI——butwehavenoquarrelwiththem，anditneedstheredrageofgreatpainereweteardowntheplaceswheremensleep，\"
saidHathidoubtfully。
\"AreyetheonlyeatersofgrassintheJungle？Driveinyourpeoples。Letthedeerandthepigandthenilghailooktoit。
Yeneednevershowahand’s-breadthofhidetillthefieldsarenaked。LetintheJungle，Hathi！\"
\"Therewillbenokilling？MytuskswereredattheSackoftheFieldsofBhurtpore，andIwouldnotwakethatsmellagain。\"
\"NorI。Idonotwisheventheirbonestolieonthecleanearth。Letthemgoandfindafreshlair。Theycannotstayhere。
Ihaveseenandsmelledthebloodofthewomanthatgavemefood——thewomanwhomtheywouldhavekilledbutforme。Onlythesmellofthenewgrassontheirdoor-stepscantakeawaythatsmell。Itburnsinmymouth。LetintheJungle，Hathi！\"
\"Ah！\"saidHathi。\"Sodidthescarofthestakeburnonmyhidetillwewatchedthevillagesdieunderinthespringgrowth。NowIsee。Thywarshallheourwar。Wewillletinthejungle！\"
Mowglihadhardlytimetocatchhisbreath——hewasshakingalloverwithrageandhatebeforetheplacewheretheelephantshadstoodwasempty，andBagheerawaslookingathimwithterror。
\"BytheBrokenLockthatfreedme！\"saidtheBlackPantheratlast。\"ArtTHOUthenakedthingIspokeforinthePackwhenallwasyoung？MasteroftheJungle，whenmystrengthgoes，speakforme——speakforBaloo——speakforusall！Wearecubsbeforethee！Snappedtwigsunderfoot！Fawnsthathavelosttheirdoe！\"
TheideaofBagheerabeingastrayfawnupsetMowglialtogether，andhelaughedandcaughthisbreath，andsobbedandlaughedagain，tillhehadtojumpintoapooltomakehimselfstop。
Thenheswamroundandround，duckinginandoutofthebarsofthemoonlightlikethefrog，hisnamesake。
BythistimeHathiandhisthreesonshadturned，eachtoonepointofthecompass，andwerestridingsilentlydownthevalleysamileaway。Theywentonandonfortwodays’march——
thatistosay，alongsixtymiles——throughtheJungle；andeverysteptheytook，andeverywaveoftheirtrunks，wasknownandnotedandtalkedoverbyMangandChilandtheMonkeyPeopleandallthebirds。Thentheybegantofeed，andfedquietlyforaweekorso。HathiandhissonsarelikeKaa，theRockPython。
Theyneverhurrytilltheyhaveto。
Attheendofthattime——andnoneknewwhohadstartedit——arumourwentthroughtheJunglethattherewasbetterfoodandwatertobefoundinsuchandsuchavalley。Thepig——who，ofcourse，willgototheendsoftheearthforafullmeal——movedfirstbycompanies，scufflingovertherocks，andthedeerfollowed，withthesmallwildfoxesthatliveonthedeadanddyingoftheherds；andtheheavy-shoulderednilghaimovedparallelwiththedeer，andthewildbuffaloesoftheswampscameafterthenilghai。Theleastlittlethingwouldhaveturnedthescattered，stragglingdrovesthatgrazedandsaunteredanddrankandgrazedagain；butwhenevertherewasanalarmsomeonewouldriseupandsoothethem。AtonetimeitwouldbeIkkithePorcupine，fullofnewsofgoodfeedjustalittlefartheron；
atanotherMangwouldcrycheerilyandflapdownagladetoshowitwasallempty；orBaloo，hismouthfullofroots，wouldshamblealongsideawaveringlineandhalffrighten，halfrompitclumsilybacktotheproperroad。Verymanycreaturesbrokebackorranawayorlostinterest，butverymanywerelefttogoforward。Attheendofanothertendaysorsothesituationwasthis。Thedeerandthepigandthenilghaiweremillingroundandroundinacircleofeightortenmilesradius，whiletheEatersofFleshskirmishedrounditsedge。Andthecentreofthatcirclewasthevillage，androundthevillagethecropswereripening，andinthecropssatmenonwhattheycallmachans——platformslikepigeon-perches，madeofsticksatthetopoffourpoles——toscareawaybirdsandotherstealers。
