Oneday，ahighsummerfloodwashedhimoutoftheburrowwherehelivedwithhisfatherandmother，andcarriedhim，kickingandclucking，downaroadsideditch。Hefoundalittlewispofgrassfloatingthere，andclungtoittillhelosthissenses。Whenherevived，hewaslyinginthehotsunonthemiddleofagardenpath，verydraggledindeed，andasmallboywassaying，"Here’sadeadmongoose。Let’shaveafuneral。"
　　"No，"saidhismother，"let’stakehiminanddryhim。
　　Perhapsheisn’treallydead。"
　　Theytookhimintothehouse，andabigmanpickedhimupbetweenhisfingerandthumbandsaidhewasnotdeadbuthalfchoked。Sotheywrappedhimincottonwool，andwarmedhimoveralittlefire，andheopenedhiseyesandsneezed。
　　"Now，"saidthebigman（hewasanEnglishmanwhohadjustmovedintothebungalow），"don’tfrightenhim，andwe’llseewhathe’lldo。"
　　Itisthehardestthingintheworldtofrightenamongoose，becauseheiseatenupfromnosetotailwithcuriosity。Themottoofallthemongoosefamilyis"Runandfindout，"andRikki—tikkiwasatruemongoose。Helookedatthecottonwool，decidedthatitwasnotgoodtoeat，ranallroundthetable，satupandputhisfurinorder，scratchedhimself，andjumpedonthesmallboy’sshoulder。
　　"Don’tbefrightened，Teddy，"saidhisfather。"That’shiswayofmakingfriends。"
　　"Ouch！He’sticklingundermychin，"saidTeddy。
　　Rikki—tikkilookeddownbetweentheboy’scollarandneck，snuffedathisear，andclimbeddowntothefloor，wherehesatrubbinghisnose。
　　"Goodgracious，"saidTeddy’smother，"andthat’sawildcreature！Isupposehe’ssotamebecausewe’vebeenkindtohim。"
　　"Allmongoosesarelikethat，"saidherhusband。"IfTeddydoesn’tpickhimupbythetail，ortrytoputhiminacage，he’llruninandoutofthehousealldaylong。Let’sgivehimsomethingtoeat。"
　　Theygavehimalittlepieceofrawmeat。Rikki—tikkilikeditimmensely，andwhenitwasfinishedhewentoutintotheverandaandsatinthesunshineandfluffeduphisfurtomakeitdrytotheroots。Thenhefeltbetter。
　　"Therearemorethingstofindoutaboutinthishouse，"hesaidtohimself，"thanallmyfamilycouldfindoutinalltheirlives。Ishallcertainlystayandfindout。"
　　Hespentallthatdayroamingoverthehouse。Henearlydrownedhimselfinthebath—tubs，puthisnoseintotheinkonawritingtable，andburneditontheendofthebigman’scigar，forheclimbedupinthebigman’slaptoseehowwritingwasdone。AtnightfallheranintoTeddy’snurserytowatchhowkerosenelampswerelighted，andwhenTeddywenttobedRikki—tikkiclimbeduptoo。Buthewasarestlesscompanion，becausehehadtogetupandattendtoeverynoiseallthroughthenight，andfindoutwhatmadeit。Teddy’smotherandfathercamein，thelastthing，tolookattheirboy，andRikki—tikkiwasawakeonthepillow。"Idon’tlikethat，"saidTeddy’smother。
　　"Hemaybitethechild。""He’lldonosuchthing，"saidthefather。"Teddy’ssaferwiththatlittlebeastthanifhehadabloodhoundtowatchhim。Ifasnakecameintothenurserynow——"
　　ButTeddy’smotherwouldn’tthinkofanythingsoawful。
　　EarlyinthemorningRikki—tikkicametoearlybreakfastintheverandaridingonTeddy’sshoulder，andtheygavehimbananaandsomeboiledegg。Hesatonalltheirlapsoneaftertheother，becauseeverywell—brought—upmongoosealwayshopestobeahousemongoosesomedayandhaveroomstorunaboutin;andRikki—tikki’smother（sheusedtoliveinthegeneral’shouseatSegowlee）hadcarefullytoldRikkiwhattodoifeverhecameacrosswhitemen。
　　ThenRikki—tikkiwentoutintothegardentoseewhatwastobeseen。Itwasalargegarden，onlyhalfcultivated，withbushes，asbigassummer—houses，ofMarshalNielroses，limeandorangetrees，clumpsofbamboos，andthicketsofhighgrass。
　　Rikki—tikkilickedhislips。"Thisisasplendidhunting—ground，"
　　hesaid，andhistailgrewbottle—brushyatthethoughtofit，andhescuttledupanddownthegarden，snuffinghereandtheretillheheardverysorrowfulvoicesinathorn—bush。
　　ItwasDarzee，theTailorbird，andhiswife。Theyhadmadeabeautifulnestbypullingtwobigleavestogetherandstitchingthemuptheedgeswithfibers，andhadfilledthehollowwithcottonanddownyfluff。Thenestswayedtoandfro，astheysatontherimandcried。
　　"Whatisthematter？"askedRikki—tikki。
　　"Weareverymiserable，"saidDarzee。"OneofourbabiesfelloutofthenestyesterdayandNagatehim。"
　　"H’m！"saidRikki—tikki，"thatisverysad——butIamastrangerhere。WhoisNag？"
　　Darzeeandhiswifeonlycowereddowninthenestwithoutanswering，forfromthethickgrassatthefootofthebushtherecamealowhiss——ahorridcoldsoundthatmadeRikki—tikkijumpbacktwoclearfeet。TheninchbyinchoutofthegrassroseuptheheadandspreadhoodofNag，thebigblackcobra，andhewasfivefeetlongfromtonguetotail。Whenhehadliftedone—thirdofhimselfclearoftheground，hestayedbalancingtoandfroexactlyasadandeliontuftbalancesinthewind，andhelookedatRikki—tikkiwiththewickedsnake’seyesthatneverchangetheirexpression，whateverthesnakemaybethinkingof。
　　"WhoisNag？"saidhe。"IamNag。ThegreatGodBrahmputhismarkuponallourpeople，whenthefirstcobraspreadhishoodtokeepthesunoffBrahmasheslept。Look，andbeafraid！"
　　Hespreadouthishoodmorethanever，andRikki—tikkisawthespectacle—markonthebackofitthatlooksexactlyliketheeyepartofahook—and—eyefastening。Hewasafraidfortheminute，butitisimpossibleforamongoosetostayfrightenedforanylengthoftime，andthoughRikki—tikkihadnevermetalivecobrabefore，hismotherhadfedhimondeadones，andheknewthatallagrownmongoose’sbusinessinlifewastofightandeatsnakes。
　　Nagknewthattooand，atthebottomofhiscoldheart，hewasafraid。
　　"Well，"saidRikki—tikki，andhistailbegantofluffupagain，"marksornomarks，doyouthinkitisrightforyoutoeatfledglingsoutofanest？"
　　Nagwasthinkingtohimself，andwatchingtheleastlittlemovementinthegrassbehindRikki—tikki。Heknewthatmongoosesinthegardenmeantdeathsoonerorlaterforhimandhisfamily，buthewantedtogetRikki—tikkioffhisguard。Sohedroppedhisheadalittle，andputitononeside。
　　"Letustalk，"hesaid。"Youeateggs。WhyshouldnotIeatbirds？"
　　"Behindyou！Lookbehindyou！"sangDarzee。
