There is an old war between this lame tiger and myself -- a very old war , and -- I have won . '' To do Buldeo justice , if he had been ten years younger he would have taken his chance with Akela had he met the wolf in the woods , but a wolf who obeyed the orders of this boy who had private wars with man-eating tigers was not a common animal . It was sorcery , magic of the worst kind , thought Buldeo , and he wondered whether the amulet round his neck would protect him . He lay as still as still , expecting every minute to see Mowgli turn into a tiger too . `` Maharaj ! Great King , '' he said at last in a husky whisper . `` Yes , '' said Mowgli , without turning his head , chuckling a little . `` I am an old man . I did not know that thou wast anything more than a herdsboy . May I rise up and go away , or will thy servant tear me to pieces ? '' `` Go , and peace go with thee . Only , another time do not meddle with my game . Let him go , Akela . '' Buldeo hobbled away to the village as fast as he could , looking back over his shoulder in case Mowgli should change into something terrible . When he got to the village he told a tale of magic and enchantment and sorcery that made the priest look very grave . Mowgli went on with his work , but it was nearly twilight before he and the wolves had drawn the great gay skin clear of the body . `` Now we must hide this and take the buffaloes home ! Help me to herd them , Akela . '' The herd rounded up in the misty twilight , and when they got near the village Mowgli saw lights , and heard the conches and bells in the temple blowing and banging . Half the village seemed to be waiting for him by the gate .
`` That is because I have killed Shere Khan , '' he said XXXXX himself .
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