Thenthedeerwerecoaxednomore。TheEatersofFleshwereclosebehindthem，andforcedthemforwardandinward。
ItwasadarknightwhenHathiandhisthreesonsslippeddownfromtheJungle，andbrokeoffthepolesofthemachanswiththeirtrunks；theyfellasasnappedstalkofhemlockinbloomfalls，andthementhattumbledfromthemheardthedeepgurglingoftheelephantsintheirears。Thenthevanguardofthebewilderedarmiesofthedeerbrokedownandfloodedintothevillagegrazing-groundsandtheploughedfields；andthesharp-hoofed，rootingwildpigcamewiththem，andwhatthedeerleftthepigspoiled，andfromtimetotimeanalarmofwolveswouldshaketheherds，andtheywouldrushtoandfrodesperately，treadingdowntheyoungbarley，andcuttingflatthebanksoftheirrigatingchannels。Beforethedawnbrokethepressureontheoutsideofthecirclegavewayatonepoint。
TheEatersofFleshhadfallenbackandleftanopenpathtothesouth，anddroveupondroveofbuckfledalongit。Others，whowerebolder，layupinthethicketstofinishtheirmealnextnight。
Buttheworkwaspracticallydone。Whenthevillagerslookedinthemorningtheysawtheircropswerelost。Andthatmeantdeathiftheydidnotgetaway，fortheylivedyearinandyearoutasneartostarvationastheJunglewasneartothem。Whenthebuffaloesweresenttograzethehungrybrutesfoundthatthedeerhadclearedthegrazing-grounds，andsowanderedintotheJungleanddriftedoffwiththeirwildmates；andwhentwilightfellthethreeorfourponiesthatbelongedtothevillagelayintheirstableswiththeirheadsbeatenin。OnlyBagheeracouldhavegiventhosestrokes，andonlyBagheerawouldhavethoughtofinsolentlydraggingthelastcarcasstotheopenstreet。
Thevillagershadnohearttomakefiresinthefieldsthatnight，soHathiandhisthreesonswentgleaningamongwhatwasleft；andwhereHathigleansthereisnoneedtofollow。Themendecidedtoliveontheirstoredseed-cornuntiltherainshadfallen，andthentotakeworkasservantstilltheycouldcatchupwiththelostyear；butasthegrain-dealerwasthinkingofhiswell-filledcratesofcorn，andthepriceshewouldlevyatthesaleofit，Hathi’ssharptuskswerepickingoutthecornerofhismud-house，andsmashingopenthebigwickerchest，leepedwithcow-dung，wherethepreciousstufflay。
Whenthatlastlosswasdiscovered，itwastheBrahmin’sturntospeak。HehadprayedtohisownGodswithoutanswer。Itmightbe，hesaid，that，unconsciously，thevillagehadoffendedsomeoneoftheGodsoftheJungle，for，beyonddoubt，theJunglewasagainstthem。Sotheysentforthehead-manofthenearesttribeofwanderingGonds——little，wise，andveryblackhunters，livinginthedeepJungle，whosefatherscameoftheoldestraceinIndia——theaboriginalownersoftheland。TheymadetheGondwelcomewithwhattheyhad，andhestoodononeleg，hisbowinhishand，andtwoorthreepoisonedarrowsstuckthroughhistop-knot，lookinghalfafraidandhalfcontemptuouslyattheanxiousvillagersandtheirruinedfields。TheywishedtoknowwhetherhisGods——theOldGods——wereangrywiththemandwhatsacrificesshouldbeoffered。TheGondsaidnothing，butpickedupatrailoftheKarela，thevinethatbearsthebitterwildgourd，andlacedittoandfroacrossthetempledoorinthefaceofthestaringredHinduimage。ThenhepushedwithhishandintheopenairalongtheroadtoKhanhiwara，andwentbacktohisJungle，andwatchedtheJunglePeopledriftingthroughit。HeknewthatwhentheJunglemovesonlywhitemencanhopetoturnitaside。
Therewasnoneedtoaskhismeaning。ThewildgourdwouldgrowwheretheyhadworshippedtheirGod，andthesoonertheysavedthemselvesthebetter。
