第7章
Letusgo。"
"Nay，lookwell，fortheyareasleep。ItisasitwaswhenIwasnotthelengthofthyarm。"
ThesplitandweatherwornrocksofthegorgeoftheWaingungahadbeenusedsincethebeginningoftheJunglebytheLittlePeopleoftheRocks——thebusy，furious，blackwildbeesofIndia；and，asMowgliknewwell，alltrailsturnedoffhalfamilebeforetheyreachedthegorge。ForcenturiestheLittlePeoplehadhivedandswarmedfromclefttocleft，andswarmedagain，stainingthewhitemarblewithstalehoney，andmadetheircombstallanddeepinthedarkoftheinnercaves，whereneithermannorbeastnorfirenorwaterhadevertouchedthem。
Thelengthofthegorgeonbothsiaeswashungasitwerewithblackshimmeryvelvetcurtains，andMowglisankashelooked，forthoseweretheclottedmillionsofthesleepingbees。
Therewereotherlumpsandfestoonsandthingslikedecayedtree-trunksstuddedonthefaceoftherock，theoldcombsofpastyears，ornewcitiesbuiltintheshadowofthewindlessgorge，andhugemassesofspongy，rottentrashhadrolleddownandstuckamongthetreesandcreepersthatclungtotherock-
face。Ashelistenedheheardmorethanoncetherustleandslideofahoney-loadedcombturningoverorfailingawaysomewhereinthedarkgalleries；thenaboomingofangrywings，andthesullendrip，drip，drip，ofthewastedhoney，gutteringalongtillitlippedoversomeledgeintheopenairandsluggishlytrickleddownonthetwigs。Therewasatinylittlebeach，notfivefeetbroad，ononesideoftheriver，andthatwaspiledhighwiththerubbishofuncountedyears。Thereweredeadbees，drones，sweepings，andstalecombs，andwingsofmaraudingmothsthathadstrayedinafterhoney，alltumbledinsmoothpilesofthefinestblackdust。Themeresharpsmellofitwasenoughtofrightenanythingthathadnowings，andknewwhattheLittlePeoplewere。
Kaamovedup-streamagaintillhecametoasandybarattheheadofthegorge。
"Hereisthisseason’skill，"saidhe。"Look！"Onthebanklaytheskeletonsofacoupleofyoungdeerandabuffalo。
Mowglicouldseethatneitherwolfnorjackalhadtouchedthehones，whichwerelaidoutnaturally。
"Theycamebeyondtheline；，theydidnotknowtheLaw，"
murmuredMowgli，"andtheLittlePeoplekilledthem。Letusgoeretheywake。"
"Theydonotwaketillthedawn，"saidKaa。"NowIwilltellthee。Ahuntedbuckfromthesouth，many，manyRainsago，camehitherfromthesouth，notknowingtheJungle，aPackonhistrail。Beingmadeblindbyfear，heleapedfromabove，thePackrunningbysight，fortheywerehotandblindonthetrail。Thesunwashigh，andtheLittlePeopleweremanyandveryangry。Many，too，werethoseofthePackwholeapedintotheWaingunga，buttheyweredeaderetheytookwater。Thosewhodidnotleapdiedalsointherocksabove。Butthebucklived。"
"How？"
"Becausehecamefirst，runningforhislife，leapingeretheLittlePeoplewereaware，andwasintheriverwhentheygatheredtokill。ThePack，following，wasaltogetherlostundertheweightoftheLittlePeople。"
"Thebucklived？"Mowglirepeatedslowly。
"AtleasthedidnotdieTHEN，thoughnonewaitedhiscomingdownwithastrongbodytoholdhimsafeagainstthewater，asacertainoldfat，deaf，yellowFlatheadwouldwaitforaManling——yea，thoughtherewereallthedholesoftheDekkanonhistrail。Whatisinthystomach？"Kaa’sheadwasclosetoMowgli’sear；anditwasalittletimebeforetheboyanswered。
"ItistopulltheverywhiskersofDeath，but——Kaa，thouart，indeed，thewisestofalltheJungle。"
"Somanyhavesaid。Looknow，ifthedholefollowthee————"
"Assurelytheywillfollow。Ho！ho！Ihavemanylittlethornsundermytonguetoprickintotheirhides。"
"Iftheyfollowtheehotandblind，lookingonlyatthyshoulders，thosewhodonotdieupabovewilltakewatereitherhereorlowerdown，fortheLittlePeoplewillriseupandcoverthem。NowtheWaingungaishungrywater，andtheywillhavenoKaatoholdthem，butwillgodown，suchaslive，totheshallowsbytheSeeoneeLairs，andtherethyPackmaymeetthembythethroat。"
"Ahai！Eowawa！BettercouldnotbetilltheRainsfallinthedryseason。Thereisnowonlythelittlematteroftherunandtheleap。Iwillmakemeknowntothedholes，sothattheyshallfollowmeveryclosely。"
"Hastthouseentherocksabovethee？Fromthelandwardside？"
"Indeed，no。ThatIhadforgotten。"
"Golook。Itisallrottenground，cutandfullofholes。Oneofthyclumsyfeetsetdownwithoutseeingwouldendthehunt。
See，Ileavetheehere，andforthysakeonlyIwillcarrywordtothePackthattheymayknowwheretolookforthedhole。
