And because I had learned the ways of men , I became more terrible in the jungle than Shere Khan . Is it not so ? '' `` Yes , '' said Mowgli , `` all the jungle fear Bagheera -- all except Mowgli . '' `` Oh , thou art a man 's cub , '' said the Black Panther very tenderly . `` And even as I returned to my jungle , so thou must go back to men at last -- to the men who are thy brothers -- if thou art not killed in the Council . '' `` But why -- but why should any wish to kill me ? '' said Mowgli . `` Look at me , '' said Bagheera . And Mowgli looked at him steadily between the eyes . The big panther turned his head away in half a minute . `` That is why , '' he said , shifting his paw on the leaves . `` Not even I can look thee between the eyes , and I was born among men , and I love thee , Little Brother . The others they hate thee because their eyes can not meet thine ; because thou art wise ; because thou hast pulled out thorns from their feet -- because thou art a man . '' `` I did not know these things , '' said Mowgli sullenly , and he frowned under his heavy black eyebrows . `` What is the Law of the Jungle ? Strike first and then give tongue . By thy very carelessness they know that thou art a man . But be wise . It is in my heart that when Akela misses his next kill -- and at each hunt it costs him more to pin the buck -- the Pack will turn against him and against thee . They will hold a jungle Council at the Rock , and then -- and then -- I have it ! ''
XXXXX Bagheera , leaping up .
art born learned look love meet misses pin said turn