AndthisshedoessowellthatthereisnospringintheworldliketheJunglespring。
　　Thereisonedaywhenallthingsaretired，andtheverysmells，astheydriftontheheavyair，areoldandused。Onecannotexplainthis，butitfeelsso。Thenthereisanotherday——totheeyenothingwhateverhaschanged——whenallthesmellsarenewanddelightful，andthewhiskersoftheJunglePeoplequivertotheirroots，andthewinterhaircomesawayfromtheirsidesinlong，draggledlocks。Then，perhaps，alittlerainfalls，andallthetreesandthebushesandthebamboosandthemossesandthejuicy-leavedplantswakewithanoiseofgrowingthatyoucanalmosthear，andunderthisnoiseruns，dayandnight，adeephum。THATisthenoiseofthespring——avibratingboomwhichisneitherbees，norfallingwater，northewindintree-
　　tops，butthepurringofthewarm，happyworld。
　　UptothisyearMowglihadalwaysdelightedintheturnoftheseasons。ItwashewhogenerallysawthefirstEye-of-the-Springdeepdownamongthegrasses，andthefirstbankofspringclouds，whicharelikenothingelseintheJungle。Hisvoicecouldbeheardinallsortsofwet，star-lighted，blossomingplaces，helpingthebigfrogsthroughtheirchoruses，ormockingthelittleupside-downowlsthathootthroughthewhitenights。
　　Likeallhispeople，springwastheseasonhechoseforhisflittings——moving，forthemerejoyofrushingthroughthewarmair，thirty，forty，orfiftymilesbetweentwilightandthemorningstar，andcomingbackpantingandlaughingandwreathedwithstrangeflowers。TheFourdidnotfollowhimonthesewildringingsoftheJungle，butwentofftosingsongswithotherwolves。TheJunglePeopleareverybusyinthespring，andMowglicouldhearthemgruntingandscreamingandwhistlingaccordingtotheirkind。Theirvoicesthenaredifferentfromtheirvoicesatothertimesoftheyear，andthatisoneofthereasonswhyspringintheJungleiscalledtheTimeofNewTalk。
　　Butthatspring，ashetoldBagheera，hisstomachwaschangedinhim。Eversincethebambooshootsturnedspotty-brownhehadbeenlookingforwardtothemorningwhenthesmellsshouldchange。Butwhenthemorningcame，andMorthePeacock，blazinginbronzeandblueandgold，crieditaloudallalongthemistywoods，andMowgliopenedhismouthtosendonthecry，thewordschokedbetweenhisteeth，andafeelingcameoverhimthatbeganathistoesandendedinhishair——afeelingofpureunhappiness，sothathelookedhimselfovertobesurethathehadnottrodonathorn。Morcriedthenewsmells，theotherbirdstookitover，andfromtherocksbytheWaingungaheheardBagheera’shoarsescream——somethingbetweenthescreamofaneagleandtheneighingofahorse。TherewasayellingandscatteringofBandar-loginthenew-buddingbranchesabove，andtherestoodMowgli，hischest，filledtoanswerMor，sinkinginlittlegaspsasthebreathwasdrivenoutofitbythisunhappiness。
　　Hestaredallroundhim，buthecouldseenomorethanthemockingBandar-logscuddingthroughthetrees，andMor，histailspreadinfullsplendour，dancingontheslopesbelow。
　　"Thesmellshavechanged，"screamedMor。"Goodhunting，LittleBrother！Whereisthyanswer？"
　　"LittleBrother，goodhunting！"whistledChiltheKiteandhismate，swoopingdowntogether。ThetwobaffedunderMowgli’snosesoclosethatapinchofdownywhitefeathersbrushedaway。
　　Alightspringrain——elephant-raintheycallit——droveacrosstheJungleinabelthalfamilewide，leftthenewleaveswetandnoddingbehind，anddiedoutinadoublerainbowandalightrollofthunder。Thespringhumbrokeoutforaminute，andwassilent，butalltheJungleFolkseemedtobegivingtongueatonce。AllexceptMowgli。
　　"Ihaveeatengoodfood，"hesaidtohimself。"Ihavedrunkgoodwater。Nordoesmythroatburnandgrowsmall，asitdidwhenIbittheblue-spottedrootthatOotheTurtlesaidwascleanfood。Butmystomachisheavy，andIhavegivenverybadtalktoBagheeraandothers，peopleoftheJungleandmypeople。
　　Now，too，IamhotandnowIamcold，andnowIamneitherhotnorcold，butangrywiththatwhichIcannotsee。Huhu！Itistimetomakearunning！To-nightIwillcrosstheranges；yes，IwillmakeaspringrunningtotheMarshesoftheNorth，andbackagain。Ihavehuntedtooeasilytoolong。TheFourshallcomewithme，fortheygrowasfataswhitegrubs。"