Formyself，IamnotofoneskinwithANYwolf。"
WhenKaadislikedanacquaintancehecouldbemoreunpleasantthananyoftheJunglePeople，exceptperhapsBagheera。Heswamdown-stream，andoppositetheRockhecameonPhaoandAkelalisteningtothenightnoises。
"Hssh！Dogs，"hesaidcheerfully。"Thedholeswillcomedown-
stream。Ifyebenotafraidyecankillthemintheshallows。"
"Whencomethey？"saidPhao。"AndwhereismyMan-cub？"
saidAkela。
"Theycomewhentheycome，"saidKaa。"Waitandsee。AsforTHY
Man-cub，fromwhomthouhasttakenaWordandsolaidhimopentoDeath，THYMan-cubiswithME，andifhebenotalreadydeadthefaultisnoneofthine，bleacheddog！Waithereforthedhole，andhegladthattheMan-cubandIstrikeonthyside。"
Kaaflashedup-streamagain，andmooredhimselfinthemiddleofthegorge，lookingupwardatthelineofthecliff。PresentlyhesawMowgli’sheadmoveagainstthestars，andthentherewasawhizzintheair，thekeen，cleanschloopofabodyfallingfeetfirst，andnextminutetheboywasatrestagainintheloopofKaa’sbody。
"Itisnoleapbynight，"saidMowgliquietly。"Ihavejumpedtwiceasfarforsport；butthatisanevilplaceabove——lowbushesandgulliesthatgodownverydeep，allfulloftheLittlePeople。Ihaveputbigstonesoneabovetheotherbythesideofthreegullies。TheseIshallthrowdownwithmyfeetinrunning，andtheLittlePeoplewillriseupbehindme，veryangry。"
"ThatisMan’stalkandMan’scunning，"saidKaa。"Thouartwise，buttheLittlePeoplearealwaysangry。"
"Nay，attwilightallwingsnearandfarrestforawhile。
Iwillplaywiththedholeattwilight，forthedholehuntsbestbyday。HefollowsnowWon-tolla’sblood-trail。"
"Childoesnotleaveadeadox，northedholetheblood-trail，"
saidKaa。
"ThenIwillmakehimanewblood-trail，ofhisownblood，ifIcan，andgivehimdirttoeat。Thouwiltstayhere，Kaa，tillIcomeagainwithmydholes？"
"Ay，butwhatiftheykilltheeintheJungle，ortheLittlePeoplekilltheebeforethoucanstleapdowntotheriver？"
"Whento-morrowcomeswewillkillforto-morrow，"saidMowgli，quotingaJunglesaying；andagain，"WhenIamdeaditistimetosingtheDeathSong。Goodhunting，Kaa！"
Heloosedhisarmfromthepython’sneckandwentdownthegorgelikealoginafreshet，paddlingtowardthefarbank，wherehefoundslack-water，andlaughingaloudfromsheerhappiness。
TherewasnothingMowglilikedbetterthan，ashehimselfsaid，"topullthewhiskersofDeath，"andmaketheJungleknowthathewastheiroverlord。Hehadoften，withBaloo’shelp，robbedbees’nestsinsingletrees，andheknewthattheLittlePeoplehatedthesmellofwildgarlic。Sohegatheredasmallbundleofit，tieditupwithabarkstring，andthenfollowedWon-tolla’sblood-trail，asitransoutherlyfromtheLairs，forsomefivemiles，lookingatthetreeswithhisheadononeside，andchucklingashelooked。
"MowglitheFroghaveIbeen，"saidhetohimself；"MowglitheWolfhaveIsaidthatIam。NowMowglitheApemustIbebeforeIamMowglitheBuck。AttheendIshallbeMowglitheMan。
Ho！"andheslidhisthumbalongtheeighteen-inchbladeofhisknife。
Won-tolla’strail，allrankwithdarkblood-spots，ranunderaforestofthicktreesthatgrewclosetogetherandstretchedawaynorth-eastward，graduallygrowingthinnerandthinnertowithintwomilesoftheBeeRocks。FromthelasttreetothelowscruboftheBeeRockswasopencountry，wheretherewashardlycoverenoughtohideawolf。Mowglitrottedalongunderthetrees，judgingdistancesbetweenbranchandbranch，occasionallyclimbingupatrunkandtakingatrialleapfromonetreetoanothertillhecametotheopenground，whichhestudiedverycarefullyforanhour。Thenheturned，pickedupWon-tolla’strailwherehehadleftit，settledhimselfinatreewithanoutrunningbranchsomeeightfeetfromtheground，andsatstill，sharpeninghisknifeonthesoleofhisfootandsingingtohimself。
Alittlebeforemid-day，whenthesunwasverywarm，heheardthepatteroffeetandsmelttheabominablesmellofthedhole-
packastheytrottedpitilesslyalongWon-tolla’strail。
Seenfromabove，thereddholedoesnotlookhalfthesizeofawolf，butMowgliknewhowstronghisfeetandjawswere。
Hewatchedthesharpbayheadoftheleadersnuffingalongthetrail，andgavehim"Goodhunting！"
Thebrutelookedup，andhiscompanionshaltedbehindhim，scoresandscoresofreddogswithlow-hungtails，heavyshoulders，weakquarters，andbloodymouths。Thedholesareaverysilentpeopleasarule，andtheyhavenomannersevenintheirownJungle。Fullytwohundredmusthavegatheredbelowhim，buthecouldseethattheleaderssniffedhungrilyonWon-tolla’strail，andtriedtodragthePackforward。