　　Rikki—tikkiknewbetterthantowastetimeinstaring。Hejumpedupintheairashighashecouldgo，andjustunderhimwhizzedbytheheadofNagaina，Nag’swickedwife。Shehadcreptupbehindhimashewastalking，tomakeanendofhim。Heheardhersavagehissasthestrokemissed。Hecamedownalmostacrossherback，andifhehadbeenanoldmongoosehewouldhaveknownthatthenwasthetimetobreakherbackwithonebite;buthewasafraidoftheterriblelashingreturnstrokeofthecobra。Hebit，indeed，butdidnotbitelongenough，andhejumpedclearofthewhiskingtail，leavingNagainatornandangry。
　　"Wicked，wickedDarzee！"saidNag，lashingupashighashecouldreachtowardthenestinthethorn—bush。ButDarzeehadbuiltitoutofreachofsnakes，anditonlyswayedtoandfro。
　　Rikki—tikkifelthiseyesgrowingredandhot（whenamongoose’seyesgrowred，heisangry），andhesatbackonhistailandhindlegslikealittlekangaroo，andlookedallroundhim，andchatteredwithrage。ButNagandNagainahaddisappearedintothegrass。Whenasnakemissesitsstroke，itneversaysanythingorgivesanysignofwhatitmeanstodonext。
　　Rikki—tikkididnotcaretofollowthem，forhedidnotfeelsurethathecouldmanagetwosnakesatonce。Sohetrottedofftothegravelpathnearthehouse，andsatdowntothink。Itwasaseriousmatterforhim。
　　Ifyoureadtheoldbooksofnaturalhistory，youwillfindtheysaythatwhenthemongoosefightsthesnakeandhappenstogetbitten，herunsoffandeatssomeherbthatcureshim。Thatisnottrue。Thevictoryisonlyamatterofquicknessofeyeandquicknessoffoot——snake’sblowagainstmongoose’sjump——andasnoeyecanfollowthemotionofasnake’sheadwhenitstrikes，thismakesthingsmuchmorewonderfulthananymagicherb。
　　Rikki—tikkiknewhewasayoungmongoose，anditmadehimallthemorepleasedtothinkthathehadmanagedtoescapeablowfrombehind。Itgavehimconfidenceinhimself，andwhenTeddycamerunningdownthepath，Rikki—tikkiwasreadytobepetted。
　　ButjustasTeddywasstooping，somethingwriggledalittleinthedust，andatinyvoicesaid："Becareful。IamDeath！"ItwasKarait，thedustybrownsnakelingthatliesforchoiceonthedustyearth;andhisbiteisasdangerousasthecobra’s。Butheissosmallthatnobodythinksofhim，andsohedoesthemoreharmtopeople。
　　Rikki—tikki’seyesgrewredagain，andhedanceduptoKaraitwiththepeculiarrocking，swayingmotionthathehadinheritedfromhisfamily。Itlooksveryfunny，butitissoperfectlybalancedagaitthatyoucanflyofffromitatanyangleyouplease，andindealingwithsnakesthisisanadvantage。IfRikki—tikkihadonlyknown，hewasdoingamuchmoredangerousthingthanfightingNag，forKaraitissosmall，andcanturnsoquickly，thatunlessRikkibithimclosetothebackofthehead，hewouldgetthereturnstrokeinhiseyeorhislip。ButRikkididnotknow。Hiseyeswereallred，andherockedbackandforth，lookingforagoodplacetohold。Karaitstruckout。
　　Rikkijumpedsidewaysandtriedtorunin，butthewickedlittledustygrayheadlashedwithinafractionofhisshoulder，andhehadtojumpoverthebody，andtheheadfollowedhisheelsclose。
　　Teddyshoutedtothehouse："Oh，lookhere！Ourmongooseiskillingasnake。"AndRikki—tikkiheardascreamfromTeddy’smother。Hisfatherranoutwithastick，butbythetimehecameup，Karaithadlungedoutoncetoofar，andRikki—tikkihadsprung，jumpedonthesnake’sback，droppedhisheadfarbetweenhisforelegs，bittenashighupthebackashecouldgethold，androlledaway。ThatbiteparalyzedKarait，andRikki—tikkiwasjustgoingtoeathimupfromthetail，afterthecustomofhisfamilyatdinner，whenherememberedthatafullmealmakesaslowmongoose，andifhewantedallhisstrengthandquicknessready，hemustkeephimselfthin。
　　Hewentawayforadustbathunderthecastor—oilbushes，whileTeddy’sfatherbeatthedeadKarait。"Whatistheuseofthat？"thoughtRikki—tikki。"Ihavesettleditall;"andthenTeddy’smotherpickedhimupfromthedustandhuggedhim，cryingthathehadsavedTeddyfromdeath，andTeddy’sfathersaidthathewasaprovidence，andTeddylookedonwithbigscaredeyes。
　　Rikki—tikkiwasratheramusedatallthefuss，which，ofcourse，hedidnotunderstand。Teddy’smothermightjustaswellhavepettedTeddyforplayinginthedust。Rikkiwasthoroughlyenjoyinghimself。
　　Thatnightatdinner，walkingtoandfroamongthewine—glassesonthetable，hemighthavestuffedhimselfthreetimesoverwithnicethings。ButherememberedNagandNagaina，andthoughitwasverypleasanttobepattedandpettedbyTeddy’smother，andtositonTeddy’sshoulder，hiseyeswouldgetredfromtimetotime，andhewouldgooffintohislongwarcryof"Rikk—tikk—tikki—tikki—tchk！"
　　Teddycarriedhimofftobed，andinsistedonRikki—tikkisleepingunderhischin。Rikki—tikkiwastoowellbredtobiteorscratch，butassoonasTeddywasasleephewentoffforhisnightlywalkroundthehouse，andinthedarkheranupagainstChuchundra，themusk—rat，creepingaroundbythewall。Chuchundraisabroken—heartedlittlebeast。Hewhimpersandcheepsallthenight，tryingtomakeuphismindtorunintothemiddleoftheroom。Buthenevergetsthere。
　　"Don’tkillme，"saidChuchundra，almostweeping。
　　"Rikki—tikki，don’tkillme！"
　　"Doyouthinkasnake—killerkillsmuskrats？"saidRikki—tikkiscornfully。
　　"Thosewhokillsnakesgetkilledbysnakes，"saidChuchundra，moresorrowfullythanever。"AndhowamItobesurethatNagwon’tmistakemeforyousomedarknight？"
　　"There’snottheleastdanger，"saidRikki—tikki。"ButNagisinthegarden，andIknowyoudon’tgothere。"
　　"MycousinChua，therat，toldme——"saidChuchundra，andthenhestopped。
　　"Toldyouwhat？"
　　"H’sh！Nagiseverywhere，Rikki—tikki。YoushouldhavetalkedtoChuainthegarden。"
　　"Ididn’t——soyoumusttellme。Quick，Chuchundra，orI’llbiteyou！"
　　Chuchundrasatdownandcriedtillthetearsrolledoffhiswhiskers。"Iamaverypoorman，"hesobbed。"Ineverhadspiritenoughtorunoutintothemiddleoftheroom。H’sh！Imustn’ttellyouanything。Can’tyouhear，Rikki—tikki？"
　　Rikki—tikkilistened。Thehousewasasstillasstill，buthethoughthecouldjustcatchthefaintestscratch—scratchintheworld——anoiseasfaintasthatofawaspwalkingonawindow—pane——thedryscratchofasnake’sscalesonbrick—work。
　　"That’sNagorNagaina，"hesaidtohimself，"andheiscrawlingintothebath—roomsluice。You’reright，Chuchundra;I
　　shouldhavetalkedtoChua。"
　　HestoleofftoTeddy’sbath—room，buttherewasnothingthere，andthentoTeddy’smother’sbathroom。Atthebottomofthesmoothplasterwalltherewasabrickpulledouttomakeasluiceforthebathwater，andasRikki—tikkistoleinbythemasonrycurbwherethebathisput，heheardNagandNagainawhisperingtogetheroutsideinthemoonlight。