Butitishardtotearavillagefromitsmoorings。Theystayedonaslongasanysummerfoodwaslefttothem，andtheytriedtogathernutsintheJungle，butshadowswithglaringeyeswatchedthem，androlledbeforethemevenatmid-day；andwhentheyranbackafraidtotheirwalls，onthetree-trunkstheyhadpassednotfiveminutesbeforethebarkwouldbestrippedandchiselledwiththestrokeofsomegreattalonedpaw。Themoretheykepttotheirvillage，theboldergrewthewildthingsthatgambolledandbellowedonthegrazing-groundsbytheWaingunga。
TheyhadnotimetopatchandplastertherearwallsoftheemptybyresthatbackedontotheJungle；thewildpigtrampledthemdown，andtheknotty-rootedvineshurriedafterandthrewtheirelbowsoverthenew-wonground，andthecoarsegrassbristledbehindthevineslikethelancesofagoblinarmyfollowingaretreat。Theunmarriedmenranawayfirst，andcarriedthenewsfarandnearthatthevillagewasdoomed。
Whocouldfight，theysaid，againsttheJungle，ortheGodsoftheJungle，whentheveryvillagecobrahadlefthisholeintheplatformunderthepeepul-tree？Sotheirlittlecommercewiththeoutsideworldshrunkasthetroddenpathsacrosstheopengrewfewerandfainter。AtlastthenightlytrumpetingsofHathiandhisthreesonsceasedtotroublethem；fortheyhadnomoretoberobbedof。Thecroponthegroundandtheseedinthegroundhadbeentaken。Theoutlyingfieldswerealreadylosingtheirshape，anditwastimetothrowthemselvesonthecharityoftheEnglishatKhanhiwara。
Nativefashion，theydelayedtheirdeparturefromonedaytoanothertillthefirstRainscaughtthemandtheunmendedroofsletinaflood，andthegrazing-groundstoodankledeep，andalllifecameonwitharushaftertheheatofthesummer。Thentheywadedout——men，women，andchildren——throughtheblindinghotrainofthemorning，butturnednaturallyforonefarewelllookattheirhomes。
Theyheard，asthelastburdenedfamilyfiledthroughthegate，acrashoffallingbeamsandthatchbehindthewalls。Theysawashiny，snakyblacktrunkliftedforaninstant，scatteringsoddenthatch。Itdisappeared，andtherewasanothercrash，followedbyasqueal。Hathihadbeenpluckingofftheroofsofthehutsasyoupluckwater-lilies，andareboundingbeamhadprickedhim。Heneededonlythistounchainhisfullstrength，forofallthingsintheJunglethewildelephantenragedisthemostwantonlydestructive。Hekickedbackwardatamudwallthatcrumbledatthestroke，and，crumbling，meltedtoyellowmudunderthetorrentofrain。Thenhewheeledandsquealed，andtorethroughthenarrowstreets，leaningagainstthehutsrightandleft，shiveringthecrazydoors，andcrumplingupthecaves；
whilehisthreesonsragedbehindastheyhadragedattheSackoftheFieldsofBhurtpore。
\"TheJunglewillswallowtheseshells，\"saidaquietvoiceinthewreckage。\"Itistheouterwallthatmustliedown，\"andMowgli，withtherainsluicingoverhisbareshouldersandarms，leapedbackfromawallthatwassettlinglikeatiredbuffalo。
\"Allingoodtime，\"pantedHathi。\"Oh，butmytuskswereredatBhurtpore；Totheouterwall，children！Withthehead！
Together！Now！\"
Thefourpushedsidebyside；theouterwallbulged，split，andfell，andthevillagers，dumbwithhorror，sawthesavage，clay-streakedheadsofthewreckersintheraggedgap。Thentheyfled，houselessandfoodless，downthevalley，astheirvillage，shreddedandtossedandtrampled，meltedbehindthem。
Amonthlatertheplacewasadimpledmound，coveredwithsoft，greenyoungstuff；andbytheendoftheRainstherewastheroaringjungleinfullblastonthespotthathadbeenunderploughnotsixmonthsbefore。
MOWGLI’SSONGAGAINSTPEOPLE
Iwillletlooseagainstyouthefleet-footedvines——
IwillcallintheJungletostampoutyourlines！
Theroofsshallfadebeforeit，Thehouse-beamsshallfall，AndtheKarela，thebitterKarela，Shallcoveritall！
Inthegatesoftheseyourcouncilsmypeopleshallsing，InthedoorsoftheseyourgarnerstheBat-folkshallcling；