Thatwouldneverdo，ortheywouldbeattheLairsinbroaddaylight，andMowglimeanttoholdthemunderhistreetilldusk。
"Bywhoseleavedoyecomehere？"saidMowgli。
"AllJunglesareourJungle，"wasthereply，andthedholethatgaveitbaredhiswhiteteeth。Mowglilookeddownwithasmile，andimitatedperfectlythesharpchitter-chatterofChikai，theleapingratoftheDekkan，meaningthedholestounderstandthatheconsideredthemnobetterthanChikai。ThePackcloseduproundthetree-trunkandtheleaderbayedsavagely，callingMowgliatree-ape。ForananswerMowglistretcheddownonenakedlegandwriggledhisbaretoesjustabovetheleader’shead。
Thatwasenough，andmorethanenough，towakethePacktostupidrage。Thosewhohavehairbetweentheirtoesdonotcaretoberemindedofit。Mowglicaughthisfootawayastheleaderleapedup，andsaidsweetly：Dog，reddog！GobacktotheDekkanandeatlizards。GotoChikaithybrother——dog，dog——red，reddog！Thereishairbetweeneverytoe！"Hetwiddledhistoesasecondtime。
"Comedownerewestarvetheeout，hairlessape！"yelledthePack，andthiswasexactlywhatMowgliwanted。Helaidhimselfdownalongthebranch，hischeektothebark，hisrightarmfree，andtherehetoldthePackwhathethoughtandknewaboutthem，theirmanners，theircustoms，theirmates，andtheirpuppies。ThereisnospeechintheworldsorancorousandsostingingasthelanguagetheJunglePeopleusetoshowscornandcontempt。Whenyoucometothinkofityouwillseehowthismustbeso。AsMowglitoldKaa，hehadmanylittlethornsunderhistongue，andslowlyanddeliberatelyhedrovethedholesfromsilencetogrowls，fromgrowlstoyells，andfromyellstohoarseslaveryravings。Theytriedtoanswerhistaunts，butacubmightaswellhavetriedtoanswerKaainarage；andallthewhileMowgli’srighthandlaycrookedathisside，readyforaction，hisfeetlockedroundthebranch。Thebigbayleaderhadleapedmanytimesintheair，butMowglidarednotriskafalseblow。Atlast，madefuriousbeyondhisnaturalstrength，heboundedupsevenoreightfeetclearoftheground。
ThenMowgli’shandshotoutliketheheadofatree-snake，andgrippedhimbythescruffofhisneck，andthebranchshookwiththejarashisweightfellback，almostwrenchingMowglitotheground。Butheneverloosedhisgrip，andinchbyinchhehauledthebeast，hanginglikeadrownedjackal，uponthebranch。Withhislefthandhereachedforhisknifeandcutoffthered，bushytail，flingingthedholebacktoearthagain。
Thatwasallheneeded。ThePackwouldnotgoforwardonWon-tolla’strailnowtilltheyhadkilledMowgliorMowglihadkilledthem。Hesawthemsettledownincircleswithaquiverofthehaunchesthatmeanttheyweregoingtostay，andsoheclimbedtoahighercrotch，settledhisbackcomfortably，andwenttosleep。
AfterthreeorfourhourshewakedandcountedthePack。
Theywereallthere，silent，husky，anddry，witheyesofsteel。
Thesunwasbeginningtosink。InhalfanhourtheLittlePeopleoftheRockswouldbeendingtheirlabours，and，asyouknow，thedholedoesnotfightbestinthetwilight。
"Ididnotneedsuchfaithfulwatchers，"hesaidpolitely，standinguponabranch，"butIwillrememberthis。Yebetruedholes，buttomythinkingovermuchofonekind。ForthatreasonIdonotgivethebiglizard-eaterhistailagain。
Artthounotpleased，RedDog？"
"Imyselfwilltearoutthystomach！"yelledtheleader，scratchingatthefootofthetree。
"Nay，butconsider，wiseratoftheDekkan。Therewillnowbemanylittersoflittletaillessreddogs，yea，withrawredstumpsthatstingwhenthesandishot。Gohome，RedDog，andcrythatanapehasdonethis。Yewillnotgo？Come，then，withme，andIwillmakeyouverywise！"
Hemoved，Bandar-logfashion，intothenexttree，andsoonintothenextandthenext，thePackfollowingwithliftedhungryheads。Nowandthenhewouldpretendtofall，andthePackwouldtumbleoneovertheotherintheirhastetobeatthedeath。
Itwasacurioussight——theboywiththeknifethatshoneinthelowsunlightasitsiftedthroughtheupperbranches，andthesilentPackwiththeirredcoatsallaflame，huddlingandfollowingbelow。Whenhecametothelasttreehetookthegarlicandrubbedhimselfallovercarefully，andthedholesyelledwithscorn。"Apewithawolf’stongue，dostthouthinktocoverthyscent？"theysaid。"Wefollowtothedeath。"
