By Tim Kelly

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Special thanks to the Canyon Players,Hollywood, California

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THE ADVENTURES OF RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI

Adapted from the Jungle Stories of Rudyard Kipling

By TIM KELLY

CAST OF CHARACTERS(In Order of Speaking)

# of lines

PURAN BHAGAT .........................storyteller 21RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI .........................mongoose 134DARZEE ....................................bird of India 52IKKI ..........................................porcupine 51MONKEY POTENTATE .................silly simian 41MONKEY ONE ...........................another 23MONKEY TWO ...........................another 16MONKEY THREE ........................another 4ENGLISH HUSBAND ...................proper gentleman 25ENGLISH WIFE ..........................afraid of snakes 27DAUGHTER ...............................Rikki’s friend 22NAG .........................................vicious cobra 27NAGAINA...................................his wife 37BILLY GUMPTION .......................soldier 24CAMEL .....................................army camp animal 15HORSE .....................................another 15MULE .......................................another 13QUEEN COBRA ..........................clever reptile 37MONGOOSE HUNTER .................after Rikki-Tikki-Tavi 21ELEPHANT’S CHILD ...................gets a new nose 15KOLOKOLO BIRD .......................helps Elephant’s Child 5CROCODILE ..............................sly and strong 9SHERE KHAN ............................arrogant tiger 32WOLF ONE ................................jungle citizen 18WOLF TWO ................................another 15WOLF THREE .............................another 11

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SETTINGPlace: India.Time: During the days of the British Empire.Essentially it’s the empty stage which, supposedly, represents various locations in the jungle forest. Some modest touches can be used to suggest atmosphere -cutout trees and shrubbery placed UPSTAGE along with some overhanging vines (painted screens will do). For the first and last scene the action is placed in the garden of an English family with the cottage (bungalow) placed OFF RIGHT.

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THE ADVENTURES OF RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI

ACT ONEScene One

PRIOR TO LIGHTS UP: JUNGLE SOUND EFFECTS: bird calls, tigers, monkeys, elephants. The SOUNDS FADE to be replaced by the MUSIC OF A FLUTE, slightly eerie and drawing close.AT RISE: Garden of the English family, morning. A few seconds for the stage picture to register. FLUTE MUSIC OUT. PURAN BHAGAT, an elderly holy man, ENTERS. A small wooden flute is around his neck. He carries a “begging bowl” and surveys the AUDIENCE.PURAN BHAGAT: O, Best Beloved, I offer my blessings. For I am

the holy man Puran Bhagat. I walk from one end of the jungle to the other, year in and year out, under the warming sun of Mother India. There is not a creature I do not know or who does not know me. Ah, the stories I could tell. Wondrous stories. The rich and the poor, the strong and the weak. The good and the vile. The creatures that live on the earth and the birds that fly in the skies above. Such wondrous, magical, delightful stories— (Sadly.) But, alas— (Looks into his begging bowl.) My begging bowl is empty. See for yourself. (He displays empty bowl to AUDIENCE.) Is it not sad? Not even the holy man Puran Bhagat, peace be upon him, can tell a good story when he is hungry. Perhaps you could spare me a morsel of something? A bit of fish, a scrap of meat. (From OFF RIGHT a hand is projected. It holds a thin fish. PURAN BHAGAT sniffs the air.) What is that tantalizing aroma? (Sees the fish. Takes it. Hand is withdrawn from view.) It’s a trout. A rather thin trout, but a trout nevertheless. I particularly like a trout when there’s a little rice to go with it. (Hand reappears with a large spoon or ladle containing some cooked rice. PURAN BHAGAT drops the fish into his begging bowl, holds out bowl to catch the rice.) Was there ever such a delicious meal? A million blessings be upon you. (Hand and large spoon are withdrawn. Hungrily, PURAN BHAGAT eats some of the rice, almost purring.) It is a feast. A veritable feast. (Pretends to hear something from AUDIENCE.) What’s that you say? (Listens.) Story time? (Annoyed.) Can’t I even finish my meal? My fish and rice. (Resigned.) Ah, well. What must be must be. (Thinks.) Hmmm. Tiger stories are so common. Everyone’s heard an elephant story or two. Crocodile tales are not pretty. (Brightens.) Aha! I have it. You seldom hear stories about a mongoose and I have a wonderful story about such a creature. His name is Rikki-tikki-tavi. (Gestures to “garden”.) And he lived in a garden very much like this one. He could scratch himself anywhere he pleased and cobras greatly feared him. That’s why a mongoose was always welcome in an

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English garden. The motto of all the mongoose family is “Run and find out” and Rikki was no exception. (Calls LEFT.) Rikki.

RIKKI: (From OFF LEFT.) Rikki.PURAN BHAGAT: Rikki-tikki-tikki.RIKKI: (From OFF LEFT.) Rikki-tikki-tikki.PURAN BHAGAT: Rikki-tikki-tavi.RIKKI: (From OFF LEFT.) Rikki-tikki-tavi. (Dances ON, full of energy and

curiosity. As RIKKI speaks, PURAN BHAGAT withdraws and we are left with the story he is telling. RIKKI is extremely energetic, rarely stands still, darting this way and that, speaks in a lively fashion and is quite boastful. Boyishly eager. We like him at once. RIKKI steps DOWN, addresses AUDIENCE.) Rikk-tikk-tikki-tikki-tchk! Hello.

DARZEE: (From OFF LEFT.) That’s his voice. He must be up ahead.RIKKI: (To AUDIENCE.) It’s Darzee the tailor-bird. Always building one

nest or another.IKKI: (From OFF LEFT.) I hope you’re right. I’m tired of looking for him.RIKKI: (To AUDIENCE.) And that’s Ikki the porcupine. Good friends

both. (Calls LEFT.) Here I am, good friends.DARZEE: (ENTERS with IKKI.) So you are.IKKI: Where have you been, Rikki?RIKKI: Here. There. Everywhere. Up. Down. In. Out.DARZEE: We checked the other side of the road.IKKI: The jungle path, too.DARZEE: You were nowhere to be seen.RIKKI: I’m very good at hiding in the bushes where no one can see

me.IKKI: Why would you want to do that?RIKKI: When no one can see me I can observe what they’re up to. I’m

very curious, you know. Very curious is Rikki-tikki-tavi.DARZEE: The whole jungle knows that.IKKI: Even porcupines.RIKKI: I’m very busy, you know. Very busy is Rikki-tikki-tavi. I must run

and find out things. Why did you want to find me?DARZEE: We saw that terrible cobra and his wife. The ones you drove

from the garden.IKKI: Nag and Nagaina.DARZEE: I can’t bring myself to say their names. They strike fear in

a bird’s heart.IKKI: Sooner or later a cobra will eat a bird’s egg.DARZEE: (Alarmed.) Stop it, Ikki, stop it.

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IKKI: Sometimes a cobra will even eat the bird.DARZEE: (Faints with a flutter and a downward wail.) Ooooooooooooo.

