It was a three-foot ankus , or elephant-goad -- something like a small boat-hook . The top was one round , shining ruby , and eight inches of the handle below it were studded with rough turquoises close together , giving a most satisfactory grip . Below them was a rim of jade with a flower-pattern running round it -- only the leaves were emeralds , and the blossoms were rubies sunk in the cool , green stone . The rest of the handle was a shaft of pure ivory , while the point -- the spike and hook -- was gold-inlaid steel with pictures of elephant-catching ; and the pictures attracted Mowgli , who saw that they had something to do with his friend Hathi the Silent . The White Cobra had been following him closely . `` Is this not worth dying to behold ? '' he said . `` Have I not done thee a great favour ? '' `` I do not understand , '' said Mowgli . `` The things are hard and cold , and by no means good to eat . But this '' -- he lifted the ankus -- `` I desire to take away , that I may see it in the sun . Thou sayest they are all thine ? Wilt thou give it to me , and I will bring thee frogs to eat ? '' The White Cobra fairly shook with evil delight . `` Assuredly I will give it , '' he said . `` All that is here I will give thee -- till thou goest away . '' `` But I go now . This place is dark and cold , and I wish to take the thorn-pointed thing to the Jungle . '' `` Look by thy foot ! What is that there ? ''
XXXXX picked up something white and smooth .
Hathi Mowgli ankus boat-hook elephant-catching grip ivory ruby shaft turquoises