"Takethytail，"saidMowgli，flingingitbackalongthecoursehehadtaken。ThePackinstinctivelyrushedafterit。
"Andfollownow——tothedeath。"
Hehadslippeddownthetree-trunk，andheadedlikethewindinbarefeetfortheBeeRocks，beforethedholessawwhathewoulddo。
Theygaveonedeephowl，andsettleddowntothelong，lobbingcanterthatcanatthelastrundownanythingthatruns。
Mowgliknewtheirpack-pacetobemuchslowerthanthatofthewolves，orhewouldneverhaveriskedatwo-mileruninfullsight。Theyweresurethattheboywastheirsatlast，andhewassurethatheheldthemtoplaywithashepleased。Allhistroublewastokeepthemsufficientlyhotbehindhimtopreventtheirturningofftoosoon。Herancleanly，evenly，andspringily；thetaillessleadernotfiveyardsbehindhim；
andthePacktailingoutoverperhapsaquarterofamileofground，crazyandblindwiththerageofslaughter。Sohekepthisdistancebyear，reservinghislasteffortfortherushacrosstheBeeRocks。
TheLittlePeoplehadgonetosleepintheearlytwilight，foritwasnottheseasonoflateblossomingflowers；butasMowgli’sfirstfoot-fallsranghollowonthehollowgroundheheardasoundasthoughalltheearthwerehumming。Thenheranashehadneverruninhislifebefore，spurnedasideone——two——
threeofthepilesofstonesintothedark，sweet-smellinggullies；heardaroarliketheroaroftheseainacave；
sawwiththetailofhiseyetheairgrowdarkbehindhim；
sawthecurrentoftheWaingungafarbelow，andaflat，diamond-
shapedheadinthewater；leapedoutwardwithallhisstrength，thetaillessdholesnappingathisshoulderinmid-air，anddroppedfeetfirsttothesafetyoftheriver，breathlessandtriumphant。Therewasnotastinguponhim，forthesmellofthegarlichadcheckedtheLittlePeopleforjustthefewsecondsthathewasamongthem。WhenheroseKaa’scoilsweresteadyinghimandthingswereboundingovertheedgeofthecliff——greatlumps，itseemed，ofclusteredbeesfallinglikeplummets；
butbeforeanylumptouchedwaterthebeesflewupwardandthebodyofadholewhirleddown-stream。Overheadtheycouldhearfuriousshortyellsthatweredrownedinaroarlikebreakers——
theroarofthewingsoftheLittlePeopleoftheRocks。Someofthedholes，too，hadfallenintothegulliesthatcommunicatedwiththeundergroundcaves，andtherechokedandfoughtandsnappedamongthetumbledhoneycombs，andatlast，borneup，evenwhentheyweredead，ontheheavingwavesofbeesbeneaththem，shotoutofsomeholeintheriver-face，torolloverontheblackrubbish-heaps。Thereweredholeswhohadleapedshortintothetreesonthecliffs，andthebeesblottedouttheirshapes；butthegreaternumberofthem，maddenedbythestings，hadflungthemselvesintotheriver；and，asKaasaid，theWaingungawashungrywater。
KaaheldMowglifasttilltheboyhadrecoveredhisbreath。
"Wemaynotstayhere，"hesaid。"TheLittlePeoplearerousedindeed。Come！"
Swimminglowanddivingasoftenashecould，Mowgliwentdowntheriver，knifeinhand。
"Slowly，slowly，"saidKaa。"Onetoothdoesnotkillahundredunlessitbeacobra’s，andmanyofthedholestookwaterswiftlywhentheysawtheLittlePeoplerise。"
"Themoreworkformyknife，then。Phai！Howthe，LittlePeoplefollow！"Mowglisankagain。Thefaceofthewaterwasblanketedwithwildbees，buzzingsullenlyandstingingalltheyfound。
"Nothingwaseveryetlostbysilence，"saidKaa——nostingcouldpenetratehisscales——"andthouhastallthelongnightforthehunting。Hearthemhowl！"
Nearlyhalfthepackhadseenthetraptheirfellowsrushedinto，andturningsharpasidehadflungthemselvesintothewaterwherethegorgebrokedowninsteepbanks。Theircriesofrageandtheirthreatsagainstthe"tree-ape"whohadbroughtthemtotheirshamemixedwiththeyellsandgrowlsofthosewhohadbeenpunishedbytheLittlePeople。Toremainashorewasdeath，andeverydholeknewit。Theirpackwassweptalongthecurrent，downtothedeepeddiesofthePeacePool，buteventheretheangryLittlePeoplefollowedandforcedthemtothewateragain。MowglicouldhearthevoiceofthetaillessleaderbiddinghispeopleholdonandkillouteverywolfinSeeonee。
Buthedidnotwastehistimeinlistening。
"Onekillsinthedarkbehindus！"snappedadhole。"Hereistaintedwater！"