I’m not well. (RIKKI and IKKI get DARZEE to her feet.)RIKKI: Now, now, nothing to worry about.DARZEE: Nothing to worry about? Easy enough for you to say. You’re

a mongoose.IKKI: How fortunate I am to have needles on my hide.RIKKI: There’s nothing to fear. Nag and Nagaina will never come to

this garden again. Nag and Nagaina are cowards. If they do return I will leap and seize them in my jaws. And then I will shake them to death. (He demonstrates, clamping his teeth and shaking his head rapidly from side to side, almost violently. He makes angry sounds. He slams the imaginary cobra to the ground, stomps on it.) There’s your Nag. (Another stomp close by.) There’s your Nagaina. (IKKI and DARZEE applaud.)

IKKI: That was wonderful, Rikki.DARZEE: I feel much better.IKKI: Many snakes in the jungle are pleasant enough. Why can’t the

cobras be more like them?RIKKI: Because a cobra is what it is.DARZEE: Difficult to get along with.IKKI: I don’t mind a snake being difficult, but I do mind a snake when

it’s vicious.DARZEE: How true.IKKI: Why don’t we take a walk in the lime grove? It’s cool there and

the sun is hot.RIKKI: I haven’t been in the lime grove for quite some time. I should

investigate.DARZEE: (Gestures LEFT.) Shall we?IKKI: We shall.RIKKI: Always remember, my friends, when it comes to protecting this

garden from dangerous cobras, there is none better than—IKKI/DARZEE/RIKKI: Rikki-tikki-tavi. (They EXIT LEFT.)MONKEYS: (From OFF UP RIGHT, laugh mockingly.) Rikki-tikki-tavi. Rikki-

tikki-tavi. Rikki-tikki-tavi. Hoot, hoot, hoot. (Scamper IN. [EXTRA MONKEYS may be added, if desired.] They take STAGE CENTER. They’re a silly band of simians.)

MONKEY POTENTATE: That Rikki-tikki-tavi thinks he’s so good.MONKEY ONE: Thinks he’s so smart.MONKEY TWO: Thinks he’s as clever as a monkey.

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MONKEY POTENTATE: No one can be as clever as a monkey. Especially a Bandar-log monkey like us.

MONKEYS: Monkey, monkey, monkey. Monkey see, monkey do. Hoot, hoot, hoot. (They join hands in a circle, dance about and sing.)Here we go in a flung festoon,Halfway up to the jealous moon!Don’t you envy our pranceful bands?Don’t you wish you had extra hands?Wouldn’t you like it if your tails were soCurved in the shape of a Cupid’s bow?Now you’re angry, but—never mind.Brother, thy tail hangs down behind!Ha, ha, ha! Hoot! Hoot! Hoot! (They drop to the ground and roll about having a marvelous time.)

MONKEY POTENTATE: (Stands and commands.) Cease! (MONKEYS stand, brushing away the dirt.)

MONKEY ONE: Let’s chant another verse. (She chatters her teeth.)MONKEY POTENTATE: One’s enough.MONKEY TWO: Let’s play hide and seek. I’ll hide and you seek. (She

chatters her teeth.)MONKEY POTENTATE: (Pompous.) As Monkey Potentate I have a

much better idea. We’ll toss coconuts at each other.MONKEY ONE: I want to be potentate.MONKEY TWO: No, I want to be potentate.MONKEY ONE: What is a potentate, anyway?MONKEY POTENTATE: It’s a king, I think.MONKEY THREE: Are you calling yourself a king?MONKEY POTENTATE: I am a king.MONKEY ONE: So am I!MONKEY TWO: Me, too. ((If EXTRA MONKEYS are being used, they join

in— “Me, me!” “Me, too!”.)MONKEY POTENTATE: I’ve got another idea.OTHERS: What?MONKEY POTENTATE: We’ll all be potentates. We’ll all be kings.MONKEY ONE: Splendid. (The MONKEYS give a great chatter of

approval. They like this stupid idea. Slumped over, hands dangling, they move about the stage reciting.)

MONKEYS: We’ll all be potentates, we’ll all be kings.We’ll all be potentates, we’ll all be kings.We’ll all be potentates, we’ll all be kings.We’ll all be—

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MONKEY POTENTATE: (Spots something on the ground. He picks it up. It’s a lady’s hand mirror. He studies his reflection, jumps back startled.) Hoot! (Other MONKEYS are suddenly most curious. They gather around MONKEY POTENTATE and look into the mirror. They’re amazed. MONKEY ONE pulls it away, stares into the glass, makes funny faces. MONKEY TWO pulls it away, stares into the glass and also makes funny faces. Same for EXTRAS.)

MONKEY THREE: (Points to mirror.) What is it?MONKEY POTENTATE: It must be some kind of magic “thing.”MONKEY TWO: Who’s the ugly monkey in there? (Taps glass.)MONKEY POTENTATE: (Pulls away mirror.) I’ve got another idea. We’ll

take it back to The Lost City and play with it.MONKEY ONE: I want to carry it.MONKEY THREE: No, I’ll carry it. (EXTRA MONKEYS chatter, “No, me!”

“I’ll carry it.” “I want to carry it!”)ENGLISH HUSBAND: (From OFF RIGHT.) Are you sure you had it with

you in the garden, Daughter?DAUGHTER: (From OFF RIGHT.) Pretty sure, Father.ENGLISH WIFE: (From OFF RIGHT.) Don’t worry. We’ll find it.MONKEY POTENTATE: (Alert.) It’s the humans from the bungalow.MONKEY TWO: Humans are only human. Their talk is like frogs in a

pond.MONKEY ONE: Don’t let them take away the magic thing.MONKEY TWO: Too bad we don’t have some coconuts. We could toss

them at the humans.MONKEY POTENTATE: Never mind about coconuts. Never mind about

humans. To The Lost City!MONKEYS: The Lost City! (Hurriedly move RIGHT, change direction

and EXIT LEFT as ENGLISH HUSBAND strides ON from RIGHT, very proper.)

ENGLISH HUSBAND: (Sees the MONKEYS scattering and loses his usual composure.) Out of this garden, you marauding pirates! (He stoops to the ground and pretends to pick up some pebbles, tosses them.) If I could catch just one of you!

ENGLISH WIFE: (ENTERS, with a parasol over her head.) John, you mustn’t shout like that. Not in this heat. You might have a stroke.

DAUGHTER: (ENTERS.) It isn’t as hot as it was yesterday, Mother.ENGLISH WIFE: Nevertheless.ENGLISH HUSBAND: It’s those miserable Bandar-log monkeys. They’re

always up to some mischief. Usually thievery.

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ENGLISH WIFE: I’ll never forget the one that jumped in my bedroom window and stole a bottle of perfume. Quite startled me. Bold as brass.

ENGLISH HUSBAND: All the Bandar-logs are like that. Chattering gypsies.

DAUGHTER: (Wanders about the stage, looking for the mirror.) I remember I was sitting on a blanket about here. (Indicates spot where MONKEY POTENTATE found the mirror.) I was combing my hair. Mother called me in for tea. I remember taking the comb and blanket inside, but I can’t remember what I did with the mirror. I think I left it here.

ENGLISH WIFE: (Looks with ENGLISH HUSBAND.) Don’t worry, dear. If it’s here we’ll find it.

RIKKI: (Dances IN from LEFT.) Rikk-tikk-tikki-tikki-tchk! (He comes to a fast halt when he sees the others.)