　　Hecalled，butneveroneoftheFouranswered。Theywerefarbeyondearshot，singingoverthespringsongs——theMoonandSambhurSongs——withthewolvesofthepack；forinthespring-
　　timetheJunglePeoplemakeverylittledifferencebetweenthedayandthenight。Hegavethesharp，barkingnote，buthisonlyanswerwasthemockingmaiouofthelittlespottedtree-catwindinginandoutamongthebranchesforearlybirds’nests。
　　Atthisheshookalloverwithrage，andhalfdrewhisknife。
　　Thenhebecameveryhaughty，thoughtherewasnoonetoseehim，andstalkedseverelydownthehillside，chinupandeyebrowsdown。Butneverasingleoneofhispeopleaskedhimaquestion，fortheywerealltoobusywiththeirownaffairs。
　　"Yes，"saidMowglitohimself，thoughinhisheartheknewthathehadnoreason。"LettheRedDholecomefromtheDekkan，ortheRedFlowerdanceamongthebamboos，andalltheJunglerunswhiningtoMowgli，callinghimgreatelephant-names。
　　Butnow，becauseEye-of-the-Springisred，andMor，forsooth，mustshowhisnakedlegsinsomespringdance，theJunglegoesmadasTabaqui……BytheBullthatboughtme！amItheMasteroftheJungle，oramInot？Besilent！Whatdoyehere？"
　　AcoupleofyoungwolvesofthePackwerecanteringdownapath，lookingforopengroundinwhichtofight。（YouwillrememberthattheLawoftheJungleforbidsfightingwherethePackcansee。）Theirneck-bristleswereasstiffaswire，andtheybayedfuriously，crouchingforthefirstgrapple。Mowglileapedforward，caughtoneoutstretchedthroatineitherhand，expectingtoflingthecreaturesbackwardashehadoftendoneingamesorPackhunts。Buthehadneverbeforeinterferedwithaspringfight。Thetwoleapedforwardanddashedhimaside，andwithoutwordtowasterolledoverandovercloselocked。
　　Mowgliwasonhisfeetalmostbeforehefell，hisknifeandhiswhiteteethwerebared，andatthatminutehewouldhavekilledbothfornoreasonbutthattheywerefightingwhenhewishedthemtobequiet，althougheverywolfhasfullrightundertheLawtofight。Hedancedroundthemwithloweredshouldersandquiveringhand，readytosendinadoubleblowwhenthefirstflurryofthescuffleshouldbeover；butwhilehewaitedthestrengthseemedtoebbfromhisbody，theknife-pointlowered，andhesheathedtheknifeandwatched。
　　"Ihavesurelyeatenpoison，"hesighedatlast。SinceIbrokeuptheCouncilwiththeRedFlower——sinceIkilledShereKhan——
　　noneofthePackcouldflingmeaside。Andthesebeonlytail-
　　wolvesinthePack，littlehunters！Mystrengthisgonefromme，andpresentlyIshalldie。Oh，Mowgli，whydostthounotkillthemboth？"
　　Thefightwentontillonewolfranaway，andMowgliwasleftaloneonthetornandbloodyground，lookingnowathisknife，andnowathislegsandarms，whilethefeelingofunhappinesshehadneverknownbeforecoveredhimaswatercoversalog。
　　Hekilledearlythateveningandatebutlittle，soastobeingoodfettleforhisspringrunning，andheatealonebecausealltheJunglePeoplewereawaysingingorfighting。Itwasaperfectwhitenight，astheycallit。Allgreenthingsseemedtohavemadeamonth’sgrowthsincethemorning。Thebranchthatwasyellow-leavedthedaybeforedrippedsapwhenMowglibrokeit。Themossescurleddeepandwarmoverhisfeet，theyounggrasshadnocuttingedges，andallthevoicesoftheJungleboomedlikeonedeepharp-stringtouchedbythemoon——theMoonofNewTalk，whosplashedherlightfullonrockandpool，slippeditbetweentrunkandcreeper，andsifteditthroughamillionleaves。Forgettinghisunhappiness，Mowglisangaloudwithpuredelightashesettledintohisstride。Itwasmorelikeflyingthananythingelse，forhehadchosenthelongdownwardslopethatleadstotheNorthernMarshesthroughtheheartofthemainJungle，wherethespringygrounddeadenedthefallofhisfeet。Aman-taughtmanwouldhavepickedhiswaywithmanystumblesthroughthecheatingmoonlight，butMowgli’smuscles，trainedbyyearsofexperience，borehimupasthoughhewereafeather。Whenarottenlogorahiddenstoneturnedunderhisfoothesavedhimself，nevercheckinghispace，withouteffortandwithoutthought。Whenhetiredofground-