Mowglihaddivedforwardlikeanotter，twitchedastrugglingdholeunderwaterbeforehecouldopenhismouth，anddarkringsroseasthebodyploppedup，turningonitsside。Thedholestriedtoturn，butthecurrentpreventedthem，andtheLittlePeopledartedattheheadsandears，andtheycouldhearthechallengeoftheSeeoneePackgrowinglouderanddeeperinthegatheringdarkness。AgainMowglidived，andagainadholewentunder，androsedead，andagaintheclamourbrokeoutattherearofthepack；somehowlingthatitwasbesttogoashore，otherscallingontheirleadertoleadthembacktotheDekkan，andothersbiddingMowglishowhimselfandhekilled。
"Theycometothefightwithtwostomachsandseveralvoices，"
saidKaa。"Therestiswiththybrethrenbelowyonder，TheLittlePeoplegobacktosleep。Theyhavechasedusfar。NowI，too，turnback，forIamnotofoneskinwithanywolf。
Goodhunting，LittleBrother，andrememberthedholebiteslow。"
Awolfcamerunningalongthebankonthreelegs，leapingupanddown，layinghisheadsidewaysclosetotheground，hunchinghisback，andbreakinghighintotheair，asthoughhewereplayingwithhiscubs。ItwasWon-tolla，theOutlier，andhesaidneveraword，butcontinuedhishorriblesportbesidethedholes。
Theyhadbeenlonginthewaternow，andwereswimmingwearily，theircoatsdrenchedandheavy，theirbushytailsdragginglikesponges，sotiredandshakenthatthey，too，weresilent，watchingthepairofblazingeyesthatmovedabreast。
"Thisisnogoodhunting，"saidone，panting。
"Goodhunting！"saidMowgli，asheroseboldlyatthebrute’sside，andsentthelongknifehomebehindtheshoulder，pushinghardtoavoidhisdyingsnap。
"Artthouthere，Man-cub？"saidWon-tollaacrossthewater。
"Askofthedead，Outlier，"Mowglireplied。"Havenonecomedown-stream？Ihavefilledthesedogs’mouthswithdirt；
Ihavetrickedtheminthebroaddaylight，andtheirleaderlackshistail，butherebesomefewfortheestill。
WhithershallIdrivethem？"
"Iwillwait，"saidWon-tolla。"Thenightisbeforeme。"
NearerandnearercamethebayoftheSeeoneewolves。"ForthePack，fortheFullPackitismet！"andabendintheriverdrovethedholesforwardamongthesandsandshoalsoppositetheLairs。
Thentheysawtheirmistake。Theyshouldhavelandedhalfamilehigherup，andrushedthewolvesondryground。Nowitwastoolate。Thebankwaslinedwithburningeyes，andexceptforthehorriblepheealthathadneverstoppedsincesundown，therewasnosoundintheJungle。ItseemedasthoughWon-tollawerefawningonthemtocomeashore；and"Turnandtakehold！"saidtheleaderofthedholes。TheentirePackflungthemselvesattheshore，threshingandsquatteringthroughtheshoalwater，tillthefaceoftheWaingungawasallwhiteandtorn，andthegreatrippleswentfromsidetoside，likebow-wavesfromaboat。Mowglifollowedtherush，stabbingandslicingasthedholes，huddledtogether，rusheduptheriver-beachinonewave。
Thenthelongfightbegan，heavingandstrainingandsplittingandscatteringandnarrowingandbroadeningalongthered，wetsands，andoverandbetweenthetangledtree-roots，andthroughandamongthebushes，andinandoutofthegrassclumps；forevennowthedholesweretwotoone。ButtheymetwolvesfightingforallthatmadethePack，andnotonlytheshort，high，deep-chested，white-tuskedhuntersofthePack，buttheanxious-eyedlahinis——theshe-wolvesofthelair，asthesayingis——fightingfortheirlitters，withhereandthereayearlingwolf，hisfirstcoatstillhalfwoolly，tuggingandgrapplingbytheirsides。Awolf，youmustknow，fliesatthethroatorsnapsattheflank，whileadhole，bypreference，bitesatthebelly；sowhenthedholeswerestrugglingoutofthewaterandhadtoraisetheirheads，theoddswerewiththewolves。Ondrylandthewolvessuffered；butinthewaterorashore，Mowgli’sknifecameandwentwithoutceasing。TheFourhadworriedtheirwaytohisside。GrayBrother，crouchedbetweentheboy’sknees，wasprotectinghisstomach，whiletheothersguardedhisbackandeitherside，orstoodoverhimwhentheshockofaleaping，yellingdholewhohadthrownhimselffullonthesteadybladeborehimdown。Fortherest，itwasonetangledconfusion——alockedandswayingmobthatmovedfromrighttoleftandfromlefttorightalongthebank；andalsogroundroundandroundslowlyonitsowncentre。Herewouldbeaheavingmound，likeawater-blisterinawhirlpool，whichwouldbreaklikeawater-blister，andthrowupfourorfivemangleddogs，eachstrivingtogetbacktothecentre；herewouldbeasinglewolfbornedownbytwoorthreedholes，laboriouslydraggingthemforward，andsinkingthewhile；hereayearlingcubwouldheheldupbythepressureroundhim，thoughhehadbeenkilledearly，whilehismother，crazedwithdumbrage，rolledoverandover，snapping，andpassingon；andinthemiddleofthethickestpress，perhaps，onewolfandonedhole，forgettingeverythingelse，wouldbemanoeuvringforfirstholdtilltheywerewhirledawaybyarushoffuriousfighters。