　　"Whenthehouseisemptiedofpeople，"saidNagainatoherhusband，"hewillhavetogoaway，andthenthegardenwillbeourownagain。Goinquietly，andrememberthatthebigmanwhokilledKaraitisthefirstonetobite。Thencomeoutandtellme，andwewillhuntforRikki—tikkitogether。"
　　"Butareyousurethatthereisanythingtobegainedbykillingthepeople？"saidNag。
　　"Everything。Whentherewerenopeopleinthebungalow，didwehaveanymongooseinthegarden？Solongasthebungalowisempty，wearekingandqueenofthegarden;andrememberthatassoonasoureggsinthemelonbedhatch（astheymaytomorrow），ourchildrenwillneedroomandquiet。"
　　"Ihadnotthoughtofthat，"saidNag。"Iwillgo，butthereisnoneedthatweshouldhuntforRikki—tikkiafterward。Iwillkillthebigmanandhiswife，andthechildifIcan，andcomeawayquietly。Thenthebungalowwillbeempty，andRikki—tikkiwillgo。"
　　Rikki—tikkitingledalloverwithrageandhatredatthis，andthenNag’sheadcamethroughthesluice，andhisfivefeetofcoldbodyfollowedit。Angryashewas，Rikki—tikkiwasveryfrightenedashesawthesizeofthebigcobra。Nagcoiledhimselfup，raisedhishead，andlookedintothebathroominthedark，andRikkicouldseehiseyesglitter。
　　"Now，ifIkillhimhere，Nagainawillknow;andifIfighthimontheopenfloor，theoddsareinhisfavor。WhatamItodo？"saidRikki—tikki—tavi。
　　Nagwavedtoandfro，andthenRikki—tikkiheardhimdrinkingfromthebiggestwater—jarthatwasusedtofillthebath。"Thatisgood，"saidthesnake。"Now，whenKaraitwaskilled，thebigmanhadastick。Hemayhavethatstickstill，butwhenhecomesintobatheinthemorninghewillnothaveastick。Ishallwaitheretillhecomes。Nagaina——doyouhearme？——Ishallwaithereinthecooltilldaytime。"
　　Therewasnoanswerfromoutside，soRikki—tikkiknewNagainahadgoneaway。Nagcoiledhimselfdown，coilbycoil，roundthebulgeatthebottomofthewaterjar，andRikki—tikkistayedstillasdeath。Afteranhourhebegantomove，musclebymuscle，towardthejar。Nagwasasleep，andRikki—tikkilookedathisbigback，wonderingwhichwouldbethebestplaceforagoodhold。
　　"IfIdon’tbreakhisbackatthefirstjump，"saidRikki，"hecanstillfight。Andifhefights——ORikki！"Helookedatthethicknessoftheneckbelowthehood，butthatwastoomuchforhim;andabitenearthetailwouldonlymakeNagsavage。
　　"Itmustbethehead"’hesaidatlast;"theheadabovethehood。And，whenIamoncethere，Imustnotletgo。"
　　Thenhejumped。Theheadwaslyingalittleclearofthewaterjar，underthecurveofit;and，ashisteethmet，Rikkibracedhisbackagainstthebulgeoftheredearthenwaretoholddownthehead。Thisgavehimjustonesecond’spurchase，andhemadethemostofit。Thenhewasbatteredtoandfroasaratisshakenbyadog——toandfroonthefloor，upanddown，andaroundingreatcircles，buthiseyeswereredandheheldonasthebodycart—whippedoverthefloor，upsettingthetindipperandthesoapdishandthefleshbrush，andbangedagainstthetinsideofthebath。Asheheldheclosedhisjawstighterandtighter，forhemadesurehewouldbebangedtodeath，and，forthehonorofhisfamily，hepreferredtobefoundwithhisteethlocked。Hewasdizzy，aching，andfeltshakentopieceswhensomethingwentofflikeathunderclapjustbehindhim。Ahotwindknockedhimsenselessandredfiresingedhisfur。Thebigmanhadbeenwakenedbythenoise，andhadfiredbothbarrelsofashotgunintoNagjustbehindthehood。
　　Rikki—tikkiheldonwithhiseyesshut，fornowhewasquitesurehewasdead。Buttheheaddidnotmove，andthebigmanpickedhimupandsaid，"It’sthemongooseagain，Alice。Thelittlechaphassavedourlivesnow。"
　　ThenTeddy’smothercameinwithaverywhiteface，andsawwhatwasleftofNag，andRikki—tikkidraggedhimselftoTeddy’sbedroomandspenthalftherestofthenightshakinghimselftenderlytofindoutwhetherhereallywasbrokenintofortypieces，ashefancied。
　　Whenmorningcamehewasverystiff，butwellpleasedwithhisdoings。"NowIhaveNagainatosettlewith，andshewillbeworsethanfiveNags，andthere’snoknowingwhentheeggsshespokeofwillhatch。Goodness！ImustgoandseeDarzee，"hesaid。
　　Withoutwaitingforbreakfast，Rikki—tikkirantothethornbushwhereDarzeewassingingasongoftriumphatthetopofhisvoice。ThenewsofNag’sdeathwasalloverthegarden，forthesweeperhadthrownthebodyontherubbish—heap。
　　"Oh，youstupidtuftoffeathers！"saidRikki—tikkiangrily。
　　"Isthisthetimetosing？"
　　"Nagisdead——isdead——isdead！"sangDarzee。"ThevaliantRikki—tikkicaughthimbytheheadandheldfast。Thebigmanbroughtthebang—stick，andNagfellintwopieces！Hewillnevereatmybabiesagain。"
　　"Allthat’strueenough。Butwhere’sNagaina？"saidRikki—tikki，lookingcarefullyroundhim。
　　"NagainacametothebathroomsluiceandcalledforNag，"
　　Darzeewenton，"andNagcameoutontheendofastick——thesweeperpickedhimupontheendofastickandthrewhimupontherubbishheap。Letussingaboutthegreat，thered—eyedRikki—tikki！"AndDarzeefilledhisthroatandsang。
　　"IfIcouldgetuptoyournest，I’drollyourbabiesout！"
　　saidRikki—tikki。"Youdon’tknowwhentodotherightthingattherighttime。You’resafeenoughinyournestthere，butit’swarformedownhere。Stopsingingaminute，Darzee。"
　　"Forthegreat，thebeautifulRikki—tikki’ssakeIwillstop，"
　　saidDarzee。"Whatisit，OKilleroftheterribleNag？"
　　"WhereisNagaina，forthethirdtime？"
　　"Ontherubbishheapbythestables，mourningforNag。GreatisRikki—tikkiwiththewhiteteeth。"
　　"Bothermywhiteteeth！Haveyoueverheardwhereshekeepshereggs？"
　　"Inthemelonbed，ontheendnearestthewall，wherethesunstrikesnearlyallday。Shehidthemthereweeksago。"
　　"Andyouneverthoughtitworthwhiletotellme？Theendnearestthewall，yousaid？"
　　"Rikki—tikki，youarenotgoingtoeathereggs？"
　　"Noteatexactly;no。Darzee，ifyouhaveagrainofsenseyouwillflyofftothestablesandpretendthatyourwingisbroken，andletNagainachaseyouawaytothisbush。Imustgettothemelon—bed，andifIwenttherenowshe’dseeme。"
　　Darzeewasafeather—brainedlittlefellowwhocouldneverholdmorethanoneideaatatimeinhishead。AndjustbecauseheknewthatNagaina’schildrenwerebornineggslikehisown，hedidn’tthinkatfirstthatitwasfairtokillthem。Buthiswifewasasensiblebird，andsheknewthatcobra’seggsmeantyoungcobraslateron。Sosheflewofffromthenest，andleftDarzeetokeepthebabieswarm，andcontinuehissongaboutthedeathofNag。Darzeewasverylikeamaninsomeways。