Andthesnakeshallbeyourwatchman，Byahearthstoneunswept；
FortheKarela，thebitterKarela，Shallfruitwhereyeslept！
Yeshallnotseemystrikers；yeshallhearthemandguess；
Bynight，beforethemoon-rise，Iwillsendformycess，AndthewolfshallheyourherdsmanByalandmarkremoved，FortheKarela，thebitterKarela，Shallseedwhereyeloved！
Iwillreapyourfieldsbeforeyouatthehandsofahost；
Yeshallgleanbehindmyreapers，forthebreadthatislost，AndthedeershallbeyouroxenByaheadlanduntilled，FortheKarela，thebitterKarela，Shallleafwhereyebuild！
Ihaveuntiedagainstyoutheclub-footedvines，IhavesentintheJungletoswampoutyourlines。
Thetrees——thetreesareonyou！
Thehouse-beamsshallfall，AndtheKarela，thebitterKarela，Shallcoveryouall！
THEUNDERTAKERS
WhenyesaytoTabaqui，\"MyBrother！\"whenyecalltheHyenatomeat，YemaycrytheFullTrucewithJacala——theBellythatrunsonfourfeet。
JungleLaw\"Respecttheaged！\"
\"Itwasathickvoice——amuddyvoicethatwouldhavemadeyoushudder——avoicelikesomethingsoftbreakingintwo。Therewasaquaverinit，acroakandawhine。
\"Respecttheaged！OCompanionsoftheRiver——respecttheaged！\"
Nothingcouldbeseenonthebroadreachoftheriverexceptalittlefleetofsquare-sailed，wooden-pinnedbarges，loadedwithbuilding-stone，thathadjustcomeundertherailwaybridge，andweredrivingdown-stream。Theyputtheirclumsyhelmsovertoavoidthesand-barmadebythescourofthebridge-piers，andastheypassed，threeabreast，thehorriblevoicebeganagain：
\"OBrahminsoftheRiver——respecttheagedandinfirm！\"
Aboatmanturnedwherehesatonthegunwale，lifteduphishand，saidsomethingthatwasnotablessing，andtheboatscreakedonthroughthetwilight。ThebroadIndianriver，thatlookedmorelikeachainoflittlelakesthanastream，wasassmoothasglass，reflectingthesandy-redskyinmid-channel，butsplashedwithpatchesofyellowandduskypurplenearandunderthelowbanks。Littlecreeksranintotheriverinthewetseason，butnowtheirdrymouthshungclearabovewater-line。
Ontheleftshore，andalmostundertherailwaybridge，stoodamud-and-brickandthatch-and-stickvillage，whosemainstreet，fullofcattlegoingbacktotheirbyres，ranstraighttotheriver，andendedinasortofrudebrickpier-head，wherepeoplewhowantedtowashcouldwadeinstepbystep。ThatwastheGhautofthevillageofMugger-Ghaut。
Nightwasfallingfastoverthefieldsoflentilsandriceandcottoninthelow-lyinggroundyearlyfloodedbytheriver；
overthereedsthatfringedtheelbowofthebend，andthetangledjungleofthegrazing-groundsbehindthestillreeds。
Theparrotsandcrows，whohadbeenchatteringandshoutingovertheireveningdrink，hadflowninlandtoroost，crossingtheout-goingbattalionsoftheflying-foxes；andclouduponcloudofwater-birdscamewhistlingand\"honking\"tothecoverofthereed-beds。Thereweregeese，barrel-headedandblack-backed，teal，widgeon，mallard，andsheldrake，withcurlews，andhereandthereaflamingo。
AlumberingAdjutant-cranebroughtuptherear，flyingasthougheachslowstrokewouldbehislast。
\"Respecttheaged！BrahminsoftheRiver——respecttheaged！\"
TheAdjutanthalfturnedhishead，sheeredalittleinthedirectionofthevoice，andlandedstifflyonthesand-barbelowthebridge。Thenyousawwhataruffianlybrutehereallywas。
Hisbackviewwasimmenselyrespectable，forhestoodnearlysixfeethigh，andlookedratherlikeaveryproperbald-headedparson。Infrontitwasdifferent，forhisAllySloper-likeheadandneckhadnotafeathertothem，andtherewasahorribleraw-skinpouchonhisneckunderhischin——ahold-allforthethingshispick-axebeakmightsteal。Hislegswerelongandthinandskinny，buthemovedthemdelicately，andlookedatthemwithprideashepreeneddownhisashy-graytail-feathers，glancedoverthesmoothofhisshoulder，andstiffenedinto\"Standatattention。\"
