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。