　　SheflutteredinfrontofNagainabytherubbishheapandcriedout，"Oh，mywingisbroken！Theboyinthehousethrewastoneatmeandbrokeit。"Thensheflutteredmoredesperatelythanever。
　　Nagainaliftedupherheadandhissed，"YouwarnedRikki—tikkiwhenIwouldhavekilledhim。Indeedandtruly，you’vechosenabadplacetobelamein。"AndshemovedtowardDarzee’swife，slippingalongoverthedust。
　　"Theboybrokeitwithastone！"shriekedDarzee’swife。
　　"Well！Itmaybesomeconsolationtoyouwhenyou’redeadtoknowthatIshallsettleaccountswiththeboy。Myhusbandliesontherubbishheapthismorning，butbeforenighttheboyinthehousewilllieverystill。Whatistheuseofrunningaway？Iamsuretocatchyou。Littlefool，lookatme！"
　　Darzee’swifeknewbetterthantodothat，forabirdwholooksatasnake’seyesgetssofrightenedthatshecannotmove。
　　Darzee’swifeflutteredon，pipingsorrowfully，andneverleavingtheground，andNagainaquickenedherpace。
　　Rikki—tikkiheardthemgoingupthepathfromthestables，andheracedfortheendofthemelonpatchnearthewall。There，inthewarmlitterabovethemelons，verycunninglyhidden，hefoundtwenty—fiveeggs，aboutthesizeofabantam’seggs，butwithwhitishskininsteadofshell。
　　"Iwasnotadaytoosoon，"hesaid，forhecouldseethebabycobrascurledupinsidetheskin，andheknewthattheminutetheywerehatchedtheycouldeachkillamanoramongoose。Hebitoffthetopsoftheeggsasfastashecould，takingcaretocrushtheyoungcobras，andturnedoverthelitterfromtimetotimetoseewhetherhehadmissedany。Atlasttherewereonlythreeeggsleft，andRikki—tikkibegantochuckletohimself，whenheheardDarzee’swifescreaming：
　　"Rikki—tikki，IledNagainatowardthehouse，andshehasgoneintotheveranda，and——oh，comequickly——shemeanskilling！"
　　Rikki—tikkismashedtwoeggs，andtumbledbackwarddownthemelon—bedwiththethirdegginhismouth，andscuttledtotheverandaashardashecouldputfoottotheground。Teddyandhismotherandfatherwerethereatearlybreakfast，butRikki—tikkisawthattheywerenoteatinganything。Theysatstone—still，andtheirfaceswerewhite。NagainawascoileduponthemattingbyTeddy’schair，withineasystrikingdistanceofTeddy’sbareleg，andshewasswayingtoandfro，singingasongoftriumph。
　　"SonofthebigmanthatkilledNag，"shehissed，"staystill。
　　Iamnotreadyyet。Waitalittle。Keepverystill，allyouthree！IfyoumoveIstrike，andifyoudonotmoveIstrike。
　　Oh，foolishpeople，whokilledmyNag！"
　　Teddy’seyeswerefixedonhisfather，andallhisfathercoulddowastowhisper，"Sitstill，Teddy。Youmustn’tmove。
　　Teddy，keepstill。"
　　ThenRikki—tikkicameupandcried，"Turnround，Nagaina。
　　Turnandfight！"
　　"Allingoodtime，"saidshe，withoutmovinghereyes。"I
　　willsettlemyaccountwithyoupresently。Lookatyourfriends，Rikki—tikki。Theyarestillandwhite。Theyareafraid。Theydarenotmove，andifyoucomeastepnearerIstrike。"
　　"Lookatyoureggs，"saidRikki—tikki，"inthemelonbednearthewall。Goandlook，Nagaina！"
　　Thebigsnaketurnedhalfaround，andsawtheeggontheveranda。"Ah—h！Giveittome，"shesaid。
　　Rikki—tikkiputhispawsoneoneachsideoftheegg，andhiseyeswereblood—red。"Whatpriceforasnake’segg？Forayoungcobra？Forayoungkingcobra？Forthelast——theverylastofthebrood？Theantsareeatingalltheothersdownbythemelonbed。"
　　Nagainaspunclearround，forgettingeverythingforthesakeoftheoneegg。Rikki—tikkisawTeddy’sfathershootoutabighand，catchTeddybytheshoulder，anddraghimacrossthelittletablewiththetea—cups，safeandoutofreachofNagaina。
　　"Tricked！Tricked！Tricked！Rikk—tck—tck！"chuckledRikki—tikki。"Theboyissafe，anditwasI——I——IthatcaughtNagbythehoodlastnightinthebathroom。"Thenhebegantojumpupanddown，allfourfeettogether，hisheadclosetothefloor。"Hethrewmetoandfro，buthecouldnotshakemeoff。
　　Hewasdeadbeforethebigmanblewhimintwo。Ididit！
　　Rikki—tikki—tck—tck！Comethen，Nagaina。Comeandfightwithme。
　　Youshallnotbeawidowlong。"
　　NagainasawthatshehadlostherchanceofkillingTeddy，andtheegglaybetweenRikki—tikki’spaws。"Givemetheegg，Rikki—tikki。Givemethelastofmyeggs，andIwillgoawayandnevercomeback，"shesaid，loweringherhood。
　　"Yes，youwillgoaway，andyouwillnevercomeback。ForyouwillgototherubbishheapwithNag。Fight，widow！Thebigmanhasgoneforhisgun！Fight！"
　　Rikki—tikkiwasboundingallroundNagaina，keepingjustoutofreachofherstroke，hislittleeyeslikehotcoals。Nagainagatheredherselftogetherandflungoutathim。Rikki—tikkijumpedupandbackward。Againandagainandagainshestruck，andeachtimeherheadcamewithawhackonthemattingoftheverandaandshegatheredherselftogetherlikeawatchspring。ThenRikki—tikkidancedinacircletogetbehindher，andNagainaspunroundtokeepherheadtohishead，sothattherustleofhertailonthemattingsoundedlikedryleavesblownalongbythewind。
　　Hehadforgottentheegg。Itstilllayontheveranda，andNagainacamenearerandnearertoit，tillatlast，whileRikki—tikkiwasdrawingbreath，shecaughtitinhermouth，turnedtotheverandasteps，andflewlikeanarrowdownthepath，withRikki—tikkibehindher。Whenthecobrarunsforherlife，shegoeslikeawhip—lashflickedacrossahorse’sneck。
　　Rikki—tikkiknewthathemustcatchher，orallthetroublewouldbeginagain。Sheheadedstraightforthelonggrassbythethorn—bush，andashewasrunningRikki—tikkiheardDarzeestillsinginghisfoolishlittlesongoftriumph。ButDarzee’swifewaswiser。SheflewoffhernestasNagainacamealong，andflappedherwingsaboutNagaina’shead。IfDarzeehadhelpedtheymighthaveturnedher，butNagainaonlyloweredherhoodandwenton。
　　Still，theinstant’sdelaybroughtRikki—tikkiuptoher，andassheplungedintotherat—holewheresheandNagusedtolive，hislittlewhiteteethwereclenchedonhertail，andhewentdownwithher——andveryfewmongooses，howeverwiseandoldtheymaybe，caretofollowacobraintoitshole。Itwasdarkinthehole;andRikki—tikkineverknewwhenitmightopenoutandgiveNagainaroomtoturnandstrikeathim。Heheldonsavagely，andstuckouthisfeettoactasbrakesonthedarkslopeofthehot，moistearth。
　　Thenthegrassbythemouthoftheholestoppedwaving，andDarzeesaid，"ItisalloverwithRikki—tikki！Wemustsinghisdeathsong。ValiantRikki—tikkiisdead！ForNagainawillsurelykillhimunderground。"
