Читать книгу Stories from The Jungle Book / Книга Джунглей - Редьярд Киплинг - Страница 7

Baloo and Bagheera were filled with grief. They had woken in time to see Mowgli being carried away.

“You should have warned him,” said Bagheera to Baloo. “You have taught him many things, but not all. You did not tell him about the silly, chattering Bandar-log. They could drop him while carrying him over the trees. He will surely die from such a fall.”

Baloo was too full of grief to reply. Chil spotted them as he flew over. He gave them Mowgli’s message.

“He knew the Master Word!” Chil exclaimed.

“What is the use?” wailed Baloo. “He may be dead by now.”

“Do not be so full of grief, Baloo,” comforted Bagheera. “The monkeys will be careful because they want him. Also, the man-cub is wise and well-taught. But as long as he is with them, he is not safe.”

“Oh, I am such a fat, stupid fool,” wailed Baloo again. “But, Bagheera, the Bandar-log fear Kaa, the snake, because he can climb trees, and he steals young monkeys in the night.”

“What can he do? He cannot move fast, as he has no feet.”

“He is a cunning old creature. Better still, he is always hungry,” said Baloo. “Come, we’ll go and seek his help. If he helps, we will promise him many goats.”

Both of them set off to look for Kaa. They found him sunning himself. His new coat was shining in the sun. (A snake sheds its skin when a new skin has formed inside.)