"Many of the wolves that accepted you and let you join the pack are old now. And Shere Khan has taught the young wolves that a man-cub does not belong with them. Soon you will be a man."

"And why shouldn't a man be with his brothers?" said Mowgli. "I was born in the jungle. I have obeyed the Law of the Jungle. I have always helped the wolves in the pack by pulling thorns from their feet when they need it. The wolves are my brothers!"

Bagheera stretched as far as he could, and shut his eyes. "Little Brother," he said, "feel under my jaw." Mowgli put his strong brown hand just under Bagheera's chin, where the panther's muscles were hidden by his hair. Under Bagheera's chin he found a small smooth spot with no hair on it. Bagheera said, "No one in the jungle knows that I have that. - it is the mark of a collar. Little Brother, I was born among men, and my mother died among men - in the zoo at the king's palace in the city of Oodeypore. Because I lived among men I bought your life at the Council when you were a little naked baby. Yes, I was born among men. I had never seen the jungle. They fed me my food and kept me locked up until one night I thoiught "I am Bagheera - the Panther - and not a pet." I broke the lock of my cage and came to the jungle.