　　Sohesangaverymournfulsongthathemadeuponthespuroftheminute，andjustashegottothemosttouchingpart，thegrassquiveredagain，andRikki—tikki，coveredwithdirt，draggedhimselfoutoftheholelegbyleg，lickinghiswhiskers。Darzeestoppedwithalittleshout。Rikki—tikkishooksomeofthedustoutofhisfurandsneezed。"Itisallover，"hesaid。"Thewidowwillnevercomeoutagain。"Andtheredantsthatlivebetweenthegrassstemsheardhim，andbegantotroopdownoneafteranothertoseeifhehadspokenthetruth。
　　Rikki—tikkicurledhimselfupinthegrassandsleptwherehewas——sleptandslepttillitwaslateintheafternoon，forhehaddoneahardday’swork。
　　"Now，"hesaid，whenheawoke，"Iwillgobacktothehouse。
　　TelltheCoppersmith，Darzee，andhewilltellthegardenthatNagainaisdead。"
　　TheCoppersmithisabirdwhomakesanoiseexactlylikethebeatingofalittlehammeronacopperpot;andthereasonheisalwaysmakingitisbecauseheisthetowncriertoeveryIndiangarden，andtellsallthenewstoeverybodywhocarestolisten。
　　AsRikki—tikkiwentupthepath，heheardhis"attention"noteslikeatinydinnergong，andthenthesteady"Ding—dong—tock！Nagisdead——dong！Nagainaisdead！Ding—dong—tock！"Thatsetallthebirdsinthegardensinging，andthefrogscroaking，forNagandNagainausedtoeatfrogsaswellaslittlebirds。
　　WhenRikkigottothehouse，TeddyandTeddy’smother（shelookedverywhitestill，forshehadbeenfainting）andTeddy’sfathercameoutandalmostcriedoverhim;andthatnightheateallthatwasgivenhimtillhecouldeatnomore，andwenttobedonTeddy’sshoulder，whereTeddy’smothersawhimwhenshecametolooklateatnight。
　　"HesavedourlivesandTeddy’slife，"shesaidtoherhusband。"Justthink，hesavedallourlives。"
　　Rikki—tikkiwokeupwithajump，forthemongoosesarelightsleepers。
　　"Oh，it’syou，"saidhe。"Whatareyoubotheringfor？Allthecobrasaredead。Andiftheyweren’t，I’mhere。"
　　Rikki—tikkihadarighttobeproudofhimself。Buthedidnotgrowtooproud，andhekeptthatgardenasamongooseshouldkeepit，withtoothandjumpandspringandbite，tillneveracobradaredshowitsheadinsidethewalls。
　　Darzee’sChant（SunginhonorofRikki—tikki—tavi）
　　SingerandtailoramI——
　　DoubledthejoysthatIknow——
　　Proudofmylilttothesky，ProudofthehousethatIsew——
　　Overandunder，soweaveImymusic——soweaveIthehousethatI
　　sew。
　　Singtoyourfledglingsagain，Mother，ohliftupyourhead！
　　Evilthatplaguedusisslain，Deathinthegardenliesdead。
　　Terrorthathidintherosesisimpotent——flungonthedung—hillanddead！
　　Whohasdeliveredus，who？
　　Tellmehisnestandhisname。
　　Rikki，thevaliant，thetrue，Tikki，witheyeballsofflame，Rikk—tikki—tikki，theivory—fanged，thehunterwitheyeballsofflame！
　　GivehimtheThanksoftheBirds，Bowingwithtailfeathersspread！
　　Praisehimwithnightingalewords——
　　Nay，Iwillpraisehiminstead。
　　Hear！Iwillsingyouthepraiseofthebottle—tailedRikki，witheyeballsofred！
　　（HereRikki—tikkiinterrupted，andtherestofthesongislost。）
　　ToomaioftheElephantsIwillrememberwhatIwas，Iamsickofropeandchain——
　　Iwillremembermyoldstrengthandallmyforestaffairs。
　　Iwillnotsellmybacktomanforabundleofsugar—cane：
　　Iwillgoouttomyownkind，andthewood—folkintheirlairs。
　　Iwillgooutuntiltheday，untilthemorningbreak——
　　Outtothewind’suntaintedkiss，thewater’scleancaress;
　　Iwillforgetmyankle—ringandsnapmypicketstake。
　　Iwillrevisitmylostloves，andplaymatesmasterless！
　　KalaNag，whichmeansBlackSnake，hadservedtheIndianGovernmentineverywaythatanelephantcouldserveitforforty—sevenyears，andashewasfullytwentyyearsoldwhenhewascaught，thatmakeshimnearlyseventy——aripeageforanelephant。Herememberedpushing，withabigleatherpadonhisforehead，atagunstuckindeepmud，andthatwasbeforetheAfghanWarof1842，andhehadnotthencometohisfullstrength。
　　HismotherRadhaPyari，——Radhathedarling，——whohadbeencaughtinthesamedrivewithKalaNag，toldhim，beforehislittlemilktuskshaddroppedout，thatelephantswhowereafraidalwaysgothurt。KalaNagknewthatthatadvicewasgood，forthefirsttimethathesawashellbursthebacked，screaming，intoastandofpiledrifles，andthebayonetsprickedhiminallhissoftestplaces。So，beforehewastwenty—five，hegaveupbeingafraid，andsohewasthebest—lovedandthebest—looked—afterelephantintheserviceoftheGovernmentofIndia。Hehadcarriedtents，twelvehundredpounds’weightoftents，onthemarchinUpperIndia。Hehadbeenhoistedintoashipattheendofasteamcraneandtakenfordaysacrossthewater，andmadetocarryamortaronhisbackinastrangeandrockycountryveryfarfromIndia，andhadseentheEmperorTheodorelyingdeadinMagdala，andhadcomebackagaininthesteamerentitled，sothesoldierssaid，totheAbyssinianWarmedal。HehadseenhisfellowelephantsdieofcoldandepilepsyandstarvationandsunstrokeupataplacecalledAliMusjid，tenyearslater;andafterwardhehadbeensentdownthousandsofmilessouthtohaulandpilebigbalksofteakinthetimberyardsatMoulmein。Therehehadhalfkilledaninsubordinateyoungelephantwhowasshirkinghisfairshareofwork。
　　Afterthathewastakenofftimber—hauling，andemployed，withafewscoreotherelephantswhoweretrainedtothebusiness，inhelpingtocatchwildelephantsamongtheGarohills。ElephantsareverystrictlypreservedbytheIndianGovernment。Thereisonewholedepartmentwhichdoesnothingelsebuthuntthem，andcatchthem，andbreakthemin，andsendthemupanddownthecountryastheyareneededforwork。
　　KalaNagstoodtenfairfeetattheshoulders，andhistuskshadbeencutoffshortatfivefeet，andboundroundtheends，topreventthemsplitting，withbandsofcopper;buthecoulddomorewiththosestumpsthananyuntrainedelephantcoulddowiththerealsharpenedones。When，afterweeksandweeksofcautiousdrivingofscatteredelephantsacrossthehills，thefortyorfiftywildmonstersweredrivenintothelaststockade，andthebigdropgate，madeoftreetrunkslashedtogether，jarreddownbehindthem，KalaNag，atthewordofcommand，wouldgointothatflaring，trumpetingpandemonium（generallyatnight，whentheflickerofthetorchesmadeitdifficulttojudgedistances），and，pickingoutthebiggestandwildesttuskerofthemob，wouldhammerhimandhustlehimintoquietwhilethemenonthebacksoftheotherelephantsropedandtiedthesmallerones。
