Of that we shall judge later, said Bagheera, in a dry voice that
Mowgli did not at all like. But here is Kaa to whom we owe the battle
and thou owest thy life. Thank him according to our customs, Mowgli.
Mowgli turned and saw the great Python s head swaying a foot above his
own.
So this is the manling, said Kaa. Very soft is his skin, and he is
not unlike the Bandar-log. Have a care, manling, that I do not mistake
thee for a monkey some twilight when I have newly changed my coat.
We be one blood, thou and I, Mowgli answered. I take my life from
thee tonight. My kill shall be thy kill if ever thou art hungry, O Kaa.
All thanks, Little Brother, said Kaa, though his eyes twinkled. And
what may so bold a hunter kill? I ask that I may follow when next he
goes abroad.
I kill nothing,--I am too little,--but I drive goats toward such as can
use them. When thou art empty come to me and see if I speak the truth.
I have some skill in these [he held out his hands], and if ever thou art
in a trap, I may pay the debt which I owe to thee, to Bagheera, and to
Baloo, here. Good hunting to ye all, my masters.
Well said, growled Baloo, for Mowgli had returned thanks very
prettily. The Python dropped his head lightly for a minute on Mowgli s
shoulder. A brave heart and a courteous tongue, said he. They shall
carry thee far through the jungle, manling. But now go hence quickly
with thy friends. Go and sleep, for the moon sets, and what follows it
is not well that thou shouldst see.
The moon was sinking behind the hills and the lines of trembling monkeys
huddled together on the walls and battlements looked like ragged shaky
fringes of things. Baloo went down to the tank for a drink and Bagheera
began to put his fur in order, as Kaa glided out into the center of the
terrace and brought his jaws together with a ringing snap that drew all
the monkeys eyes upon him.
The moon sets, he said. Is there yet light enough to see?
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