　　goinghethrewuphishandsmonkey-fashiontothenearestcreeper，andseemedtofloatratherthantoclimbupintothethinbranches，whencehewouldfollowatree-roadtillhismoodchanged，andheshotdownwardinalong，leafycurvetothelevelsagain。Therewerestill，hothollowssurroundedbywetrockswherehecouldhardlybreathefortheheavyscentsofthenightflowersandthebloomalongthecreeperbuds；darkavenueswherethemoonlightlayinbeltsasregularascheckeredmarblesinachurchaisle；thicketswherethewetyounggrowthstoodbreast-highabouthimandthrewitsarmsroundhiswaist；
　　andhilltopscrownedwithbrokenrock，whereheleapedfromstonetostoneabovethelairsofthefrightenedlittlefoxes。
　　Hewouldhear，veryfaintandfaroff，thechug-drugofaboarsharpeninghistusksonabole；andwouldcomeacrossthegreatgraybruteallalone，scribingandrendingthebarkofatalltree，hismouthdrippingwithfoam，andhiseyesblazinglikefire。Orhewouldturnasidetothesoundofclashinghornsandhissinggrunts，anddashpastacoupleoffurioussambhur，staggeringtoandfrowithloweredheads，stripedwithbloodthatshowedblackinthemoonlight。OratsomerushingfordhewouldhearJacalatheCrocodilebellowinglikeabull，ordisturbatwinedknotofthePoisonPeople，butbeforetheycouldstrikehewouldbeawayandacrosstheglisteningshingle，anddeepintheJungleagain。
　　Soheran，sometimesshouting，sometimessingingtohimself，thehappiestthinginalltheJunglethatnight，tillthesmelloftheflowerswarnedhimthathewasnearthemarshes，andthoselayfarbeyondhisfarthesthunting-grounds。
　　Here，again，aman-trainedmanwouldhavesunkoverheadinthreestrides，butMowgli’sfeethadeyesinthem，andtheypassedhimfromtussocktotussockandclumptoquakingclumpwithoutaskinghelpfromtheeyesinhishead。Heranouttothemiddleoftheswamp，disturbingtheduckasheran，andsatdownonamoss-coatedtree-trunklappedintheblackwater。Themarshwasawakeallroundhim，forinthespringtheBirdPeoplesleepverylightly，andcompaniesofthemwerecomingorgoingthenightthrough。ButnoonetookanynoticeofMowglisittingamongthetallreedshummingsongswithoutwords，andlookingatthesolesofhishardbrownfeetincaseofneglectedthorns。
　　AllhisunhappinessseemedtohavebeenleftbehindinhisownJungle，andhewasjustbeginningafull-throatsongwhenitcamebackagain——tentimesworsethanbefore。
　　ThistimeMowgliwasfrightened。"Itisherealso！"hesaidhalfaloud。"Ithasfollowedme，"andhelookedoverhisshouldertoseewhethertheItwerenotstandingbehindhim。"Thereisnoonehere。"Thenightnoisesofthemarshwenton，butneverabirdorbeastspoketohim，andthenewfeelingofmiserygrew。
　　"Ihavesurelyeatenpoison，"hesaidinanawe-strickenvoice。
　　"ItmustbethatcarelesslyIhaveeatenpoison，andmystrengthisgoingfromme。Iwasafraid——andyetitwasnot_I_thatwasafraid——Mowgliwasafraidwhenthetwowolvesfought。Akela，orevenPhao，wouldhavesilencedthem；yetMowgliwasafraid。
　　ThatistruesignIhaveeatenpoison……ButwhatdotheycareintheJungle？Theysingandhowlandfight，andrunincompaniesunderthemoon，andI——Hai-mai！——Iamdyinginthemarshes，ofthatpoisonwhichIhaveeaten。"Hewassosorryforhimselfthathenearlywept。"Andafter，"hewenton，"theywillfindmelyingintheblackwater。Nay，IwillgobacktomyownJungle，andIwilldieupontheCouncilRock，andBagheera，whomIlove，ifheisnotscreaminginthevalley——Bagheera，perhaps，maywatchbywhatisleftforalittle，lestChilusemeasheusedAkela。"
　　Alarge，warmtearsplasheddownonhisknee，and，miserableashewas，Mowglifelthappythathewassomiserable，ifyoucanunderstandthatupside-downsortofhappiness。"AsChiltheKiteusedAkela，"herepeated，"onthenightIsavedthePackfromRedDog。"Hewasquietforalittle，thinkingofthelastwordsoftheLoneWolf，whichyou，ofcourse，remember。
　　"NowAkelasaidtomemanyfoolishthingsbeforehedied，forwhenwedieourstomachschange。Hesaid……Nonetheless，IAMoftheJungle！"
　　Inhisexcitement，asherememberedthefightonWaingungabank，heshoutedthelastwordsaloud，andawildbuffalo-cowamongthereedssprangtoherknees，snorting，"Man！"
　　"Uhh！"saidMysatheWildBuffalo（Mowglicouldhearhimturninhiswallow），"THATisnoman。ItisonlythehairlesswolfoftheSeeoneePack。Onsuchnightsrunshetoandfro。"
　　"Uhh！"saidthecow，droppingherheadagaintograze，"IthoughtitwasMan。"
　　"Isayno。Oh，Mowgli，isitdanger？"lowedMysa。
　　"Oh，Mowgli，isitdanger？"theboycalledbackmockingly。
