`` Beyond doubt then it is no small thing that takes two such hunters -- leaders in their own jungle I am certain -- on the trail of the Bandar-log , '' Kaa replied courteously , as he swelled with curiosity . `` Indeed , '' Baloo began , `` I am no more than the old and sometimes very foolish Teacher of the Law to the Seeonee wolf-cubs , and Bagheera here -- '' `` Is Bagheera , '' said the Black Panther , and his jaws shut with a snap , for he did not believe in being humble . `` The trouble is this , Kaa . Those nut-stealers and pickers of palm leaves have stolen away our man-cub of whom thou hast perhaps heard . '' `` I heard some news from Ikki -LRB- his quills make him presumptuous -RRB- of a man-thing that was entered into a wolf pack , but I did not believe . Ikki is full of stories half heard and very badly told . '' `` But it is true . He is such a man-cub as never was , '' said Baloo . `` The best and wisest and boldest of man-cubs -- my own pupil , who shall make the name of Baloo famous through all the jungles ; and besides , I -- we -- love him , Kaa . '' `` Ts ! Ts ! '' said Kaa , weaving his head to and fro . `` I also have known what love is . There are tales I could tell that -- '' `` That need a clear night when we are all well fed to praise properly , '' said Bagheera quickly . `` Our man-cub is in the hands of the Bandar-log now , and we know that of all the Jungle-People they fear Kaa alone . '' `` They fear me alone . They have good reason , '' said Kaa . `` Chattering , foolish , vain -- vain , foolish , and chattering , are the monkeys . But a man-thing in their hands is in no good luck . They grow tired of the nuts they pick , and throw them down .
They carry a branch half a day , meaning to do great things with it , and then they snap it XXXXX two .
as besides for from in on than through to with