ENGLISH WIFE: Oh, look. It’s Rikki.ENGLISH HUSBAND: You don’t think Rikki might have stolen the

mirror? (RIKKI frowns at the suggestion.)ENGLISH WIFE: Don’t be foolish, John. Rikki never stole a thing from

us in his life.DAUGHTER: It was the only mirror I ever really liked. You gave it to me

for my birthday, Mother. When I was only six years old.ENGLISH WIFE: I haven’t forgotten.ENGLISH HUSBAND: If the mirror’s lost, I’ll get you another.DAUGHTER: I don’t want another. I want my birthday mirror. It was so

lovely. (Wipes away a tear.)ENGLISH WIFE: Don’t cry, dear. We’ll find it.ENGLISH HUSBAND: (To RIKKI.) If I said anything out of line, I apologize,

old chap. (RIKKI grins.)DAUGHTER: (Moves to RIKKI.) Good old Rikki. He’s so cute. (Another

grin from RIKKI, chest out.)ENGLISH HUSBAND: He wasn’t cute that day we found him lying in

the hot sun in the middle of the garden path. Dead for sure, that’s what I thought.

ENGLISH WIFE: He was such a little thing. (RIKKI is enjoying these recollections immensely because, of course, they’re about him.) But good care brought him around.

DAUGHTER: And he’s been with us ever since. Running in and out of the house. He makes me laugh. He always has. Dear, darling Rikki-tikki-tavi. (RIKKI is about to burst with pride.)

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ENGLISH WIFE: He was the most curious creature I’ve ever known. Sticking his nose in inkwells, running at night to see how kerosene lamps were lighted, nearly drowning in the bathtub.

ENGLISH HUSBAND: We’re all safer with Rikki about. If a snake came into the house—

ENGLISH WIFE: (Frightened.) Don’t say it, John. Makes me nervous just to think about it.

ENGLISH HUSBAND: (Pats RIKKI on head.) We’ve nothing to worry about with Rikki on guard.

DAUGHTER: I feel so sad about losing my mirror.ENGLISH WIFE: We’ll look again when it’s cooler. Won’t do any of us

any good to stand out here in the hot noonday sun. (Moves RIGHT.) Come along, both of you.

DAUGHTER: (Moves to follow, along with ENGLISH HUSBAND.) If I don’t find that mirror, I’ll cry for a whole week.

ENGLISH HUSBAND: Nonsense, child. You’ll do no such thing. Always remember you’re British. You must set a good example for the servants.

DAUGHTER: Why, Father?ENGLISH HUSBAND: You ask too many questions. It must be the sun.

(They EXIT.)RIKKI: (Dances after them.) Maybe they’ll have sweet biscuits for tea.

I dote on sweet biscuits. (Stops. Sniffs the air.) I smell Bandar-log.DARZEE: (From OFF LEFT.) Rikki! Rikki!RIKKI: (To AUDIENCE.) It’s Darzee.IKKI: (From OFF LEFT.) Rikki-tikki-tavi.RIKKI: (To AUDIENCE.) It’s Ikki.DARZEE: (ENTERS with IKKI.) Some walk.IKKI: One moment you were beside us and the next you

were gone.RIKKI: I get restless. I get curious. I see something in the bush or I hear

something on the trail and I just have to investigate. Perhaps we can have our walk tomorrow. Help me look for a lady’s hand mirror.

IKKI: Why should we?RIKKI: Because it belongs to the girl who lives in the bungalow.DARZEE: There’s no sense searching for that mirror. It would be a

waste of time.RIKKI: Why do you say that? Don’t answer just yet. I have to scratch.

(With rapid motion he scratches here and there.) Ah, that’s better. What were we talking about?

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DARZEE: The mirror.RIKKI: That’s right. The mirror. Help me search for it.IKKI: The monkeys have it.RIKKI: The monkeys! Those foolish creatures, always playing their

silly games.DARZEE: They came chattering into the jungle, swinging from vine to

vine, tossing coconuts at us. They’re a public nuisance.RIKKI: Did they say where they were headed?IKKI: We heard them say they were heading for The Lost City.RIKKI: (In awe.) The Lost City? No one knows where to find that city.DARZEE: That’s why it’s called Lost.RIKKI: The girl who lives in the bungalow has a broken heart.

If I find the mirror, her heart will be mended. It’s the least I can do to repay her for all the kindnesses she’s shown me.

DARZEE: That’s all quite noble-sounding, my friend. But such an adventure could prove dangerous.

RIKKI: I’m not afraid. I love adventure. (With great flair.) Adventure! Come with me.

IKKI: No.DARZEE: No.RIKKI: Why not?DARZEE/IKKI: Because we are afraid.RIKKI: In that case I’ll go alone. Wish me luck.DARZEE/IKKI: Luck.DARZEE: When will you be back?RIKKI: Who can say? (Runs OFF LEFT.) Rikk-tikk-tikki-tikki-tchk!IKKI: (Starts to EXIT UP RIGHT with DARZEE.) I’ll say this for Rikki—

he’s a brave little fellow.DARZEE: Tell that to a crocodile. (They EXIT. The LIGHTS DIM somewhat

and a menacing music chord is struck. We hear the unmistakable sound of—.)

NAG: (From OFF LEFT.) HISSsssssss. HISSsssssss.NAGAINA: (From OFF LEFT.) HISSsssssss. HISSsssssss.NAG: (Slithers IN, hood up. Looks about.) Good, good. The garden is

empty. Come along, Nagaina.NAGAINA: (Slithers IN, hood up. Both NAG and NAGAINA are incredibly

evil.) HISSsssssss. (Hesitates.)NAG: There’s nothing to be afraid of. Weren’t you listening? That

horrible mongoose has left the garden. I wish him nothing but misery on his “adventures.”

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NAGAINA: But should he return?NAG: He won’t return. He drove us out once, but he won’t do it again.

Slither into the jungle and alert our brother and sister cobras that Rikki-tikki-tavi comes their way and must be destroyed. He is our greatest enemy. HISSsssssss.

NAGAINA: He is our greatest enemy. He must be destroyed. HISSsssssss.

NAG: When the hour is right we will kill the inhabitants of the bungalow and the bungalow will belong to cobras.

NAGAINA: YESsssssss. YESsssssss. But are you sure there’s anything to be gained by killing the people?

NAG: Everything. For when there are no people in the bungalow, there will be no mongoose in the garden. So long as the bungalow is empty we are king and queen of the garden.

NAGAINA: Quite sssssssssooooooooo.NAG: When our children hatch from their eggs they will need peace

and quiet.NAGAINA: I hadn’t thought of that. You are wise, Nag.NAG: Go along. Sound the alarm. Rikki-tikki-tavi must die.NAGAINA: Die he must.NAG: I will warm myself somewhere safe and think about the hour the

bungalow will be mine.NAGAINA: And mine.NAG/NAGAINA: Ours.NAG: HISSsssssss.NAGAINA: HISSsssssss. (Slithers OFF LEFT and NAG EXITS UP RIGHT,

searching for a good place to nap. LIGHTS FADE.)End of Scene One

ACT ONEScene Two

LIGHTS UP: A clearing in the jungle. BILLY GUMPTION, a soldier of the empire, is on guard duty. Rifle over his shoulder. He’s all spit and polish as he marches back and forth with military precision. He wears a drooping moustache, military coat and hat.BILLY: Troopin’ troopin’ troopin’ to the sea:

’Ere’s September come again—the six-year men are free.O leave the dead be’ind us, for they cannot come awayTo where the ship’s a-coalin’ up that takes us ’ome today. (RIKKI dances IN and observes BILLY with great interest.)