AmangylittleJackal，whohadbeenyappinghungrilyonalowbluff，cockeduphisearsandtail，andscutteredacrosstheshallowstojointheAdjutant。
Hewasthelowestofhiscaste——notthatthebestofjackalsaregoodformuch，butthisonewaspeculiarlylow，beinghalfabeggar，halfacriminal——acleaner-upofvillagerubbish-heaps，desperatelytimidorwildlybold，everlastinglyhungry，andfullofcunningthatneverdidhimanygood。
\"Ugh！\"hesaid，shakinghimselfdolefullyashelanded。\"Maytheredmangedestroythedogsofthisvillage！Ihavethreebitesforeachfleauponme，andallbecauseIlooked——onlylooked，markyou——atanoldshoeinacow-byre。CanIeatmud？\"
Hescratchedhimselfunderhisleftear。
\"Iheard，\"saidtheAdjutant，inavoicelikeabluntsawgoingthroughathickboard——\"IHEARDtherewasanew-bornpuppyinthatsameshoe。\"
\"Tohearisonething；toknowisanother，\"saidtheJackal，whohadaveryfairknowledgeofproverbs，pickedupbylisteningtomenroundthevillagefiresofanevening。
\"Quitetrue。So，tomakesure，Itookcareofthatpuppywhilethedogswerebusyelsewhere。\"
\"TheywereVERYbusy，\"saidtheJackal。\"Well，Imustnotgotothevillagehuntingforscrapsyetawhile。Andsotheretrulywasablindpuppyinthatshoe？\"
\"Itishere，\"saidtheAdjutant，squintingoverhisbeakathisfullpouch。\"Asmallthing，butacceptablenowthatcharityisdeadintheworld。\"
\"Ahai！Theworldisironinthesedays，\"wailedtheJackal。
Thenhisrestlesseyecaughttheleastpossiblerippleonthewater，andhewentonquickly：\"Lifeishardforusall，andIdoubtnotthatevenourexcellentmaster，thePrideoftheGhautandtheEnvyoftheRiver————\"
\"Aliar，aflatterer，andaJackalwereallhatchedoutofthesameegg，\"saidtheAdjutanttonobodyinparticular；forhewasratherafinesortofaliaronhisownaccountwhenhetookthetrouble。
\"Yes，theEnvyoftheRiver，\"theJackalrepeated，raisinghisvoice。\"Evenhe，Idoubtnot，findsthatsincethebridgehasbeenbuiltgoodfoodismorescarce。Butontheotherhand，thoughIwouldbynomeanssaythistohisnobleface，heissowiseandsovirtuous——asI，alasIamnot————\"
\"WhentheJackalownsheisgray，howblackmusttheJackalbe！\"
mutteredtheAdjutant。Hecouldnotseewhatwascoming。
\"Thathisfoodneverfails，andinconsequence————\"
Therewasasoftgratingsound，asthoughaboathadjusttouchedinshoalwater。TheJackalspunroundquicklyandfaced（itisalwaysbesttoface）thecreaturehehadbeentalkingabout。Itwasatwenty-four-footcrocodile，casedinwhatlookedliketreble-rivetedboiler-plate，studdedandkeeledandcrested；theyellowpointsofhisupperteethjustoverhanginghisbeautifullyflutedlowerjaw。Itwastheblunt-nosedMuggerofMugger-Ghaut，olderthananymaninthevillage，whohadgivenhisnametothevillage；thedemonofthefordbeforetherailwaybridge，came——murderer，man-eater，andlocalfetishinone。Helaywithhischinintheshallows，keepinghisplacebyanalmostinvisibleripplingofhistail，andwelltheJackalknewthatonestrokeofthatsametailinthewaterwouldcarrytheMuggerupthebankwiththerushofasteam-engine。
\"Auspiciouslymet，ProtectorofthePoor！\"hefawned，backingateveryword。\"Adelectablevoicewasheard，andwecameinthehopesofsweetconversation。Mytaillesspresumption，whilewaitinghere，ledme，indeed，tospeakofthee。Itismyhopethatnothingwasoverheard。\"
NowtheJackalhadspokenjusttobelistenedto，forheknewflatterywasthebestwayofgettingthingstoeat，andtheMuggerknewthattheJackalhadspokenforthisend，andtheJackalknewthattheMuggerknew，andtheMuggerknewthattheJackalknewthattheMuggerknew，andsotheywereallverycontentedtogether。
