`` Man ! Man ! He has killed Man ! '' Then all looked towards Hathi , the wild elephant , but he seemed not to hear . Hathi never does anything till the time comes , and that is one of the reasons why he lives so long . `` At such a season as this to kill Man ! Was no other game afoot ? '' said Bagheera scornfully , drawing himself out of the tainted water , and shaking each paw , cat-fashion , as he did so . `` I killed for choice -- not for food . '' The horrified whisper began again , and Hathi 's watchful little white eye cocked itself in Shere Khan 's direction . `` For choice , '' Shere Khan drawled . `` Now come I to drink and make me clean again . Is there any to forbid ? '' Bagheera 's back began to curve like a bamboo in a high wind , but Hathi lifted up his trunk and spoke quietly . `` Thy kill was from choice ? '' he asked ; and when Hathi asks a question it is best to answer . `` Even so . It was my right and my Night . Thou knowest , O Hathi . '' Shere Khan spoke almost courteously .
`` Yes , I know , '' XXXXX answered ; and , after a little silence , `` Hast thou drunk thy fill ? ''
Bagheera Hathi Khan Night anything bamboo cat-fashion direction right trunk