We’re goin’ ’ome, we’re goin’ ’ome,Our ship is at the shore,

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An’ you must pack your ’aversack,For we won’t come back no more. (Notices RIKKI.) ’Allo. What have we got here? Bless me. It’s a mongoose chap. I say good day to you, young sir.

RIKKI: (To AUDIENCE.) He seems like a kindly gentleman.BILLY: I am a kindly gent to them what’s kind to me.RIKKI: (Amazed.) You can speak mongoose!BILLY: Mongoose, elephant, horse, mule, camel. I haven’t lived in

India long as I have without picking up a thing or two when it comes to creature chatter and such. And who might you be, young sir?

RIKKI: Rikki.BILLY: Rikki?RIKKI: Rikki-tikki-tavi.BILLY: Rikki-tikki-tavi?RIKKI: I’m quite well known.BILLY: If you say so, lad. Can’t say as I ever heard of you.RIKKI: And who might you be?BILLY: Can’t you see my coat and hat? Can’t you see my rifle? Can’t

you see the snappy way I march? I am a soldier of the empire.RIKKI: (Has no idea what Billy means.) Oh.BILLY: Billy Gumption I am and proud of it. Number Fifteen, E Troop,

86th Regiment, Second Royal Rifles. Many’s the year I marched here and there for Queen and Country. Campaigns from the Khyber Pass to the Nile. India’s been my home for, oh, many, many years now. Can’t stand and chatter. I’m on duty. It’s always pleasant to meet a mongoose what has good manners. Good day to you, Rikki. (Marches back and forth again. RIKKI trots alongside him.) Troopin’ troopin’ troopin’ to the sea:’Ere’s September come again—the six-year men are free.

RIKKI: (Tugs at BILLY’S uniform sleeve.) Billy.BILLY: (Stops marching, a bit annoyed.) See here, lad. I’ve got me work

to do. Ain’t like I can stop and pass a word or two whenever I feel like it. Ain’t military.

RIKKI: Please, Billy, I’m on an adventure.BILLY: Who ain’t, laddie? Life’s one big adventure, ain’t it? The

important thing is to enjoy it and stay out of trouble.RIKKI: I’m searching for The Lost City.BILLY: If it’s lost you ain’t likely to find it, are you?RIKKI: I’ve got to find it.

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BILLY: What’s so bloomin’ special about a lost city? India’s full of them.

RIKKI: The Bandar-log monkeys stole a mirror from a dear friend. She’s heartbroken. If I get the mirror back she’ll be able to smile again.

BILLY: Them Bandar-logs live in The Lost City, is that it?RIKKI: Yes.BILLY: Wish I could help you but I can’t. (Thinks.) Half a mo’.RIKKI: You thought of something?BILLY: Maybe one of the camp animals will know something. Let’s

give it a try.RIKKI: Let’s.BILLY: (Produces a whistle and gives it several blasts. CAMEL, HORSE

and MULE ENTER. EXTRA CAMP ANIMALS as/if desired.) Chaps, meet Rikki-tikki-tavi. Rikki-tikki-tavi, meet the camel, meet the horse and meet the mule.

RIKKI: Hello. (ANIMALS grunt in response. They’re unimpressed.) Are they soldiers, too?

CAMP ANIMALS: (Offended.) Are we soldiers, too! (Emphatic.) Are we ever.

BILLY: They’re a mite sensitive on the subject, Rikki. Each and every one is a seasoned campaigner.

RIKKI: I don’t travel too far from my bungalow garden, so I don’t know about such things. I have a great deal to learn.

CAMEL: I should say you do.HORSE: You heard Billy Gumption. Seasoned campaigners.CAMEL: Well-seasoned.RIKKI: Run and find out. That’s my motto. Hold on. I’ve got to scratch.

(He scratches here and there, greatly relieved.) Aaaah. That’s better.CAMEL: I suppose you think a camel is only fit for carrying ammunition

boxes and such. That’s what most people think.HORSE: You’re not made for climbing, that’s for sure.MULE: Whenever there’s a storm you’re always running about wet and

angry.HORSE: Your feet are too soft and they’re always slipping in the mud.CAMEL: (Pouts.) You’re so perfect.MULE: (Throws out his chest, addresses RIKKI.) What you see here is

the number one mule of number two gun battery. Campaigns from the Khyber Pass to the Nile. (Brays.)

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CAMEL: Adjustments should be made for a camel. I am not so brave as you are— (Condescending.) —“my lords.”

MULE: (To HORSE.) There he goes again. Acting superior.CAMEL: A camel’s lot is not an easy one.HORSE: Quit complaining. The first time I ever saw a man I ran for

half a day. It was in Australia and I was a three-year-old. If I had seen a camel I’d be running still. (To RIKKI, boasting.) I’m not just any horse, I’m a troop-horse. Generally I have to ride into the thick of battle. Guns booming, sabers flashing. Campaigns from the Khyber Pass to the Nile.

MULE: Now and again a badly packed saddle will upset a mule, but it’s very seldom. I can lay on my side and soldiers can fire over me.

HORSE: So can I.CAMEL: Being a baggage camel, I admit I have fought very little.HORSE: Best leave that to horse and rider. There’s nothing better than

a horse when things get sticky.MULE: My father could pull down and bite and kick into rags every

horse he came across.HORSE: (Angry.) That’s an insult. I challenge you to a fight. (MULE and

HORSE get into fight positions, snorting, kicking up dust.)BILLY: ’Tenshun! (Immediately HORSE, MULE and CAMEL snap to

attention.) I’m ashamed of you. Quarreling like raw recruits. You know as well as I do you each have your place in the scheme of things. Why, the army couldn’t function without you camp animals. Bless me, I forgot why I called you in.

CAMP ANIMALS: (Flat.) To meet the mongoose.BILLY: That’s right. The mongoose. He’s searching for a

lost city.HORSE/MULE: Lost city?CAMEL: There are plenty of those in the jungle.RIKKI: This is a special one. It’s where the Bandar-log monkeys live.CAMP ANIMALS: (Holding noses.) Monkeys?!MULE: Never waste your time with monkeys.HORSE: They’re undisciplined and shallow.CAMEL: They’re always throwing things.HORSE: No discipline. None at all. Tsk, tsk! They’d be useless in

battle.RIKKI: They’ve stolen something and I must get it back.MULE: They’re famous for thievery.CAMEL: What did they steal?

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RIKKI: A mirror.CAMP ANIMALS: A mirror?MULE: Is that all?RIKKI: It’s a very special mirror. That’s why I’ve got to find The Lost

City.HORSE: Those monkeys have probably broken it by now.CAMEL: Seven years bad luck.MULE: Or hidden it. Monkeys are always hiding something and then

forgetting where they hid it.BILLY: (To CAMP ANIMALS.) You must have heard something about

such a place. Camp animals is always passing gossip and such down the line.