　　"ThatisallMysathinksfor：Isitdanger？ButforMowgli，whogoestoandfrointheJunglebynight，watching，whatdoyecare？"
　　"Howloudhecries！"saidthecow。"Thusdotheycry，"Mysaansweredcontemptuously，"who，havingtornupthegrass，knownothowtoeatit。"
　　"Forlessthanthis，"Mowgligroanedtohimself，forlessthanthisevenlastRainsIhadprickedMysaoutofhiswallow，andriddenhimthroughtheswamponarushhalter。"Hestretchedahandtobreakoneofthefeatheryreeds，butdrewitbackwithasigh。Mysawentonsteadilychewingthecud，andthelonggrassrippedwherethecowgrazed。"IwillnotdieHERE，"
　　hesaidangrily。"Mysa，whoisofonebloodwithJacalaandthepig，wouldseeme。Letusgobeyondtheswampandseewhatcomes。NeverhaveIrunsuchaspringrunning——hotandcoldtogether。Up，Mowgli！"
　　HecouldnotresistthetemptationofstealingacrossthereedstoMysaandprickinghimwiththepointofhisknife。Thegreatdrippingbullbrokeoutofhiswallowlikeashellexploding，whileMowglilaughedtillhesatdown。
　　"SaynowthatthehairlesswolfoftheSeeoneePackonceherdedthee，Mysa，"hecalled。
　　"Wolf！THOU？"thebullsnorted，stampinginthemud。"Allthejungleknowsthouwastaherderoftamecattle——suchaman’sbratasshoutsinthedustbythecropsyonder。THOUoftheJungle！Whathunterwouldhavecrawledlikeasnakeamongtheleeches，andforamuddyjest——ajackal’sjest——haveshamedmebeforemycow？Cometofirmground，andIwill——Iwill……"
　　Mysafrothedatthemouth，forMysahasnearlytheworsttemperofanyoneintheJungle。
　　Mowgliwatchedhimpuffandblowwitheyesthatneverchanged。
　　Whenhecouldmakehimselfheardthroughthepatteringmud，hesaid："WhatMan-Packlairherebythemarshes，Mysa？ThisisnewJungletome。"
　　"Gonorth，then，"roaredtheangrybull，forMowglihadprickedhimrathersharply。"Itwasanakedcow-herd’sjest。Goandtellthematthevillageatthefootofthemarsh。"
　　"TheMan-Packdonotlovejungle-tales，nordoIthink，Mysa，thatascratchmoreorlessonthyhideisanymatterforacouncil。ButIwillgoandlookatthisvillage。Yes，Iwillgo。
　　Softlynow。ItisnoteverynightthattheMasteroftheJunglecomestoherdthee。"
　　Hesteppedouttotheshiveringgroundontheedgeofthemarsh，wellknowingthatMysawouldneverchargeoveritandlaughed，asheran，tothinkofthebull’sanger。
　　"Mystrengthisnotaltogethergone，"hesaid。Itmaybethatthepoisonisnottothebone。Thereisastarsittinglowyonder。"Helookedatitbetweenhishalf-shuthands。"BytheBullthatboughtme，itistheRedFlower——theRedFlowerthatIlaybesidebefore——beforeIcameeventothefirstSeeoneePack！NowthatIhaveseen，Iwillfinishtherunning。"
　　Themarshendedinabroadplainwherealighttwinkled。
　　ItwasalongtimesinceMowglihadconcernedhimselfwiththedoingsofmen，butthisnighttheglimmeroftheRedFlowerdrewhimforward。
　　"Iwilllook，"saidhe，"asIdidintheolddays，andIwillseehowfartheMan-Packhaschanged。"
　　ForgettingthathewasnolongerinhisownJungle，wherehecoulddowhathepleased，hetrodcarelesslythroughthedew-
　　loadedgrassestillhecametothehutwherethelightstood。
　　Threeorfouryelpingdogsgavetongue，forhewasontheoutskirtsofavillage。
　　"Ho！"saidMowgli，sittingdownnoiselessly，aftersendingbackadeepwolf-growlthatsilencedthecurs。"Whatcomeswillcome。
　　Mowgli，whathastthoutodoanymorewiththelairsoftheMan-Pack？"Herubbedhismouth，rememberingwhereastonehadstruckityearsagowhentheotherMan-Packhadcasthimout。
　　Thedoorofthehutopened，andawomanstoodpeeringoutintothedarkness。Achildcried，andthewomansaidoverhershoulder，"Sleep。Itwasbutajackalthatwakedthedogs。
　　Inalittletimemorningcomes。"
　　Mowgliinthegrassbegantoshakeasthoughhehadfever。
　　Heknewthatvoicewell，buttomakesurehecriedsoftly，surprisedtofindhowman’stalkcameback，"Messua！OMessua！"
　　"Whocalls？"saidthewoman，aquiverinhervoice。
　　"Hastthouforgotten？"saidMowgli。Histhroatwasdryashespoke。
　　"IfitbeTHOU，whatnamedidIgivethee？Say！"Shehadhalfshutthedoor，andherhandwasclutchingatherbreast。
　　"Nathoo！Ohe，Nathoo！"saidMowgli，for，asyouremember，thatwasthenameMessuagavehimwhenhefirstcametotheMan-Pack。
