Page 73 - THE JUNGLE BOOK

The Jungle Book

Mowgli turned and saw the great Python’s head
swaying a foot above his own.
‘So this is the manling,’ said Kaa. ‘Very soft is his skin,
and he is not unlike the Bandar-log. Have a care, manling,

that I do not mistake thee for a monkey some twilight
when I have newly changed my coat.’
‘We be one blood, thou and I,’ Mowgli answered. ‘I
take my life from thee tonight. My kill shall be thy kill if
ever thou art hungry, O Kaa.’
‘All thanks, Little Brother,’ said Kaa, though his eyes
twinkled. ‘And what may so bold a hunter kill? I ask that I
may follow when next he goes abroad.’
‘I kill nothing,—I am too little,—but I drive goats
toward such as can use them. When thou art empty come
to me and see if I speak the truth. I have some skill in
these [he held out his hands], and if ever thou art in a trap,
I may pay the debt which I owe to thee, to Bagheera, and
to Baloo, here. Good hunting to ye all, my masters.’
‘Well said,’ growled Baloo, for Mowgli had returned
thanks very prettily. The Python dropped his head lightly
for a minute on Mowgli’s shoulder. ‘A brave heart and a
courteous tongue,’ said he. ‘They shall carry thee far
through the jungle, manling. But now go hence quickly

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