CAMEL: Hmmm.HORSE: Hmmm.MULE: Hmmm.HORSE: Nope.MULE: Nope. (EXTRAS echo “Nope, nope.”.)CAMEL: Seems to me I have.RIKKI: (Terribly excited.) What?BILLY: (Checks pocket watch.) It’s almost time for a chant.RIKKI: (Frantic.) The Lost City! The Lost City! Where?!CAMEL: (Thinks.) Hmmm. If you go that way— (Points RIGHT.) by the

old temple pagoda. No, that’s not right. (Points LEFT.) If you go that way, where the jungle path divides in two—

RIKKI: Yes, yes?CAMEL: Take the path on the right. I think.MULE: Look for coconuts on the ground.HORSE: It’ll be a sure sign the Bandar-log have gone that way.RIKKI: Yes, yes. Why didn’t I think of that? Thank you,

thank you.HORSE: Tricky things, them Bandar-logs.RIKKI: Nice meeting you “chaps.” Rikk-tikk-tikki-tikki-tchk! (Runs OFF

LEFT.)BILLY: Best of luck on your adventures. (Pockets watch.) ’Tenshun!

(CAMP ANIMALS snap to attention.) Report! (HORSE, CAMEL and MULE [and EXTRAS] group together DOWNSTAGE, recite with gusto as BILLY parades back and forth.)

CAMP ANIMALS: Children of the Camp are we,Serving each in his degree—

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BILLY: Put some snap into it!CAMP ANIMALS: (Louder.) While the men that walk beside,

Dusty, silent, heavy-eyed,Cannot tell why we or theyMarch and suffer day by day.

BILLY: That’s better.CAMP ANIMALS: Children of the Camp are we,

Serving each in his degree,Children of the yoke and goad,Pack and harness, pad and load. (MULE brays, HORSE whinnies, CAMEL snorts. Snappily BILLY marches OFF. CAMP ANIMALS follow. LIGHTS FADE.)

End of Scene Two

ACT ONEScene Three

LIGHTS UP: In the jungle. We discover QUEEN COBRA sunning herself, her face lifted toward the warming sun.QUEEN COBRA: SSSSSSooooo warm is the sssssun. It makes me

listlesssss.NAGAINA: (From OFF.) SSSSSister.QUEEN COBRA: (Alert.) Who is it? Who’s there? Who calls me sister?NAGAINA: (ENTERS.) It is I. Nagaina.QUEEN COBRA: Dear, dear Nagaina. I didn’t expect to find you this

deep in the jungle.NAGAINA: I wouldn’t be here except that Nag has commanded it.QUEEN COBRA: Dear, dear Nag. Such a healthy King Cobra. Such

copious venom.NAGAINA: He sends me with a warning.QUEEN COBRA: Warning?NAGAINA: The mongoose who drove us from our garden is here in

the jungle.QUEEN COBRA: HISSsssssss.NAGAINA: He is searching for The Lost City.QUEEN COBRA: I know it well. Why should I fear this mongoose more

than any other?NAGAINA: Because he is more clever than any other. He’s young,

strong, quick. Dangerous. All the cobras of the jungle may be next. He has no fear.

QUEEN COBRA: Does this mongoose have a name?NAGAINA: Rikki-tikki-tavi.

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QUEEN COBRA: YESsssssss. I have heard of him.NAGAINA: Will you warn the others?QUEEN COBRA: I will and I will deal with him myself. Such a one as

Rikki-tikki-tavi will require special attention.NAGAINA: His eyes are fiery red when he is angry. That means he’s

about to strike.QUEEN COBRA: I do not need you to counsel me about mongooses.

Go back to Nag. Tell him Rikki-tikki-tavi is as good as dead. You will never see him again. This I vow.

NAGAINA: Oh, sister. You have made me one happy snake.QUEEN COBRA: YESsssssss. (NAGAINA EXITS one way, QUEEN COBRA

another. LIGHTS FADE.)End of Scene Three

ACT ONEScene Four

LIGHTS UP: Another part of the jungle.PURAN BHAGAT: (ENTERS DOWN RIGHT.) O, Best Beloved, I offer my

blessings. For I am the holy man Puran Bhagat. I walk from one end of the jungle to the other, year in and year out, under the warming sun of Mother India... (Sighs.) What’s the use? There’s not a soul in sight. My stomach growls like a crocodile in the mud. (Checks begging bowl.) And, as nearly always, my begging bowl is empty. I can’t abide coconuts and I don’t like fruits and vegetables. That limits my choice of nourishment. Alas. Perhaps if I rested for a moment. (Takes flute around his neck and plays a few notes.)

MONGOOSE HUNTER: (From OFF LEFT.) Come back here, you!RIKKI: (From OFF LEFT.) Rikki-tikki-tavi.MONGOOSE HUNTER: (From OFF LEFT.) Mongoose of a thousand

curses sent to bedevil me!RIKKI: (From OFF LEFT.) Rikki-tikki-tavi.MONGOOSE HUNTER: (From OFF LEFT.) Come here! (RIKKI runs IN,

clicking his teeth. Nervously he runs about.)PURAN BHAGAT: Friend mongoose, perhaps you could spare me

a morsel of something? A bit of fish, a scrap of meat? (RIKKI runs OUT RIGHT. PURAN BHAGAT calls after him.) I could tell you a story. I’m quite a good storyteller. (MONGOOSE HUNTER steps ON, breathing heavily and dragging a sack. PURAN BHAGAT forces himself to smile, holds out the begging bowl.) My begging bowl is empty.

MONGOOSE HUNTER: What’s that to me?

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PURAN BHAGAT: O, Best Beloved, you have a scowl on your face.MONGOOSE HUNTER: That’s because I’m unhappy. When I don’t get

what I want I’m always unhappy.PURAN BHAGAT: Your breath is heavy.MONGOOSE HUNTER: From running here and there chasing crafty

prey.PURAN BHAGAT: (Indicates the sack.) Your sack is empty.MONGOOSE HUNTER: There is no need to remind me.PURAN BHAGAT: O, Best Beloved, what is it that you hunt?MONGOOSE HUNTER: Mongooses.PURAN BHAGAT: Mongooses?MONGOOSE HUNTER: I saw a lively, clever one, bushy-

tailed and bright-eyed. Tail like a squirrel. If I return to the palace without such a mongoose, I will very likely lose my position with the Maharajah, the great prince for whom I work.

PURAN BHAGAT: The Maharajah has need of a clever mongoose?MONGOOSE HUNTER: Cobras have slithered into the Maharajah’s

palace. It’s as if they were afraid of something.PURAN BHAGAT: Perhaps they are, O, Best Beloved. Why not journey to

the marketplace at Afzal? There you are bound to find mongooses.MONGOOSE HUNTER: Too far. Not enough time. Besides, the one I

saw running about would be perfect for the Maharajah’s palace. I know a worthy mongoose when I see one.

PURAN BHAGAT: He must be a remarkable creature, this mongoose.MONGOOSE HUNTER: Never before has a mongoose escaped my sack.