　　"Come，myson，"shecalled，andMowglisteppedintothelight，andlookedfullatMessua，thewomanwhohadbeengoodtohim，andwhoselifehehadsavedfromtheMan-Packsolongbefore。
　　Shewasolder，andherhairwasgray，buthereyesandhervoicehadnotchanged。Woman-like，sheexpectedtofindMowgliwhereshehadlefthim，andhereyestravelledupwardinapuzzledwayfromhischesttohishead，thattouchedthetopofthedoor。
　　"Myson，"shestammered；andthen，sinkingtohisfeet："Butitisnolongermyson。ItisaGodlingoftheWoods！Ahai！"
　　Ashestoodintheredlightoftheoil-lamp，strong，tall，andbeautiful，hislongblackhairsweepingoverhisshoulders，theknifeswingingathisneck，andhisheadcrownedwithawreathofwhitejasmine，hemighteasilyhavebeenmistakenforsomewildgodofajunglelegend。Thechildhalfasleeponacotsprangupandshriekedaloudwithterror。Messuaturnedtosoothehim，whileMowglistoodstill，lookinginatthewater-
　　jarsandthecooking-pots，thegrain-bin，andalltheotherhumanbelongingsthathefoundhimselfrememberingsowell。
　　"Whatwiltthoueatordrink？"Messuamurmured。"Thisisallthine。Weoweourlivestothee。ButartthouhimIcalledNathoo，oraGodling，indeed？"
　　"IamNathoo，"saidMowgli，"Iamveryfarfrommyownplace。
　　Isawthislight，andcamehither。Ididnotknowthouwasthere。"
　　"AfterwecametoKhanhiwara，"Messuasaidtimidly，"theEnglishwouldhavehelpedusagainstthosevillagersthatsoughttoburnus。Rememberestthou？"
　　"Indeed，Ihavenotforgotten。"
　　"ButwhentheEnglishLawwasmadeready，wewenttothevillageofthoseevilpeople，anditwasnomoretobefound。"
　　"ThatalsoIremember，"saidMowgli，withaquiverofhisnostril。
　　"Myman，therefore，tookserviceinthefields，andatlast——
　　for，indeed，hewasastrongman——weheldalittlelandhere。
　　Itisnotsorichastheoldvillage，butwedonotneedmuch——
　　wetwo。"
　　"Whereishethemanthatduginthedirtwhenhewasafraidonthatnight？"
　　"Heisdead——ayear。"
　　"Andhe？"Mowglipointedtothechild。
　　"MysonthatwasborntwoRainsago。IfthouartaGodling，givehimtheFavouroftheJungle，thathemaybesafeamongthy——thypeople，asweweresafeonthatnight。"
　　Sheliftedupthechild，who，forgettinghisfright，reachedouttoplaywiththeknifethathungonMowgli’schest，andMowgliputthelittlefingersasideverycarefully。
　　"AndifthouartNathoowhomthetigercarriedaway，"Messuawenton，choking，"heisthenthyyoungerbrother。Givehimanelderbrother’sblessing。"
　　"Hai-mai！WhatdoIknowofthethingcalledablessing？
　　IamneitheraGodlingnorhisbrother，and——Omother，mother，myheartisheavyinme。"Heshiveredashesetdownthechild。
　　"Likeenough，"saidMessua，bustlingamongthecooking-pots。
　　"Thiscomesofrunningaboutthemarshesbynight。
　　Beyondquestion，thefeverhadsoakedtheetothemarrow。"
　　MowglismiledalittleattheideaofanythingintheJunglehurtinghim。"Iwillmakeafire，andthoushaltdrinkwarmmilk。Putawaythejasminewreath：thesmellisheavyinsosmallaplace。"
　　Mowglisatdown，muttering，withhisfaceinhishands。
　　Allmannerofstrangefeelingsthathehadneverfeltbeforewererunningoverhim，exactlyasthoughhehadbeenpoisoned，andhefeltdizzyandalittlesick。Hedrankthewarmmilkinlonggulps，Messuapattinghimontheshoulderfromtimetotime，notquitesurewhetherhewerehersonNathooofthelongagodays，orsomewonderfulJunglebeing，butgladtofeelthathewasatleastfleshandblood。
　　"Son，"shesaidatlast，——hereyeswerefullofpride，——
　　"haveanytoldtheethatthouartbeautifulbeyondallmen？"
　　"Hah？"saidMowgli，fornaturallyhehadneverheardanythingofthekind。Messualaughedsoftlyandhappily。Thelookinhisfacewasenoughforher。
　　"Iamthefirst，then？Itisright，thoughitcomesseldom，thatamothershouldtellhersonthesegoodthings。Thouartverybeautiful。NeverhaveIlookeduponsuchaman。"
　　Mowglitwistedhisheadandtriedtoseeoverhisownhardshoulder，andMessualaughedagainsolongthatMowgli，notknowingwhy，wasforcedtolaughwithher，andthechildranfromonetotheother，laughingtoo。
　　"Nay，thoumustnotmockthybrother，"saidMessua，catchinghimtoherbreast。"Whenthouartone-halfasfairwewillmarrytheetotheyoungestdaughterofaking，andthoushaltridegreatelephants。"