Theoldbrutepushedandpantedandgruntedupthebank，mumbling，\"Respecttheagedandinfirm！\"andallthetimehislittleeyesburnedlikecoalsundertheheavy，hornyeyelidsonthetopofhistriangularhead，asheshovedhisbloatedbarrel-bodyalongbetweenhiscrutchedlegs。Thenhesettleddown，and，accustomedastheJackalwastohisways，hecouldnothelpstarting，forthehundredthtime，whenhesawhowexactlytheMuggerimitatedalogadriftonthebar。Hehadeventakenpainstolieattheexactangleanaturallystrandedlogwouldmakewiththewater，havingregardtothecurrentofheseasonatthetimeandplace。Allthiswasonlyamatterofhabit，ofcourse，becausetheMuggerhadcomeashoreforpleasure；butacrocodileisneverquitefull，andiftheJackalhadbeendeceivedbythelikenesshewouldnothavelivedtophilosophiseoverit。
\"Mychild，Iheardnothing，\"saidtheMugger，shuttingoneeye。
\"Thewaterwasinmyears，andalsoIwasfaintwithhunger。
Sincetherailwaybridgewasbuiltmypeopleatmyvillagehaveceasedtoloveme；andthatisbreakingmyheart。\"
\"Ah，shame！\"saidtheJackal。\"Sonobleaheart，too！Butmenareallalike，tomymind。\"
\"Nay，thereareverygreatdifferencesindeed，\"theMuggeransweredgently。\"Someareasleanasboat-poles。Othersagainarefatasyoungja——dogs。NeverwouldIcauselesslyrevilemen。
Theyareofallfashions，butthelongyearshaveshownmethat，onewithanother，theyareverygood。Men，women，andchildren——
Ihavenofaulttofindwiththem。Andremember，child，hewhorebukestheWorldisrebukedbytheWorld。\"
\"Flatteryisworsethananemptytincaninthebelly。Butthatwhichwehavejustheardiswisdom，\"saidtheAdjutant，bringingdownonefoot。
\"Consider，though，theiringratitudetothisexcellentone，\"
begantheJackaltenderly。
\"Nay，nay，notingratitude！\"theMuggersaid。Theydonotthinkforothers；thatisall。ButIhavenoticed，lyingatmystationbelowtheford，thatthestairsofthenewbridgearecruellyhardtoclimb，bothforoldpeopleandyoungchildren。Theold，indeed，arenotsoworthyofconsideration，butIamgrieved——
Iamtrulygrieved——onaccountofthefatchildren。Still，Ithink，inalittlewhile，whenthenewnessofthebridgehaswornaway，weshallseemypeople\"sbarebrownlegsbravelysplashingthroughthefordasbefore。ThentheoldMuggerwillbehonouredagain。\"
\"ButsurelyIsawMarigoldwreathsfloatingofftheedgeoftheGhautonlythisnoon，\"saidtheAdjutant。
MarigoldwreathsareasignofreverenceallIndiaover。
\"Anerror——anerror。Itwasthewifeofthesweetmeat-seller。
Sheloseshereyesightyearbyyear，andcannottellalogfromme——theMuggeroftheGhaut。Isawthemistakewhenshethrewthegarland，forIwaslyingattheveryfootoftheGhaut，andhadshetakenanotherstepImighthaveshownhersomelittledifference。Yetshemeantwell，andwemustconsiderthespiritoftheoffering。\"
\"Whatgoodaremarigoldwreathswhenoneisontherubbish-
heap？\"saidtheJackal，huntingforfleas，butkeepingonewaryeyeonhisProtectorofthePoor。
\"True，buttheyhavenotyetbeguntomaketherubbish-heapthatshallcarryME。FivetimeshaveIseentheriverdrawbackfromthevillageandmakenewlandatthefootofthestreet。FivetimeshaveIseenthevillagerebuiltonthebanks，andIshallseeitbuiltyetfivetimesmore。Iamnofaithless，fish-
huntingGavial，I，atKasito-dayandPrayagto-morrow，asthesayingis，butthetrueandconstantwatcheroftheford。Itisnotfornothing，child，thatthevillagebearsmyname，and\"hewhowatcheslong，\"asthesayingis，\"shallatlasthavehisreward。\"\"
\"_I_havewatchedlong——verylong——nearlyallmylife，andmyrewardhasbeenbitesandblows，\"saidtheJackal。