OnceMowglipassedAkela，adholeoneitherflank，andhisallbuttoothlessjawsclosedovertheloinsofathird；andoncehesawPhao，histeethsetinthethroatofadhole，tuggingtheunwillingbeastforwardtilltheyearlingscouldfinishhim。
Butthebulkofthefightwasblindflurryandsmotherinthedark；hit，trip，andtumble，yelp，groan，andworry-worry-worry，roundhimandbehindhimandabovehim。Asthenightworeon，thequick，giddy-go-roundmotionincreased。Thedholeswerecowedandafraidtoattackthestrongerwolves，butdidnotyetdaretorunaway。Mowglifeltthattheendwascomingsoon，andcontentedhimselfwithstrikingmerelytocripple。Theyearlingsweregrowingbolder；therewastimenowandagaintobreathe，andpassawordtoafriend，andthemereflickeroftheknifewouldsometimesturnadogaside。
"Themeatisverynearthebone，"GrayBrotheryelled。Hewasbleedingfromascoreofflesh-wounds。
"Buttheboneisyettohecracked，"saidMowgli。"Eowawa！
THUSdowedointheJungle！"Theredbladeranlikeaflamealongthesideofadholewhosehind-quarterswerehiddenbytheweightofaclingingwolf。
"Mykill！"snortedthewolfthroughhiswrinklednostrils。
"Leavehimtome。"
"Isthystomachstillempty，Outlier？"saidMowgli。Won-tollawasfearfullypunished，buthisgriphadparalysedthedhole，whocouldnotturnroundandreachhim。
"BytheBullthatboughtme，"saidMowgli，withabitterlaugh，"itisthetaillessone！"Andindeeditwasthebigbay-
colouredleader。
"Itisnotwisetokillcubsandlahinis，"Mowgliwentonphilosophically，wipingthebloodoutofhiseyes，"unlessonehasalsokilledtheOutlier；anditisinmystomachthatthisWon-tollakillsthee。"
Adholeleapedtohisleader’said；butbeforehisteethhadfoundWon-tolla’sflank，Mowgli’sknifewasinhisthroat，andGrayBrothertookwhatwasleft。
"AndthusdowedointheJungle，"saidMowgli。
Won-tollasaidnotaword，onlyhisjawswereclosingandclosingonthebackboneashislifeebbed。Thedholeshuddered，hisheaddropped，andhelaystill，andWon-tolladroppedabovehim。
"Huh！TheBloodDebtispaid，"saidMowgli。"Singthesong，Won-tolla。"
"Hehuntsnomore，"saidGrayBrother；"andAkela，too，issilentthislongtime。"
"Theboneiscracked！"thunderedPhao，sonofPhaona。"Theygo！
Kill，killout，OhuntersoftheFreePeople！"
Dholeafterdholewasslinkingawayfromthosedarkandbloodysandstotheriver，tothethickJungle，up-streamordown-
streamashesawtheroadclear。
"Thedebt！Thedebt！"shoutedMowgli。"Paythedebt！TheyhaveslaintheLoneWolf！Letnotadoggo！"
Hewasflyingtotheriver，knifeinhand，tocheckanydholewhodaredtotakewater，when，fromunderamoundofninedead，roseAkela’sheadandfore-quarters，andMowglidroppedonhiskneesbesidetheLoneWolf。
"SaidInotitwouldbemylastfight？"Akelagasped。"Itisgoodhunting。Andthou，LittleBrother？"
"Ilive，havingkilledmany。"
"Evenso。Idie，andIwould——Iwoulddiebythee，LittleBrother。"
Mowglitooktheterriblescarredheadonhisknees，andputhisarmsroundthetornneck。
"ItislongsincetheolddaysofShereKhan，andaMan-cubthatrollednakedinthedust。"
"Nay，nay，Iamawolf。IamofoneskinwiththeFreePeople，"
Mowglicried。"ItisnowillofminethatIamaman。"
"Thouartaman，LittleBrother，wolflingofmywatching。
Thouartaman，orelsethePackhadfledbeforethedhole。
MylifeIowetothee，andto-daythouhastsavedthePackevenasonceIsavedthee。Hastthouforgotten？Alldebtsarepaidnow。Gotothineownpeople。Itelltheeagain，eyeofmyeye，thishuntingisended。Gotothineownpeople。"
"Iwillnevergo。IwillhuntaloneintheJungle。Ihavesaidit。"
"AfterthesummercometheRains，andaftertheRainscomesthespring。Gobackbeforethouartdriven。"
"Whowilldriveme？"
"MowgliwilldriveMowgli。Gobacktothypeople。GotoMan。"
"WhenMowglidrivesMowgliIwillgo，"Mowglianswered。
"Thereisnomoretosay，"saidAkela。"LittleBrother，canstthouraisemetomyfeet？IalsowasaleaderoftheFreePeople。"
VerycarefullyandgentlyMowgliliftedthebodiesaside，andraisedAkelatohisfeet，botharmsroundhim，andtheLoneWolfdrewalongbreath，andbegantheDeathSongthataleaderofthePackshouldsingwhenhedies。Itgatheredstrengthashewenton，liftingandlifting，andringingfaracrosstheriver，tillitcametothelast"Goodhunting！"andAkelashookhimselfclearofMowgliforaninstant，and，leapingintotheair，fellbackwarddeaduponhislastandmostterriblekill。