　　Mowglicouldnotunderstandonewordinthreeofthetalkhere；
　　thewarmmilkwastakingeffectonhimafterhislongrun，sohecurledupandinaminutewasdeepasleep，andMessuaputthehairbackfromhiseyes，threwaclothoverhim，andwashappy。
　　Jungle-fashion，hesleptouttherestofthatnightandallthenextday；forhisinstincts，whichneverwhollyslept，warnedhimtherewasnothingtofear。Hewakedatlastwithaboundthatshookthehut，fortheclothoverhisfacemadehimdreamoftraps；andtherehestood，hishandonhisknife，thesleepallheavyinhisrollingeyes，readyforanyfight。
　　Messualaughed，andsettheeveningmealbeforehim。Therewereonlyafewcoarsecakesbakedoverthesmokyfire，somerice，andalumpofsourpreservedtamarinds——justenoughtogoonwithtillhecouldgettohiseveningkill。Thesmellofthedewinthemarshesmadehimhungryandrestless。Hewantedtofinishhisspringrunning，butthechildinsistedonsittinginhisarms，andMessuawouldhaveitthathislong，blue-blackhairmusthecombedout。Soshesang，asshecombed，foolishlittlebaby-songs，nowcallingMowgliherson，andnowbegginghimtogivesomeofhisjunglepowertothechild。Thehutdoorwasclosed，butMowgliheardasoundheknewwell，andsawMessua’sjawdropwithhorrorasagreatgraypawcameunderthebottomofthedoor，andGrayBrotheroutsidewhinedamuffledandpenitentwhineofanxietyandfear。
　　"Outandwait！YewouldnotcomewhenIcalled，"saidMowgliinJungle-talk，withoutturninghishead，andthegreatgraypawdisappeared。
　　"Donot——donotbringthy——thyservantswiththee，"saidMessua。
　　"I——wehavealwayslivedatpeacewiththeJungle。"
　　"Itispeace，"saidMowgli，rising。"ThinkofthatnightontheroadtoKhanhiwara。Therewerescoresofsuchfolkbeforetheeandbehindthee。ButIseethateveninspringtimetheJunglePeopledonotalwaysforget。Mother，Igo。"
　　Messuadrewasidehumbly——hewasindeedawood-god，shethought；
　　butashishandwasonthedoorthemotherinhermadeherthrowherarmsroundMowgli’sneckagainandagain。
　　"Comeback！"shewhispered。"Sonornoson，comeback，forI
　　lovethee——Look，hetoogrieves。"
　　Thechildwascryingbecausethemanwiththeshinyknifewasgoingaway。
　　"Comebackagain，"Messuarepeated。"Bynightorbydaythisdoorisnevershuttothee。"
　　Mowgli’sthroatworkedasthoughthecordsinitwerebeingpulled，andhisvoiceseemedtobedraggedfromitasheanswered，"Iwillsurelycomeback。"
　　"Andnow，"hesaid，asheputbytheheadofthefawningwolfonthethreshold，"Ihavealittlecryagainstthee，GrayBrother。
　　WhycameyenotallfourwhenIcalledsolongago？"
　　"Solongago？Itwasbutlastnight。I——we——weresingingintheJunglethenewsongs，forthisistheTimeofNewTalk。
　　Rememberestthou？"
　　"Truly，truly。"
　　"Andassoonasthesongsweresung，"GrayBrotherwentonearnestly，"Ifollowedthytrail。Iranfromalltheothersandfollowedhot-foot。But，OLittleBrother，whathastTHOUdone，eatingandsleepingwiththeMan-Pack？"
　　"IfyehadcomewhenIcalled，thishadneverbeen，"saidMowgli，runningmuchfaster。
　　"Andnowwhatistobe？"saidGrayBrother。Mowgliwasgoingtoanswerwhenagirlinawhiteclothcamedownsomepaththatledfromtheoutskirtsofthevillage。GrayBrotherdroppedoutofsightatonce，andMowglibackednoiselesslyintoafieldofhigh-springingcrops。Hecouldalmosthavetouchedherwithhishandwhenthewarm，greenstalksclosedbeforehisfaceandhedisappearedlikeaghost。Thegirlscreamed，forshethoughtshehadseenaspirit，andthenshegaveadeepsigh。
　　Mowglipartedthestalkswithhishandsandwatchedhertillshewasoutofsight。
　　"AndnowIdonotknow，"hesaid，sighinginhisturn。"WHYdidyenotcomewhenIcalled？"
　　"Wefollowthee——wefollowthee，"GrayBrothermumbled，lickingatMowgli’sheel。"Wefollowtheealways，exceptintheTimeoftheNewTalk。"
　　"AndwouldyefollowmetotheMan-Pack？"Mowgliwhispered。
　　"DidInotfollowtheeonthenightouroldPackcasttheeout？
　　Whowakedtheelyingamongthecrops？"
　　"Ay，butagain？"
　　"HaveInotfollowedtheeto-night？"
　　"Ay，butagainandagain，anditmaybeagain，GrayBrother？"
　　GrayBrotherwassilent。Whenhespokehegrowledtohimself，"TheBlackOnespoketruth。"
　　"Andhesaid？"
　　"MangoestoManatthelast。Raksha，ourmother，said————"
　　"SoalsosaidAkelaonthenightofRedDog，"Mowglimuttered。