\"Ho！ho！ho！\"roaredtheAdjutant。
\"InAugustwastheJackalborn；
TheRainsfellinSeptember；
\"Nowsuchafearfulfloodasthis，\"
Sayshe，\"Ican\"tremember！\"\"
ThereisoneveryunpleasantpeculiarityabouttheAdjutant。
Atuncertaintimeshesuffersfromacuteattacksofthefidgetsorcrampinhislegs，andthoughheismorevirtuoustobeholdthananyofthecranes，whoareallimmenselyrespectable，hefliesoffintowild，cripple-stiltwar-dances，halfopeninghiswingsandbobbinghisbaldheadupanddown；whileforreasonsbestknowntohimselfheisverycarefultotimehisworstattackswithhisnastiestremarks。Atthelastwordofhissonghecametoattentionagain，tentimesadjutaunterthanbefore。
TheJackalwinced，thoughhewasfullthreeseasonsold，butyoucannotresentaninsultfromapersonwithabeakayardlong，andthepowerofdrivingitlikeajavelin。TheAdjutantwasamostnotoriouscoward，buttheJackalwasworse。
\"Wemustlivebeforewecanlearn，\"saidtheMugger，\"andthereisthistosay：Littlejackalsareverycommon，child，butsuchamuggerasIamisnotcommon。Forallthat，Iamnotproud，sinceprideisdestruction；buttakenotice，itisFate，andagainsthisFatenoonewhoswimsorwalksorrunsshouldsayanythingatall。IamwellcontentedwithFate。Withgoodluck，akeeneye，andthecustomofconsideringwhetheracreekorabackwaterhasanoutlettoitereyouascend，muchmaybedone。\"
\"OnceIheardthateventheProtectorofthePoormadeamistake，\"saidtheJackalviciously。
\"True；buttheremyFatehelpedme。ItwasbeforeIhadcometomyfullgrowth——beforethelastfaminebutthree（bytheRightandLeftofGunga，howfullusedthestreamstobeinthosedays！）。Yes，Iwasyoungandunthinking，andwhenthefloodcame，whosopleasedasI？Alittlemademeveryhappythen。
Thevillagewasdeepinflood，andIswamabovetheGhautandwentfarinland，uptotherice-fields，andtheyweredeepingoodmud。Irememberalsoapairofbracelets（glasstheywere，andtroubledmenotalittle）thatIfoundthatevening。Yes，glassbracelets；and，ifmymemoryservesmewell，ashoe。
Ishouldhaveshakenoffbothshoes，butIwashungry。Ilearnedbetterlater。Yes。AndsoIfedandrestedme；butwhenIwasreadytogototheriveragainthefloodhadfallen，andI
walkedthroughthemudofthemainstreet。WhobutI？Cameoutallmypeople，priestsandwomenandchildren，andIlookeduponthemwithbenevolence。Themudisnotagoodplacetofightin。
Saidaboatman，\"Getaxesandkillhim，forheistheMuggeroftheford。\"\"Notso，\"saidtheBrahmin。\"Look，heisdrivingthefloodbeforehim！Heisthegodlingofthevillage。\"Thentheythrewmanyflowersatme，andbyhappythoughtoneledagoatacrosstheroad。\"
\"Howgood——howverygoodisgoat！\"saidtheJackal。
\"Hairy——toohairy，andwhenfoundinthewatermorethanlikelytohideacross-shapedhook。ButthatgoatIaccepted，andwentdowntotheGhautingreathonour。Later，myFatesentmetheboatmanwhohaddesiredtocutoffmytailwithanaxe。Hisboatgroundeduponanoldshoalwhichyouwouldnotremember。\"
\"WearenotALLjackalshere，\"saidtheAdjutant。Wasittheshoalmadewherethestone-boatssankintheyearofthegreatdrouth——alongshoalthatlastedthreefloods？\"
\"Thereweretwo，\"saidtheMugger；\"anupperandalowershoal。\"
\"Ay，Iforgot。Achanneldividedthem，andlaterdriedupagain，\"saidtheAdjutant，whopridedhimselfonhismemory。
\"Onthelowershoalmywell-wisher\"scraftgrounded。Hewassleepinginthebows，and，halfawake，leapedovertohiswaist——no，itwasnomorethantohisknees——topushoff。
Hisemptyboatwentonandtouchedagainbelowthenextreach，astheriverranthen。Ifollowed，becauseIknewmenwouldcomeouttodragitashore。\"
\"Anddidtheydoso？\"saidtheJackal，alittleawe-stricken。