　　TherewasnothinginthewayoffightingthatKalaNag，theoldwiseBlackSnake，didnotknow，forhehadstoodupmorethanonceinhistimetothechargeofthewoundedtiger，and，curlinguphissofttrunktobeoutofharm’sway，hadknockedthespringingbrutesidewaysinmid—airwithaquicksicklecutofhishead，thathehadinventedallbyhimself;hadknockedhimover，andkneeleduponhimwithhishugekneestillthelifewentoutwithagaspandahowl，andtherewasonlyafluffystripedthingonthegroundforKalaNagtopullbythetail。
　　"Yes，"saidBigToomai，hisdriver，thesonofBlackToomaiwhohadtakenhimtoAbyssinia，andgrandsonofToomaioftheElephantswhohadseenhimcaught，"thereisnothingthattheBlackSnakefearsexceptme。Hehasseenthreegenerationsofusfeedhimandgroomhim，andhewilllivetoseefour。"
　　"Heisafraidofmealso，"saidLittleToomai，standinguptohisfullheightoffourfeet，withonlyoneraguponhim。Hewastenyearsold，theeldestsonofBigToomai，and，accordingtocustom，hewouldtakehisfather’splaceonKalaNag’sneckwhenhegrewup，andwouldhandletheheavyironankus，theelephantgoad，thathadbeenwornsmoothbyhisfather，andhisgrandfather，andhisgreat—grandfather。
　　Heknewwhathewastalkingof;forhehadbeenbornunderKalaNag’sshadow，hadplayedwiththeendofhistrunkbeforehecouldwalk，hadtakenhimdowntowaterassoonashecouldwalk，andKalaNagwouldnomorehavedreamedofdisobeyinghisshrilllittleordersthanhewouldhavedreamedofkillinghimonthatdaywhenBigToomaicarriedthelittlebrownbabyunderKalaNag’stusks，andtoldhimtosalutehismasterthatwastobe。
　　"Yes，"saidLittleToomai，"heisafraidofme，"andhetooklongstridesuptoKalaNag，calledhimafatoldpig，andmadehimliftuphisfeetoneaftertheother。
　　"Wah！"saidLittleToomai，"thouartabigelephant，"andhewaggedhisfluffyhead，quotinghisfather。"TheGovernmentmaypayforelephants，buttheybelongtousmahouts。Whenthouartold，KalaNag，therewillcomesomerichrajah，andhewillbuytheefromtheGovernment，onaccountofthysizeandthymanners，andthenthouwilthavenothingtodobuttocarrygoldearringsinthyears，andagoldhowdahonthyback，andaredclothcoveredwithgoldonthysides，andwalkattheheadoftheprocessionsoftheKing。ThenIshallsitonthyneck，OKalaNag，withasilverankus，andmenwillrunbeforeuswithgoldensticks，crying，`RoomfortheKing’selephant！’Thatwillbegood，KalaNag，butnotsogoodasthishuntinginthejungles。"
　　"Umph！"saidBigToomai。"Thouartaboy，andaswildasabuffalo—calf。ThisrunningupanddownamongthehillsisnotthebestGovernmentservice。Iamgettingold，andIdonotlovewildelephants。Givemebrickelephantlines，onestalltoeachelephant，andbigstumpstotiethemtosafely，andflat，broadroadstoexerciseupon，insteadofthiscome—and—gocamping。Aha，theCawnporebarracksweregood。Therewasabazaarcloseby，andonlythreehours’workaday。"
　　LittleToomairememberedtheCawnporeelephant—linesandsaidnothing。Heverymuchpreferredthecamplife，andhatedthosebroad，flatroads，withthedailygrubbingforgrassintheforagereserve，andthelonghourswhentherewasnothingtodoexcepttowatchKalaNagfidgetinginhispickets。
　　WhatLittleToomailikedwastoscrambleupbridlepathsthatonlyanelephantcouldtake;thedipintothevalleybelow;theglimpsesofthewildelephantsbrowsingmilesaway;therushofthefrightenedpigandpeacockunderKalaNag’sfeet;theblindingwarmrains，whenallthehillsandvalleyssmoked;thebeautifulmistymorningswhennobodyknewwheretheywouldcampthatnight;
　　thesteady，cautiousdriveofthewildelephants，andthemadrushandblazeandhullabalooofthelastnight’sdrive，whentheelephantspouredintothestockadelikebouldersinalandslide，foundthattheycouldnotgetout，andflungthemselvesattheheavypostsonlytobedrivenbackbyyellsandflaringtorchesandvolleysofblankcartridge。
　　Evenalittleboycouldbeofusethere，andToomaiwasasusefulasthreeboys。Hewouldgethistorchandwaveit，andyellwiththebest。Butthereallygoodtimecamewhenthedrivingoutbegan，andtheKeddah——thatis，thestockade——
　　lookedlikeapictureoftheendoftheworld，andmenhadtomakesignstooneanother，becausetheycouldnothearthemselvesspeak。ThenLittleToomaiwouldclimbuptothetopofoneofthequiveringstockadeposts，hissun—bleachedbrownhairflyingloosealloverhisshoulders，andhelookinglikeagoblininthetorch—light。Andassoonastherewasalullyoucouldhearhishigh—pitchedyellsofencouragementtoKalaNag，abovethetrumpetingandcrashing，andsnappingofropes，andgroansofthetetheredelephants。"Mael，mael，KalaNag！（Goon，goon，BlackSnake！）Dantdo！（Givehimthetusk！）Somalo！Somalo！
　　（Careful，careful！）Maro！Mar！（Hithim，hithim！）Mindthepost！Arre！Arre！Hai！Yai！Kya—a—ah！"hewouldshout，andthebigfightbetweenKalaNagandthewildelephantwouldswaytoandfroacrosstheKeddah，andtheoldelephantcatcherswouldwipethesweatoutoftheireyes，andfindtimetonodtoLittleToomaiwrigglingwithjoyonthetopoftheposts。
　　Hedidmorethanwriggle。Onenighthesliddownfromthepostandslippedinbetweentheelephantsandthrewupthelooseendofarope，whichhaddropped，toadriverwhowastryingtogetapurchaseonthelegofakickingyoungcalf（calvesalwaysgivemoretroublethanfull—grownanimals）。KalaNagsawhim，caughthiminhistrunk，andhandedhimuptoBigToomai，whoslappedhimthenandthere，andputhimbackonthepost。
　　Nextmorninghegavehimascoldingandsaid，"Arenotgoodbrickelephantlinesandalittletentcarryingenough，thatthoumustneedsgoelephantcatchingonthyownaccount，littleworthless？Nowthosefoolishhunters，whosepayislessthanmypay，havespokentoPetersenSahibofthematter。"LittleToomaiwasfrightened。Hedidnotknowmuchofwhitemen，butPetersenSahibwasthegreatestwhitemanintheworldtohim。HewastheheadofalltheKeddahoperations——themanwhocaughtalltheelephantsfortheGovernmentofIndia，andwhoknewmoreaboutthewaysofelephantsthananylivingman。
　　"What——whatwillhappen？"saidLittleToomai。