Mowglisatwithhisheadonhisknees，carelessofanythingelse，whiletheremnantoftheflyingdholeswerebeingovertakenandrundownbythemercilesslahinis。Littlebylittlethecriesdiedaway，andthewolvesreturnedlimping，astheirwoundsstiffened，totakestockofthelosses。
FifteenofthePack，aswellashalfadozenlahinis，laydeadbytheriver，andoftheothersnotonewasunmarked。AndMowglisatthroughitalltillthecolddaybreak，whenPhao’swet，redmuzzlewasdroppedinhishand，andMowglidrewbacktoshowthegauntbodyofAkela。
"Goodhunting！"saidPhao，asthoughAkelawerestillalive，andthenoverhisbittenshouldertotheothers："Howl，dogs！
AWolfhasdiedto-night！"
ButofallthePackoftwohundredfightingdholes，whoseboastwasthatalljunglesweretheirJungle，andthatnolivingthingcouldstandbeforethem，notonereturnedtotheDekkantocarrythatword。
CHIL’SSONG
[ThisisthesongthatChilsangasthekitesdroppeddownoneafteranothertotheriver-bed，whenthegreatfightwasfinished。Chilisgoodfriendswitheverybody，butheisacold-bloodedkindofcreatureatheart，becauseheknowsthatalmosteverybodyintheJunglecomestohiminthelong-run。]
Theseweremycompanionsgoingforthbynight——
（ForChil！Lookyou，forChil！）
NowcomeItowhistlethemtheendingofthefight。
（Chil！VanguardsofChil！}
Wordtheygavemeoverheadofquarrynewlyslain，WordIgavethemunderfootofbuckupontheplain。
Here’sanendofeverytrail——theyshallnotspeakagain！
Theythatcalledthehunting-cry——theythatfollowedfast——
（ForChil！Lookyou，forChil！）
Theythatbadethesambhurwheel，orpinnedhimashepassed——
（Chil！VanguardsofChil！）
Theythatlaggedbehindthescent——theythatranbefore，Theythatshunnedthelevelhorn——theythatoverbore。
Here’sanendofeverytrail——theyshallnotfollowmore。
Theseweremycompanions。Pity’twastheydied！
（ForChil！Lookyou，forChil！）
NowcomeItocomfortthemthatknewthemintheirpride。
（Chil！VanguardsofChil！）
Tatteredflankandsunkeneye，openmouthandred，Lockedandlankandlonetheylie，thedeadupontheirdead。
Here’sanendofeverytrail——andheremyhostsarefed。
THESPRINGRUNNING
MangoestoMan！CrythechallengethroughtheJungle！
HethatwasourBrothergoesaway。
Hear，now，andjudge，OyePeopleoftheJungle，——
Answer，whoshallturnhim——whoshallstay？
MangoestoMan！HeisweepingintheJungle：
HethatwasourBrothersorrowssore！
MangoestoMan！（Oh，welovedhimintheJungle！）
TotheMan-Trailwherewemaynotfollowmore。
ThesecondyearafterthegreatfightwithRedDogandthedeathofAkela，Mowglimusthavebeennearlyseventeenyearsold。
Helookedolder，forhardexercise，thebestofgoodeating，andbathswheneverhefeltintheleasthotordusty，hadgivenhimstrengthandgrowthfarbeyondhisage。Hecouldswingbyonehandfromatopbranchforhalfanhouratatime，whenhehadoccasiontolookalongthetree-roads。Hecouldstopayoungbuckinmid-gallopandthrowhimsidewaysbythehead。Hecouldevenjerkoverthebig，bluewildboarsthatlivedintheMarshesoftheNorth。TheJunglePeoplewhousedtofearhimforhiswitsfearedhimnowforhisstrength，andwhenhemovedquietlyonhisownaffairsthemerewhisperofhiscomingclearedthewood-paths。Andyetthelookinhiseyeswasalwaysgentle。Evenwhenhefought，hiseyesneverblazedasBagheera’sdid。Theyonlygrewmoreandmoreinterestedandexcited；
andthatwasoneofthethingsthatBagheerahimselfdidnotunderstand。
HeaskedMowgliaboutit，andtheboylaughedandsaid。
"WhenImissthekillIamangry。WhenImustgoemptyfortwodaysIamveryangry。Donotmyeyestalkthen？"
"Themouthishungry，"saidBagheera，"buttheeyessaynothing。
Hunting，eating，orswimming，itisallone——likeastoneinwetordryweather。"Mowglilookedathimlazilyfromunderhislongeyelashes，and，asusual，thepanther’sheaddropped。Bagheeraknewhismaster。
TheywerelyingoutfarupthesideofahilloverlookingtheWaingunga，andthemorningmistshungbelowtheminbandsofwhiteandgreen。Asthesunroseitchangedintobubblingseasofredgold，churnedoff，andletthelowraysstripethedriedgrassonwhichMowgliandBagheerawereresting。Itwastheendofthecoldweather，theleavesandthetreeslookedwornandfaded，andtherewasadry，tickingrustleeverywherewhenthewindblew。Alittleleaftap-tap-tappedfuriouslyagainstatwig，asasingleleafcaughtinacurrentwill。ItrousedBagheera，forhesnuffedthemorningairwithadeep，hollowcough，threwhimselfonhisback，andstruckwithhisfore-pawsatthenoddingleafabove。