　　"SoalsosaysKaa，whoiswiserthanusall。"
　　"Whatdostthousay，GrayBrother？"
　　"Theycasttheeoutonce，withbadtalk。Theycutthymouthwithstones。TheysentBuldeotoslaythee。TheywouldhavethrowntheeintotheRedFlower。Thou，andnotI，hastsaidthattheyareevilandsenseless。Thou，andnotI——Ifollowmyownpeople——didstletintheJungleuponthem。Thou，andnotI，didstmakesongagainstthemmorebittereventhanoursongagainstRedDog。"
　　"IasktheewhatTHOUsayest？"
　　Theyweretalkingastheyran。GrayBrothercanteredonawhilewithoutreplying，andthenhesaid，——betweenboundandboundasitwere，——"Man-cub——MasteroftheJungle——SonofRaksha，Lair-
　　brothertome——thoughIforgetforalittlewhileinthespring，thytrailismytrail，thylairismylair，thykillismykill，andthydeath-fightismydeath-fight。IspeakfortheThree。
　　ButwhatwiltthousaytotheJungle？"
　　"Thatiswellthought。Betweenthesightandthekillitisnotgoodtowait。GobeforeandcrythemalltotheCouncilRock，andIwilltellthemwhatisinmystomach。Buttheymaynotcome——intheTimeofNewTalktheymayforgetme。"
　　"Hastthou，then，forgottennothing？"snappedGrayBrotheroverhisshoulder，ashelaidhimselfdowntogallop，andMowglifollowed，thinking。
　　AtanyotherseasonthenewswouldhavecalledalltheJungletogetherwithbristlingnecks，butnowtheywerebusyhuntingandfightingandkillingandsinging。FromonetoanotherGrayBrotherran，crying，"TheMasteroftheJunglegoesbacktoMan！
　　CometotheCouncilRock。"Andthehappy，eagerPeopleonlyanswered，"Hewillreturninthesummerheats。TheRainswilldrivehimtolair。Runandsingwithus，GrayBrother。"
　　"ButtheMasteroftheJunglegoesbacktoMan，"GrayBrotherwouldrepeat。
　　"Eee——Yoawa？IstheTimeofNewTalkanylesssweetforthat？"
　　theywouldreply。SowhenMowgli，heavy-hearted，cameupthroughthewell-rememberedrockstotheplacewherehehadbeenbroughtintotheCouncil，hefoundonlytheFour，Baloo，whowasnearlyblindwithage，andtheheavy，cold-bloodedKaacoiledaroundAkela’semptyseat。
　　"Thytrailendshere，then，Manling？"saidKaa，asMowglithrewhimselfdown，hisfaceinhishands。"Crythycry。Webeofoneblood，thouandI——manandsnaketogether。"
　　"WhydidInotdieunderRedDog？"theboymoaned。"Mystrengthisgonefromme，anditisnotanypoison。BynightandbydayIhearadoublestepuponmytrail。WhenIturnmyheaditisasthoughonehadhiddenhimselffrommethatinstant。Igotolookbehindthetreesandheisnotthere。Icallandnonecryagain；
　　butitisasthoughonelistenedandkeptbacktheanswer。Iliedown，butIdonotrest。Irunthespringrunning，butIamnotmadestill。Ibathe，butIamnotmadecool。Thekillsickensme，butIhavenohearttofightexceptIkill。TheRedFlowerisinmybody，mybonesarewater——and——IknownotwhatIknow。"
　　"Whatneedoftalk？"saidBalooslowly，turninghisheadtowhereMowglilay。"Akelabytheriversaidit，thatMowglishoulddriveMowglibacktotheMan-Pack。Isaidit。ButwholistensnowtoBaloo？Bagheera——whereisBagheerathisnight？——
　　heknowsalso。ItistheLaw。"
　　"WhenwemetatColdLairs，Manling，Iknewit，"saidKaa，turningalittleinhismightycoils。"MangoestoManatthelast，thoughtheJungledoesnotcasthimout。"
　　TheFourlookedatoneanotherandatMowgli，puzzledbutobedient。
　　"TheJungledoesnotcastmeout，then？"Mowglistammered。
　　GrayBrotherandtheThreegrowledfuriously，beginning，"Solongaswelivenoneshalldare————"ButBaloocheckedthem。
　　"ItaughttheetheLaw。Itisformetospeak，"hesaid；
　　"and，thoughIcannotnowseetherocksbeforeme，Iseefar。
　　LittleFrog，takethineowntrail；makethylairwiththineownbloodandpackandpeople；butwhenthereisneedoffootortoothoreye，orawordcarriedswiftlybynight，remember，MasteroftheJungle，theJungleisthineatcall。"
　　"TheMiddleJungleisthinealso，"saidKaa。Ispeakfornosmallpeople。"
　　"Hai-mai，mybrothers，"criedMowgli，throwinguphisarmswithasob。"IknownotwhatIknow！Iwouldnotgo；butIamdrawnbybothfeet。HowshallIleavethesenights？"
　　"Nay，lookup，LittleBrother，"Baloorepeated。Thereisnoshameinthishunting。Whenthehoneyiseatenweleavetheemptyhive。"
　　"Havingcasttheskin，"saidKaa，"wemaynotcreepintoitafresh。ItistheLaw。"