This one will be no exception. Sure you haven’t seen him? (PURAN BHAGAT holds out the begging bowl.) I’ve nothing to give you. And I’ve wasted too much time. At least I’ve got my breath back. (Holds the sack as if to swoop it down on some unsuspecting victim.) That mongoose is as good as mine. I mean the Maharajah’s. (Crouches low, on the hunt and EXITS DOWN RIGHT.)

PURAN BHAGAT: (Rubs his belly and sniffs the air.) I must be going mad. I smell a fish. Can it be?

RIKKI: (Dances IN RIGHT. He holds a fish.) Rikki-tikk-tikki-tchk. (He dances over to the begging bowl and drops in the fish.)

PURAN BHAGAT: (Astonished.) Wonder of wonders! It is a fish. (Investigates.) I usually prefer a fish to be cooked, but I can attend to that later. I must say the hunter was right. You are a remarkable one. Better be careful, my friend. He’s vowed to capture you.

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(RIKKI throws head back smiling, with palms upturned. Sits cross-legged on the ground.) What’s this? (Comes the dawn.) Ah, now I understand. You have given me this fine swamp fish, and now it’s time for you to hear a story. Is that not so? (RIKKI nods in the affirmative.) It will have to be a small story, for this is not a very big fish. (RIKKI shrugs.) Let me think. (Thinks.) Would you like to know how the camel got its hump? (RIKKI shakes negative.) How the rhinoceros got its skin? (Negative.) How the leopard got its spots? (Negative.) My, you are difficult to please. Before I find you a story this fish will turn bad. (Thinks.) Would you like to know how the elephant got its nose? (This appeals to RIKKI. He nods enthusiastically.) Good. Listen carefully and you shall know. (A GREENISH LIGHT, representing the Limpopo River, is projected DOWN RIGHT. The LIGHT on RIKKI and PURAN BHAGAT DIMS.) In far-off times, in a place called Africa, the elephant had no trunk. He had only a blackish nose, big as a boot that he could wiggle about from side to side, but he couldn’t pick up things with it. But there was one elephant. (As he speaks, the CROCODILE ENTERS. He moves to the GREENISH LIGHT and flattens himself on the ground, remains motionless.) A new elephant. An Elephant’s Child who was so full of curiosity that he was always asking questions and annoying his relatives.

ELEPHANT’S CHILD: (ENTERS DOWN RIGHT and speaks directly to AUDIENCE.) Why do ostrich feathers grow just so? Why does the giraffe have spotty skin? Why does the hippopotamus have red eyes?

PURAN BHAGAT: He was always getting spanked for asking questions.ELEPHANT’S CHILD: They can spank me all they want, but I still want

answers. Why do melons taste the way they do? What does the crocodile have for dinner?

PURAN BHAGAT: Finally, the Kolokolo Bird told the Elephant’s Child—KOLOKOLO BIRD: (ENTERS and circles RIGHT CENTER, arms spread

wide to simulate flapping wings.) If you want to know what a crocodile has for dinner, go to the banks of the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River.

ELEPHANT’S CHILD: Really?KOLOKOLO BIRD: Really. (“Flies away” RIGHT. ELEPHANT’S CHILD slowly

plods along, dumbly circling the supposedly sleeping CROCODILE.)PURAN BHAGAT: The Elephant’s Child traveled a long time, telling

everyone—ELEPHANT’S CHILD: (Waves.) Goodbye, goodbye. I am going to the

great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River. I’m going to find out what the crocodile has for dinner. I don’t know what a crocodile looks

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like, but I’m bound to find out. (Puts his foot on the CROCODILE who promptly reacts.)

CROCODILE: Watch where you’re stepping.ELEPHANT’S CHILD: (Jumps back, alarmed.) Sorry. I didn’t see you

there.CROCODILE: That’s no excuse.ELEPHANT’S CHILD: I thought you were a log in the mud. Have you

seen a crocodile in these parts?CROCODILE: (Curious.) Don’t you know what a crocodile looks like?ELEPHANT’S CHILD: No. Do you know what a crocodile has for dinner?CROCODILE: (Appetite increasing.) Come hither, Little One. Tell me

why you ask such things.ELEPHANT’S CHILD: When I ask questions I get spanked. I don’t want

you to spank me. I’ve had quite enough spankings.CROCODILE: I would never spank you. Trust me. Come hither, Little

One. I have wonderful news for you. I. Am. A. Crocodile.ELEPHANT’S CHILD: How can I be sure you’re a crocodile?CROCODILE: Watch. (Weeps.) Boo-hoo. Boo-hoo. Boo-hoo. See. I am

crying crocodile tears.ELEPHANT’S CHILD: That does make a difference. You are the very

person I’ve been looking for. Will you please tell me what you have for dinner?

CROCODILE: Come here, Little One, and I’ll whisper. Trust me. (ELEPHANT’S CHILD kneels and puts his face close to the CROCODILE. Swiftly, CROCODILE grabs him by the nose with his hands [jaws].) For dinner today I will begin with the Elephant’s Child.

ELEPHANT’S CHILD: (Tries to pull away.) Hey! Let go! Let go! You’re hurting me!

CROCODILE: I will pull and pull and pull until you are inside my belly. (Continues to pull ELEPHANT’S CHILD’S nose.)

ELEPHANT’S CHILD: Ow! Ow! Ow! (KOLOKOLO BIRD flies IN and grabs ELEPHANT’S CHILD by its ankles and begins to pull him away.) “Help! Help.”

CROCODILE: (Yells.) I shall eat you for dinner! (KOLOKOLO BIRD screams like a terrified winged creature. CROCODILE pulls, ELEPHANT’S CHILD pulls, KOLOKOLO BIRD pulls. At last, the KOLOKOLO BIRD succeeds in pulling ELEPHANT’S CHILD free. Without another word CROCODILE waddles OFFSTAGE. KOLOKOLO BIRD and ELEPHANT’S CHILD stand, both shaking. [NOTE: At this point the ELEPHANT’S CHILD’s nose has supposedly been stretched into a trunk. The actor

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does this “effect” by bending his head and swinging one arm, fist closed, back and forth. The arm is now the “elephant’s trunk.”])

KOLOKOLO BIRD: (Like a teacher instructing a backward pupil.) Is your curiosity satisfied?

ELEPHANT’S CHILD: (Indicates swinging arm.) My nose is badly out of shape. When will it shrink? (Slaps the “trunk” to one shoulder.) Got him.

KOLOKOLO BIRD: Who?ELEPHANT’S CHILD: A pesty mosquito.KOLOKOLO BIRD: You wouldn’t be able to do that before. I suspect

your new nose will prove very useful. Now you can pull fruit down from a tree and do all sorts of things.

ELEPHANT’S CHILD: Wait until I tell the others. I suspect they’ll want a new nose, too. A practical nose like mine! (EXITS RIGHT. KOLOKOLO BIRD spreads its wings and “flies” after him/her.)

