The motto of the mongoose family is "Run and find out." Rikki demonstrates his faithfulness to that family creed during his first days in the bungalow. First he checks out the cotton wool to see if it is food; then he jumps on Teddy's shoulder and peeks down his shirt. On the first day, he occupies himself by "roaming over the house." He explores the bathroom, the writing table, and the man's cigar. He can't stay in bed with Teddy very long because he has to rush out and see what every little noise is. The next day, he explores the garden. Hearing crying, he curiously inquires, "What is the matter?" and then asks, "Who is Nag?" When he meets Chuchundra during the night, he questions him, and then he eavesdrops on Nag and Nagaina. His curiosity pays off, for he hears them plotting to kill the man and learns about their eggs that will be hatching very soon. The next day, his curiosity as well as his intelligence spurs him to find Nagaina's eggs. The innate curiosity of his breed makes Rikki an effective protector of his human family. His agility and fighting skills would not have been much help if he hadn't overheard the two cobras plotting and if the 25 cobra eggs had been allowed to hatch. Staying true to his family motto made Rikki a formidable enemy for Nag and Nagaina.
No comments:
Post a Comment