This book contains the following story:
"Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" is a short story by Rudyard Kipling that is part of his collection "The Jungle Book," first published in 1894. It tells the adventurous tale of a young mongoose named Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and his efforts to protect a human family from a pair of deadly cobras. Here's a plot summary of the story:
The story begins with a washed-up mongoose named Rikki-Tikki-Tavi being found and revived by a British family living in a bungalow in India. The family takes him in and names him Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. They quickly learn that Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is not an ordinary mongoose; he is a brave and skilled fighter with a strong instinct to protect his new human family.
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi becomes a valuable member of the household, and he forms a close bond with the young boy, Teddy, and his parents, Teddy's father and mother. The bungalow's garden, however, is home to a pair of venomous cobras, Nag and Nagaina, who pose a constant threat to the family.
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi takes on the role of the family's protector and becomes determined to eliminate the cobras. He engages in a series of deadly confrontations with the cobras, showcasing his agility, cunning, and ferocity. He kills Nag in a fierce battle and later faces Nagaina, who seeks revenge for her mate's death.
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi ultimately outwits Nagaina by luring her away from her eggs and destroying them, ending her threat to the family. The family is relieved and grateful for Rikki-Tikki-Tavi's bravery and loyalty.
The story ends with Rikki-Tikki-Tavi continuing to live with the family, keeping them safe from other potential dangers in the garden. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi's courage and determination in protecting his human family make him a beloved and cherished member of their household.
"Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" is a tale of bravery, loyalty, and the bond between humans and animals. It highlights the dangers of living in a wildlife-rich environment and the importance of having a fearless protector like Rikki-Tikki-Tavi to keep threats at bay.