PURAN BHAGAT: The Elephant’s Child spoke the truth. For when he returned home and the others saw how useful the trunk was, they indeed wanted one. To the banks of the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River they came and the crocodile gave them new noses. That is why all the elephants you will ever see have trunks like the trunk of the Elephant’s Child. (Some ELEPHANTS ENTER RIGHT, led by ELEPHANT’S CHILD. [NOTE: ELEPHANTS can be EXTRAS or CAMP ANIMALS.] The ELEPHANTS are somewhat hunched over and each swings one arm as if it were an elephant’s trunk. Or they might hold flexible wire “Slinkies” found in any toy store to approximate new noses. The other arm is on the shoulder of the ELEPHANT in front— in the manner of an elephant parade in the circus. Quickly they move across the stage and out. OPTIONAL SOUND EFFECT: CIRCUS MUSIC. LIGHTS return to the way they were before the story.) And that’s enough story for one fish. Especially when it hasn’t been cooked.

MONGOOSE HUNTER: (From OFF.) Where are you, friend mongoose? Don’t be afraid. The Maharajah awaits your presence.

PURAN BHAGAT: You’d better flee, my little friend. The hunter is near.RIKKI: (Quickly stands and dances OFF.) Rikki-tikk-tikki-tchk! (MONKEY

POTENTATE and MONKEY ONE and MONKEY TWO [OPTIONAL EXTRAS] ENTER STAGE from opposite direction RIKKI has taken. PURAN BHAGAT doesn’t want to be bothered with the foolish creatures and EXITS. Hand-in-hand, held over heads, the MONKEYS comically dance across the stage, chattering and chanting like a chorus line in a musical revue. Occasionally they kick in unison.)

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MONKEYS: All the talk we ever have heardUttered by bat or beast or bird,Hide or fin or scale or feather,Jabber it quickly and all together!Excellent! Wonderful! Once again!Now we are talking just like men.Let’s pretend we are... never mind,Brother, thy tail hangs down behind!This is the way of the Monkey-kind.Chatter, chatter, chatter. Hoot, hoot, hoot. (They EXIT.)

QUEEN COBRA: (Has slipped IN behind MONKEYS.) Each time I see a Bandar-log monkey I realize how fortunate I am to be a cobra. I could bite them, but why waste my precious venom? HISSsssssss. (Aware of some presence nearby.) There’s no need to hide in the bushes, Shere Khan. I know you are there. You may approach.

SHERE KHAN: (ENTERS RIGHT. Like the QUEEN COBRA, he is pure evil, but he does his best to disguise the fact. He is quite elegant in manner. He approaches cautiously.) I wasn’t hiding. I never hide. But when cobras are about it’s best to be cautious.

QUEEN COBRA: You got my message.SHERE KHAN: Obviously. Why else would I be here? (To AUDIENCE.)

Does she think I enjoy the company of snakes?QUEEN COBRA: Stand closer.SHERE KHAN: I’m quite comfortable where I am, thank you.QUEEN COBRA: (Hisses.) Are you afraid?SHERE KHAN: Shere Khan, the tiger, is afraid of nothing. What is it

you want?QUEEN COBRA: I want you to kill someone.SHERE KHAN: (Checks his nails.) What’s in it for me?QUEEN COBRA: Long have you coveted the jeweled crown that rests

in the treasure vault below The Lost City.SHERE KHAN: True. But no one can fetch it. It’s guarded by nasty

cobras. (Realizes his slip.) Oops. Sorry.QUEEN COBRA: Do what I ask and the jeweled crown will sit on the

head of Shere Khan and all the beasts of the jungle will marvel.SHERE KHAN: Whom do I have to kill?QUEEN COBRA: Rikki-tikki-tavi.SHERE KHAN: Rikki-tikki-tavi? He’s a mongoose, isn’t he?QUEEN COBRA: A dangerous mongoose, and he’s somewhere nearby.

A menace to all cobras.

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SHERE KHAN: See here, Queen Cobra, I have my reputation to consider. I’m a tiger. A great tiger. A man-eating tiger. What would people say if they knew I killed something as lowly as a mongoose? Kill him yourself.

QUEEN COBRA: Would that I could. One jump from such a skillful mongoose and my days are ended. I’ll toss in a necklace of diamonds. Oh, how it will sparkle on your great cat’s hide.

SHERE KHAN: That certainly sweetens the pot.QUEEN COBRA: You’ll do it?SHERE KHAN: Consider it done.QUEEN COBRA: Good, good. (Slithers OFF.)SHERE KHAN: (Turns to AUDIENCE and leaps DOWNSTAGE. His face

is a mask of cruelty. His voice is no longer soothingly unpleasant. It’s a Jekyll and Hyde transformation. OPTIONAL EFFECT: General stage lighting dims and SHERE KHAN is circled by a red glow [spot].) Hear me well, Rikki-tikki-tavi. Wherever you are I will find you. Wherever you run I will follow. Count the seconds of your furry life. You haven’t many left. (Great force.) You belong to Shere Khan, the tiger. YOU. ARE. MINE! (He is ferocious. His fingers [claws] are outspread as if to rip and tear. CURTAIN FALLS.)

End of ACT ONEOPTIONAL INTERMISSION

ACT TWOScene One

AT RISE: The jungle.RIKKI: (Dances into view.) Rikk-tikk-tikki-tchk! (Stops and looks LEFT

and RIGHT.) Hmmm. I took the path the camel said I should. I’ve followed the coconut trail. But there are no more coconuts. The trail has vanished and I don’t know where I am. If I don’t find The Lost City soon, I fear I never will, and my little mistress will never get her mirror back. (WOLVES are heard howling from OFF.) What’s that? (More HOWLS.) Wolves! They’re intelligent creatures. Perhaps they can direct me.

WOLF ONE: (Jumps IN and snarls.) What have we here?WOLF TWO: (Jumps IN and snarls.) It’s a ferret, I think.RIKKI: I’m no ferret.WOLF THREE: (Jumps IN and snarls.) More like a weasel.RIKKI: I’m no weasel. (If desired, additional WOLVES might appear in

threatening fashion. Again, new actors can portray the WOLVES or MONKEYS/CAMP ANIMALS might be employed in doubling/tripling.

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The WOLVES slowly surround RIKKI, heads low, lips curled back. Low growls.)

WOLF ONE: Who are you?WOLF TWO: What are you?RIKKI: (Unafraid.) My name is Rikki-tikki-tavi and I am a mongoose.WOLVES: Mongoose. Ah, yes.WOLF THREE: Strange to see a mongoose in these parts. (WOLVES

circle.)WOLF ONE: I have never tasted mongoose.WOLF TWO: Nor I.WOLF THREE: Nor I.EXTRA WOLVES: Nor I.RIKKI: Are you that hungry that you would eat a jungle citizen?

(WOLVES stop.)WOLF ONE: We are not hungry.WOLF TWO: We have feasted.WOLF THREE: Our hunger has been satisfied.RIKKI: In that case, I will remind you of the law of the jungle.WOLVES: Law of the jungle?RIKKI: Not to kill unless you are hungry.WOLF ONE: This is one smart mongoose.WOLF TWO: Indeed. We bear you no malice.WOLF THREE: Go your way and do not fear.WOLF ONE: Friend mongoose.RIKKI: You won’t hunt me down just for the fun of it?WOLVES: Jungle law forbids.RIKKI: In that case, perhaps you can help me.WOLVES: How so?WOLF ONE: How may we help you?RIKKI: I’m trying to find The Lost City and the Bandar-log monkeys. Do

you know where the city is?WOLVES: We do.RIKKI: Which way?WOLVES: That way. (Each WOLF points in a different direction.)RIKKI: That’s no way at all.WOLF ONE: Why would you want to have anything to do with such

creatures as the Bandar-logs?WOLF TWO: They always lie. They have no law.