　　"Happen！Theworstthatcanhappen。PetersenSahibisamadman。Elsewhyshouldhegohuntingthesewilddevils？Hemayevenrequiretheetobeanelephantcatcher，tosleepanywhereinthesefever—filledjungles，andatlasttobetrampledtodeathintheKeddah。Itiswellthatthisnonsenseendssafely。Nextweekthecatchingisover，andweoftheplainsaresentbacktoourstations。Thenwewillmarchonsmoothroads，andforgetallthishunting。But，son，IamangrythatthoushouldstmeddleinthebusinessthatbelongstothesedirtyAssamesejunglefolk。KalaNagwillobeynonebutme，soImustgowithhimintotheKeddah，butheisonlyafightingelephant，andhedoesnothelptoropethem。SoIsitatmyease，asbefitsamahout，——notamerehunter，——amahout，Isay，andamanwhogetsapensionattheendofhisservice。IsthefamilyofToomaioftheElephantstobetroddenunderfootinthedirtofaKeddah？Badone！Wickedone！Worthlessson！GoandwashKalaNagandattendtohisears，andseethattherearenothornsinhisfeet。OrelsePetersenSahibwillsurelycatchtheeandmaketheeawildhunter——afollowerofelephant’sfoottracks，ajunglebear。Bah！Shame！
　　Go！"
　　LittleToomaiwentoffwithoutsayingaword，buthetoldKalaNagallhisgrievanceswhilehewasexamininghisfeet。"Nomatter，"saidLittleToomai，turningupthefringeofKalaNag’shugerightear。"TheyhavesaidmynametoPetersenSahib，andperhaps——andperhaps——andperhaps——whoknows？Hai！ThatisabigthornthatIhavepulledout！"
　　Thenextfewdayswerespentingettingtheelephantstogether，inwalkingthenewlycaughtwildelephantsupanddownbetweenacoupleoftameonestopreventthemgivingtoomuchtroubleonthedownwardmarchtotheplains，andintakingstockoftheblanketsandropesandthingsthathadbeenwornoutorlostintheforest。
　　PetersenSahibcameinonhisclevershe—elephantPudmini;hehadbeenpayingoffothercampsamongthehills，fortheseasonwascomingtoanend，andtherewasanativeclerksittingatatableunderatree，topaythedriverstheirwages。Aseachmanwaspaidhewentbacktohiselephant，andjoinedthelinethatstoodreadytostart。Thecatchers，andhunters，andbeaters，themenoftheregularKeddah，whostayedinthejungleyearinandyearout，satonthebacksoftheelephantsthatbelongedtoPetersenSahib’spermanentforce，orleanedagainstthetreeswiththeirgunsacrosstheirarms，andmadefunofthedriverswhoweregoingaway，andlaughedwhenthenewlycaughtelephantsbrokethelineandranabout。
　　BigToomaiwentuptotheclerkwithLittleToomaibehindhim，andMachuaAppa，theheadtracker，saidinanundertonetoafriendofhis，"Theregoesonepieceofgoodelephantstuffatleast。’Tisapitytosendthatyoungjungle—cocktomoltintheplains。"
　　NowPetersenSahibhadearsalloverhim，asamanmusthavewholistenstothemostsilentofalllivingthings——thewildelephant。HeturnedwherehewaslyingallalongonPudmini’sbackandsaid，"Whatisthat？Ididnotknowofamanamongtheplains—driverswhohadwitenoughtoropeevenadeadelephant。"
　　"Thisisnotaman，butaboy。HewentintotheKeddahatthelastdrive，andthrewBarmaotheretherope，whenweweretryingtogetthatyoungcalfwiththeblotchonhisshoulderawayfromhismother。"
　　MachuaAppapointedatLittleToomai，andPetersenSahiblooked，andLittleToomaibowedtotheearth。
　　"Hethrowarope？Heissmallerthanapicket—pin。Littleone，whatisthyname？"saidPetersenSahib。
　　LittleToomaiwastoofrightenedtospeak，butKalaNagwasbehindhim，andToomaimadeasignwithhishand，andtheelephantcaughthimupinhistrunkandheldhimlevelwithPudmini’sforehead，infrontofthegreatPetersenSahib。ThenLittleToomaicoveredhisfacewithhishands，forhewasonlyachild，andexceptwhereelephantswereconcerned，hewasjustasbashfulasachildcouldbe。
　　"Oho！"saidPetersenSahib，smilingunderneathhismustache，"andwhydidstthouteachthyelephantthattrick？Wasittohelptheestealgreencornfromtheroofsofthehouseswhentheearsareputouttodry？"
　　"Notgreencorn，ProtectorofthePoor，——melons，"saidLittleToomai，andallthemensittingaboutbrokeintoaroaroflaughter。Mostofthemhadtaughttheirelephantsthattrickwhentheywereboys。LittleToomaiwashangingeightfeetupintheair，andhewishedverymuchthathewereeightfeetunderground。
　　"HeisToomai，myson，Sahib，"saidBigToomai，scowling。"Heisaverybadboy，andhewillendinajail，Sahib。"
　　"OfthatIhavemydoubts，"saidPetersenSahib。"AboywhocanfaceafullKeddahathisagedoesnotendinjails。See，littleone，herearefourannastospendinsweetmeatsbecausethouhastalittleheadunderthatgreatthatchofhair。Intimethoumayestbecomeahuntertoo。"BigToomaiscowledmorethanever。"Remember，though，thatKeddahsarenotgoodforchildrentoplayin，"PetersenSahibwenton。
　　"MustInevergothere，Sahib？"askedLittleToomaiwithabiggasp。
　　"Yes。"PetersenSahibsmiledagain。"Whenthouhastseentheelephantsdance。Thatisthepropertime。Cometomewhenthouhastseentheelephantsdance，andthenIwilllettheegointoalltheKeddahs。"
　　Therewasanotherroaroflaughter，forthatisanoldjokeamongelephant—catchers，anditmeansjustnever。Therearegreatclearedflatplaceshiddenawayintheforeststhatarecalledelephants’ball—rooms，buteventheseareonlyfoundbyaccident，andnomanhaseverseentheelephantsdance。Whenadriverboastsofhisskillandbraverytheotherdriverssay，"Andwhendidstthouseetheelephantsdance？"
　　KalaNagputLittleToomaidown，andhebowedtotheearthagainandwentawaywithhisfather，andgavethesilverfour—annapiecetohismother，whowasnursinghisbabybrother，andtheyallwereputuponKalaNag’sback，andthelineofgrunting，squealingelephantsrolleddownthehillpathtotheplains。Itwasaverylivelymarchonaccountofthenewelephants，whogavetroubleateveryford，andneededcoaxingorbeatingeveryotherminute。
　　BigToomaiproddedKalaNagspitefully，forhewasveryangry，butLittleToomaiwastoohappytospeak。PetersenSahibhadnoticedhim，andgivenhimmoney，sohefeltasaprivatesoldierwouldfeelifhehadbeencalledoutoftheranksandpraisedbyhiscommander—in—chief。
　　"WhatdidPetersenSahibmeanbytheelephantdance？"hesaid，atlast，softlytohismother。
　　BigToomaiheardhimandgrunted。"Thatthoushouldstneverbeoneofthesehillbuffaloesoftrackers。Thatwaswhathemeant。Oh，youinfront，whatisblockingtheway？"
　　AnAssamesedriver，twoorthreeelephantsahead，turnedroundangrily，crying："BringupKalaNag，andknockthisyoungsterofmineintogoodbehavior。WhyshouldPetersenSahibhavechosenmetogodownwithyoudonkeysofthericefields？Layyourbeastalongside，Toomai，andlethimprodwithhistusks。ByalltheGodsoftheHills，thesenewelephantsarepossessed，orelsetheycansmelltheircompanionsinthejungle。"KalaNaghitthenewelephantintheribsandknockedthewindoutofhim，asBigToomaisaid，"Wehavesweptthehillsofwildelephantsatthelastcatch。Itisonlyyourcarelessnessindriving。MustIkeeporderalongthewholeline？"