"Theyearturns，"hesaid。"TheJunglegoesforward。TheTimeofNewTalkisnear。Thatleafknows。Itisverygood。"
"Thegrassisdry，"Mowglianswered，pullingupatuft。
"EvenEye-of-the-Spring[thatisalittletrumpet-shaped，waxyredflowerthatrunsinandoutamongthegrasses]——evenEye-of-
theSpringisshut，and……Bagheera，ISitwellfortheBlackPanthersotolieonhisbackandbeatwithhispawsintheair，asthoughhewerethetree-cat？"
"Aowh？"saidBagheera。Heseemedtobethinkingofotherthings。
"Isay，ISitwellfortheBlackPanthersotomouthandcough，andhowlandroll？Remember，webetheMastersoftheJungle，thouandI。"
"Indeed，yes；Ihear，Man-cub。"Bagheerarolledoverhurriedlyandsatup，thedustonhisraggedblackflanks。（Hewasjustcastinghiswintercoat。）"WebesurelytheMastersoftheJungle！WhoissostrongasMowgli？Whosowise？"TherewasacuriousdrawlinthevoicethatmadeMowgliturntoseewhetherbyanychancetheBlackPantherweremakingfunofhim，fortheJungleisfullofwordsthatsoundlikeonething，butmeananother。"IsaidwebebeyondquestiontheMastersoftheJungle，"Bagheerarepeated。"HaveIdonewrong？IdidnotknowthattheMan-cubnolongerlayupontheground。
Doeshefly，then？"
Mowglisatwithhiselbowsonhisknees，lookingoutacrossthevalleyatthedaylight。Somewheredowninthewoodsbelowabirdwastryingoverinahusky，reedyvoicethefirstfewnotesofhisspringsong。Itwasnomorethanashadowoftheliquid，tumblingcallhewouldbepouringlater，butBagheeraheardit。
"IsaidtheTimeofNewTalkisnear，"growledthepanther，switchinghistail。
"Ihear，"Mowglianswered。"Bagheera，whydostthoushakeallover？Thesuniswarm。"
"ThatisFerao，thescarletwoodpecker，"saidBagheera。"HEhasnotforgotten。NowI，too，mustremembermysong，"andhebeganpurringandcrooningtohimself，harkingbackdissatisfiedagainandagain。
"Thereisnogameafoot，"saidMowgli。
"LittleBrother，areBOTHthineearsstopped？Thatisnokilling-word，butmysongthatImakereadyagainsttheneed。"
"Ihadforgotten。IshallknowwhentheTimeofNewTalkishere，becausethenthouandtheothersallrunawayandleavemealone。"Mowglispokerathersavagely。
"But，indeed，LittleBrother，"Bagheerabegan，"wedonotalways————"
"Isayyedo，"saidMowgli，shootingouthisforefingerangrily。
"YeDOrunaway，andI，whoamtheMasteroftheJungle，mustneedswalkalone。Howwasitlastseason，whenIwouldgathersugar-canefromthefieldsofaMan-Pack？Isentarunner——I
sentthee！——toHathi，biddinghimtocomeuponsuchanightandpluckthesweetgrassformewithhistrunk。"
"Hecameonlytwonightslater，"saidBagheera，coweringalittle；"andofthatlong，sweetgrassthatpleasedtheesohegatheredmorethananyMan-cubcouldeatinallthenightsoftheRains。Thatwasnofaultofmine。"
"HedidnotcomeuponthenightwhenIsenthimtheword。
No，hewastrumpetingandrunningandroaringthroughthevalleysinthemoonlight。Histrailwaslikethetrailofthreeelephants，forhewouldnothideamongthetrees。
HedancedinthemoonlightbeforethehousesoftheMan-Pack。
Isawhim，andyethewouldnotcometome；and_I_amtheMasteroftheJungle！"
"ItwastheTimeofNewTalk，"saidthepanther，alwaysveryhumble。"Perhaps，LittleBrother，thoudidstnotthattimecallhimbyaMaster-word？ListentoFerao，andbeglad！"
Mowgli’sbadtemperseemedtohaveboileditselfaway。Helaybackwithhisheadonhisarms，hiseyesshut。"Idonotknow——
nordoIcare，"hesaidsleepily。"Letussleep，Bagheera。
Mystomachisheavyinme。Makemearestformyhead。"
Thepantherlaydownagainwithasigh，becausehecouldhearFeraopractisingandrepractisinghissongagainsttheSpringtimeofNewTalk，astheysay。
InanIndianJungletheseasonsslideoneintotheotheralmostwithoutdivision。Thereseemtobeonlytwo——thewetandthedry；butifyoulookcloselybelowthetorrentsofrainandthecloudsofcharanddustyouwillfindallfourgoingroundintheirregularring。Springisthemostwonderful，becauseshehasnottocoveraclean，barefieldwithnewleavesandflowers，buttodrivebeforeherandtoputawaythehanging-on，over-survivingraffleofhalf-greenthingswhichthegentlewinterhassufferedtolive，andtomakethepartly-dressedstaleearthfeelnewandyoungoncemore。