　　"Listen，dearestofalltome，"saidBaloo。Thereisneitherwordnorwillheretoholdtheeback。Lookup！WhomayquestiontheMasteroftheJungle？Isawtheeplayingamongthewhitepebblesyonderwhenthouwastalittlefrog；andBagheera，thatboughttheeforthepriceofayoungbullnewlykilled，sawtheealso。OfthatLookingOverwetwoonlyremain；
　　forRaksha，thylair-mother，isdeadwiththylair-father；
　　theoldWolf-Packislongsincedead；thouknowestwhitherShereKhanwent，andAkeladiedamongthedholes，where，butforthywisdomandstrength，thesecondSeeoneePackwouldalsohavedied。Thereremainsnothingbutoldbones。ItisnolongertheMan-cubthatasksleaveofhisPack，buttheMasteroftheJunglethatchangeshistrail。WhoshallquestionManinhisways？"
　　"ButBagheeraandtheBullthatboughtme，"saidMowgli。
　　"Iwouldnot————"
　　Hiswordswerecutshortbyaroarandacrashinthethicketbelow，andBagheera，light，strong，andterribleasalways，stoodbeforehim。
　　"Therefore，"hesaid，stretchingoutadrippingrightpaw，"Ididnotcome。Itwasalonghunt，butheliesdeadinthebushesnow——abullinhissecondyear——theBullthatfreesthee，LittleBrother。Alldebtsarepaidnow。Fortherest，mywordisBaloo’sword。"HelickedMowgli’sfoot。"Remember，Bagheeralovedthee，"hecried，andboundedaway。Atthefootofthehillhecriedagainlongandloud，"Goodhuntingonanewtrail，MasteroftheJungle！Remember，Bagheeralovedthee。"
　　"Thouhastheard，"saidBaloo。"Thereisnomore。Gonow；
　　butfirstcometome。OwiseLittleFrog，cometome！"
　　"Itishardtocasttheskin，"saidKaaasMowglisobbedandsobbed，withhisheadontheblindbear’ssideandhisarmsroundhisneck，whileBalootriedfeeblytolickhisfeet。
　　"Thestarsarethin，"saidGrayBrother，snuffingatthedawnwind。"Whereshallwelairto-day？forfromnow，wefollownewtrails。"……
　　AndthisisthelastoftheMowglistories。
　　THEOUTSONG
　　[ThisisthesongthatMowgliheardbehindhimintheJungletillhecametoMessua’sdooragain。]
　　BalooForthesakeofhimwhoshowedOnewiseFrogtheJungle-Road，KeeptheLawtheMan-Packmake——
　　ForthyblindoldBaloo’ssake！
　　Cleanortainted，hotorstale，HolditasitweretheTrail，Throughthedayandthroughthenight，Questingneitherleftnorright。
　　ForthesakeofhimwholovesTheebeyondallelsethatmoves，WhenthyPackwouldmaketheepain，Say："Tabaquisingsagain。"
　　WhenthyPackwouldworktheeill，Say："ShereKhanisyettokill。"
　　Whentheknifeisdrawntoslay，KeeptheLawandgothyway。
　　（Rootandhoney，palmandspathe，Guardacubfromharmandscathe！）
　　WoodandWater，WindandTree，Jungle-Favourgowiththee！
　　KaaAngeristheeggofFear——
　　Onlylidlesseyesareclear。
　　Cobra-poisonnonemayleech。
　　EvensowithCobra-speech。
　　OpentalkshallcalltotheeStrength，whosemateisCourtesy。
　　Sendnolungebeyondthylength；
　　Lendnorottenboughthystrength。
　　Gaugethygapewithbuckorgoat，Lestthineeyeshouldchokethythroat，Aftergorging，wouldstthousleep？
　　Lookthydenishidanddeep，Lestawrong，bytheeforgot，Drawthykillertothespot。
　　EastandWestandNorthandSouth，Washthyhideandclosethymouth。
　　（Pitandriftandbluepool-brim，Middle-Junglefollowhim！）
　　WoodandWater，WindandTree，Jungle-Favourgowiththee！
　　BagheeraInthecagemylifebegan；
　　WellIknowtheworthofMan。
　　BytheBrokenLockthatfreed——
　　Man-cub，’waretheMan-cub’sbreed！
　　Scenting-deworstarlightpale，Choosenotangledtree-cattrail。
　　Packorcouncil，huntorden，CrynotrucewithJackal-Men。
　　Feedthemsilencewhentheysay：
　　"Comewithusaneasyway。"
　　FeedthemsilencewhentheyseekHelpofthinetohurttheweak。
　　Makenobanaar’sboastofskill；
　　Holdthypeaceabovethekill。
　　LetnorcallnorsongnorsignTurntheefromthyhunting-line。
　　（Morningmistortwilightclear，Servehim，WardensoftheDeer！）
　　WoodandWater，WindandTree，Jungle-Favourgowiththee！
　　TheThreeOnthetrailthatthoumusttreadTothethresholdsofourdread，WheretheFlowerblossomsred；
　　ThroughthenightswhenthoushaltliePrisonedfromourMother-sky，Hearingus，thyloves，goby；
　　InthedawnswhenthoushaltwakeTothetoilthoucanstnotbreak，HeartsickfortheJungle’ssake：
　　WoodandWater，WindandTree，Wisdom，Strength，andCourtesy，Jungle-Favourgowiththee！