They are not unlike the Pack, these brothers of thine, said Akela,
sitting down composedly. It is in my head that, if bullets mean
anything, they would cast thee out.
Wolf! Wolf s cub! Go away! shouted the priest, waving a sprig of the
sacred tulsi plant.
Again? Last time it was because I was a man. This time it is because I
am a wolf. Let us go, Akela.
A woman--it was Messua--ran across to the herd, and cried: Oh, my son,
my son! They say thou art a sorcerer who can turn himself into a beast
at will. I do not believe, but go away or they will kill thee. Buldeo
says thou art a wizard, but I know thou hast avenged Nathoo s death.
Come back, Messua! shouted the crowd. Come back, or we will stone
thee.
Mowgli laughed a little short ugly laugh, for a stone had hit him in
the mouth. Run back, Messua. This is one of the foolish tales they tell
under the big tree at dusk. I have at least paid for thy son s life.
Farewell; and run quickly, for I shall send the herd in more swiftly
than their brickbats. I am no wizard, Messua. Farewell!
Now, once more, Akela, he cried. Bring the herd in.
The buffaloes were anxious enough to get to the village. They hardly
needed Akela s yell, but charged through the gate like a whirlwind,
scattering the crowd right and left.
Keep count! shouted Mowgli scornfully. It may be that I have stolen
one of them. Keep count, for I will do your herding no more. Fare you
well, children of men, and thank Messua that I do not come in with my
wolves and hunt you up and down your street.
He turned on his heel and walked away with the Lone Wolf, and as he
looked up at the stars he felt happy. No more sleeping in traps for me,
Akela. Let us get Shere Khan s skin and go away. No, we will not hurt
the village, for Messua was kind to me.
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