　　"Hearhim！"saidtheotherdriver。"Wehavesweptthehills！
　　Ho！Ho！Youareverywise，youplainspeople。Anyonebutamud—headwhoneversawthejunglewouldknowthattheyknowthatthedrivesareendedfortheseason。Thereforeallthewildelephantsto—nightwill——butwhyshouldIwastewisdomonariver—turtle？"
　　"Whatwilltheydo？"LittleToomaicalledout。
　　"Ohe，littleone。Artthouthere？Well，Iwilltellthee，forthouhastacoolhead。Theywilldance，anditbehoovesthyfather，whohassweptallthehillsofalltheelephants，todouble—chainhispicketsto—night。"
　　"Whattalkisthis？"saidBigToomai。"Forfortyyears，fatherandson，wehavetendedelephants，andwehaveneverheardsuchmoonshineaboutdances。"
　　"Yes;butaplainsmanwholivesinahutknowsonlythefourwallsofhishut。Well，leavethyelephantsunshackledtonightandseewhatcomes。Asfortheirdancing，Ihaveseentheplacewhere——Bapree—bap！HowmanywindingshastheDihangRiver？
　　Hereisanotherford，andwemustswimthecalves。Stopstill，youbehindthere。"
　　Andinthisway，talkingandwranglingandsplashingthroughtherivers，theymadetheirfirstmarchtoasortofreceivingcampforthenewelephants。Buttheylosttheirtemperslongbeforetheygotthere。
　　Thentheelephantswerechainedbytheirhindlegstotheirbigstumpsofpickets，andextraropeswerefittedtothenewelephants，andthefodderwaspiledbeforethem，andthehilldriverswentbacktoPetersenSahibthroughtheafternoonlight，tellingtheplainsdriverstobeextracarefulthatnight，andlaughingwhentheplainsdriversaskedthereason。
　　LittleToomaiattendedtoKalaNag’ssupper，andaseveningfell，wanderedthroughthecamp，unspeakablyhappy，insearchofatom—tom。WhenanIndianchild’sheartisfull，hedoesnotrunaboutandmakeanoiseinanirregularfashion。Hesitsdowntoasortofrevelallbyhimself。AndLittleToomaihadbeenspokentobyPetersenSahib！Ifhehadnotfoundwhathewanted，I
　　believehewouldhavebeenill。Butthesweetmeatsellerinthecamplenthimalittletom—tom——adrumbeatenwiththeflatofthehand——andhesatdown，cross—legged，beforeKalaNagasthestarsbegantocomeout，thetom—tominhislap，andhethumpedandhethumpedandhethumped，andthemorehethoughtofthegreathonorthathadbeendonetohim，themorehethumped，allaloneamongtheelephantfodder。Therewasnotuneandnowords，butthethumpingmadehimhappy。
　　Thenewelephantsstrainedattheirropes，andsquealedandtrumpetedfromtimetotime，andhecouldhearhismotherinthecamphutputtinghissmallbrothertosleepwithanold，oldsongaboutthegreatGodShiv，whooncetoldalltheanimalswhattheyshouldeat。Itisaverysoothinglullaby，andthefirstversesays：
　　Shiv，whopouredtheharvestandmadethewindstoblow，Sittingatthedoorwaysofadayoflongago，Gavetoeachhisportion，foodandtoilandfate，FromtheKingupontheguddeetotheBeggaratthegate。
　　Allthingsmadehe——ShivathePreserver。
　　Mahadeo！Mahadeo！Hemadeall——
　　Thornforthecamel，fodderforthekine，Andmother’sheartforsleepyhead，Olittlesonofmine！
　　LittleToomaicameinwithajoyoustunk—a—tunkattheendofeachverse，tillhefeltsleepyandstretchedhimselfonthefodderatKalaNag’sside。Atlasttheelephantsbegantoliedownoneafteranotherasistheircustom，tillonlyKalaNagattherightofthelinewasleftstandingup;andherockedslowlyfromsidetoside，hisearsputforwardtolistentothenightwindasitblewveryslowlyacrossthehills。Theairwasfullofallthenightnoisesthat，takentogether，makeonebigsilence——
　　theclickofonebamboostemagainsttheother，therustleofsomethingaliveintheundergrowth，thescratchandsquawkofahalf—wakedbird（birdsareawakeinthenightmuchmoreoftenthanweimagine），andthefallofwatereversofaraway。LittleToomaisleptforsometime，andwhenhewakeditwasbrilliantmoonlight，andKalaNagwasstillstandingupwithhisearscocked。LittleToomaiturned，rustlinginthefodder，andwatchedthecurveofhisbigbackagainsthalfthestarsinheaven，andwhilehewatchedheheard，sofarawaythatitsoundednomorethanapinholeofnoiseprickedthroughthestillness，the"hoot—toot"ofawildelephant。
　　Alltheelephantsinthelinesjumpedupasiftheyhadbeenshot，andtheirgruntsatlastwakedthesleepingmahouts，andtheycameoutanddroveinthepicketpegswithbigmallets，andtightenedthisropeandknottedthattillallwasquiet。Onenewelephanthadnearlygrubbeduphispicket，andBigToomaitookoffKalaNag’slegchainandshackledthatelephantfore—foottohind—foot，butslippedaloopofgrassstringroundKalaNag’sleg，andtoldhimtorememberthathewastiedfast。Heknewthatheandhisfatherandhisgrandfatherhaddonetheverysamethinghundredsoftimesbefore。KalaNagdidnotanswertotheorderbygurgling，asheusuallydid。Hestoodstill，lookingoutacrossthemoonlight，hisheadalittleraisedandhisearsspreadlikefans，uptothegreatfoldsoftheGarohills。
　　"Tendtohimifhegrowsrestlessinthenight，"saidBigToomaitoLittleToomai，andhewentintothehutandslept。
　　LittleToomaiwasjustgoingtosleep，too，whenheheardthecoirstringsnapwithalittle"tang，"andKalaNagrolledoutofhispicketsasslowlyandassilentlyasacloudrollsoutofthemouthofavalley。LittleToomaipatteredafterhim，barefooted，downtheroadinthemoonlight，callingunderhisbreath，"KalaNag！KalaNag！Takemewithyou，OKalaNag！"Theelephantturned，withoutasound，tookthreestridesbacktotheboyinthemoonlight，putdownhistrunk，swunghimuptohisneck，andalmostbeforeLittleToomaihadsettledhisknees，slippedintotheforest。
　　Therewasoneblastoffurioustrumpetingfromthelines，andthenthesilenceshutdownoneverything，andKalaNagbegantomove。Sometimesatuftofhighgrasswashedalonghissidesasawavewashesalongthesidesofaship，andsometimesaclusterofwild—peppervineswouldscrapealonghisback，orabamboowouldcreakwherehisshouldertouchedit。Butbetweenthosetimeshemovedabsolutelywithoutanysound，driftingthroughthethickGaroforestasthoughithadbeensmoke。Hewasgoinguphill，butthoughLittleToomaiwatchedthestarsintheriftsofthetrees，hecouldnottellinwhatdirection。