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WOLF THREE: They boast and chatter and pretend they are great people about to do great things.

WOLF ONE: But the falling of a nut turns their minds to laughter and all is forgotten.

WOLVES: Chattering, foolish, vain— vain, foolish and chattering are the monkeys.

WOLF TWO: They have no manners.WOLF THREE: They have no grace.WOLF ONE: It’s a wise jungle citizen who has nothing to do

with them.WOLVES: Agreed.RIKKI: What you say may very well be true, but I have no choice.WOLF ONE: No choice? How is that?RIKKI: They have stolen a mirror that belongs to my young mistress

and I have vowed to get it back.WOLF ONE: Bravo.WOLF TWO: I know the way. I used to roam and play in The Lost City.

I enjoyed teasing the monkeys, but I soon lost interest. (Points LEFT.) It’s a short journey beyond the elephant walk. You can’t miss it. Look for a clearing in the jungle forest with vultures circling above.

RIKKI: Vultures? Ugh.WOLF TWO: Beware the vultures.WOLF THREE: They do not obey jungle law.RIKKI: Thank you, friends. You have been most helpful. (RIKKI skips

OFF.) Rikk-tikki-tikki-tchk!WOLF TWO: What did he say he was?OTHER WOLVES: A mongoose.WOLF TWO: That’s right. A mongoose. My eyes and ears aren’t what

they used to be.WOLF ONE: He certainly knew his jungle law.WOLVES: As we do. (Leap DOWNSTAGE, declaim.)

Now this is the law of the jungle, as old and as true as the sky.And the Wolf that shall keep it may prosper,But the Wolf that shall break it must die.As the creeper that girdles the tree-trunk,The Law runneth forward and back,For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf,And the strength of the Wolf is the Pack. (Howl and EXIT on the run. LIGHTS OUT.)

End of Scene One

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ACT TWOScene Two

LIGHTS UP: The jungle again.RIKKI: (Backs IN LEFT. He shades his eyes with one hand, looks

skyward.) Nope. Not a single vulture in the sky. I hope that wolf knew what it was talking about. (Backs toward CENTER, on guard for anything that might happen. MONGOOSE HUNTER, on tiptoe, backs IN from RIGHT, also on guard. He drags the empty sack. They don’t see each other until they bump.)

MONGOOSE HUNTER/RIKKI: Auuuugh! (They turn and impulsively yell again.) Auuuugh!

RIKKI: (Grins. He has no fear of any man. He thumps his foot and scratches himself here and there.) Aaaaaah. That’s better.

MONGOOSE HUNTER: My, my, what a clever-looking mongoose. (RIKKI smiles.) So strong, so well fed. So alert. So handsome and gentle. Was there ever such a mongoose? (RIKKI sops up the compliments.) All mongooses are curious. This I know. I wager you don’t know what I have in my sack? (Holds the sack open.) Why don’t you take a peek? (Shakes sack.) Go on, get in. You have a surprise waiting. Curious, curious mongoose. What can be in this sack, hmmm? (RIKKI is consumed with curiosity.) Some peanuts, perhaps? Some buttons off a soldier’s uniform? Hmmm? Maybe something somebody’s lost? Who can say without looking?

RIKKI: (His curiosity gets the best of him and he sticks his head into the sack. Immediately, MONGOOSE HUNTER strings the sack closed. RIKKI wiggles, trying to pull his head out of the sack.) Let me out! Help! Help!

MONGOOSE HUNTER: I’m afraid not, my little one. You belong to the Maharajah. He has great need of you.

RIKKI: Help! Help!SHERE KHAN: (Leaps IN.) How dare you, you miserable toady!MONGOOSE HUNTER: (Frozen in fear, he screams. He shakes and

shakes, making pitiful noises that one might mistake for words.) Tiger. Tiger. Man-eating tiger.

SHERE KHAN: The mongoose belongs to me. He is mine. Shere Khan! None other may have him.

MONGOOSE HUNTER: (In terror, he drops to his knees, hands up in supplication, whimpering in pitiful fashion. In doing so, RIKKI manages to free himself from the sack and swiftly escape LEFT. SHERE KHAN’s attention is so focused on the trembling MONGOOSE HUNTER that he doesn’t notice.) I do not know what you are saying, great prince of cats. I do not speak tiger, but perhaps you

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understand Hindustani. Spare me. If you do this, I shall spend the rest of my days proclaiming your greatness.

SHERE KHAN: (To AUDIENCE, checking his nails.) Listen to the human whine. I rather enjoy it. (To MONGOOSE HUNTER.) Give me the mongoose!

MONGOOSE HUNTER: (Understands.) The mongoose, the mongoose. You want the mongoose. Yes, yes, I understand. Take him, O, Maharajah of Felines. He is yours. I make him a gift. (Looks and realizes RIKKI has fled.) Auuugh! Auuugh! He’s gone! He’s gone! The mongoose has escaped.

SHERE KHAN: (Leaps forward.) You bungling fool! For this you will die!MONGOOSE HUNTER: (Quickly gets to his feet.) I’ll find him! I’ll find

him!SHERE KHAN: You’d better, and quickly. Else— (Spreads wide his

fingers [claws] and gives a roar.)MONGOOSE HUNTER: Oh! Oh! Oh! (Grabs up the sack and runs OFF

LEFT, giving a piercing scream as he goes.) Auuugh!SHERE KHAN: (Pursues him.) Remember. That mongoose is mine!

(Leaps after MONGOOSE HUNTER and OUT.)IKKI: (After a moment, from OFF.) The wolves said this was the right

way.DARZEE: (From OFF.) They may have lied. (IKKI and DARZEE ENTER

RIGHT. DARZEE hops.)IKKI: Why would the wolves lie? If they said this was the way to The

Lost City, I believe them.DARZEE: You’re so trusting. Maybe the wolves didn’t know the way to

The Lost City but didn’t want to admit it.IKKI: I don’t believe the wolves would give Rikki wrong directions just

to save face.DARZEE: Maybe. Maybe not.IKKI: Is your ankle any better?DARZEE: I can barely hop. I think I sprained my ankle. The jungle can

be so treacherous.IKKI: We’ve got to find Rikki and tell him what has happened at the

bungalow.DARZEE: Before it is too late.IKKI: Let’s not waste another moment.DARZEE: (Points LEFT.) That way. (IKKI and DARZEE EXIT as fast as

they can, which isn’t all that fast. LIGHTS FADE.)End of Scene Two

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ACT TWOScene Three

LIGHTS UP: We’re getting close to The Lost City. From OFFSTAGE, we hear the MONKEYS chatter at first, followed by their chant.MONKEYS: (Chant from OFF.)

All the talk we ever have heard,Uttered by bat or beast or bird,Hide or fin or scale or feather,Jabber it quickly and all together!Excellent! Wonderful! Once again!Now we are talking just like men.Chatter-chatter-chatter.Hoot! Hoot! Hoot!

RIKKI: (While the Bandar-logs are chanting, ENTERS scene, looks around.) I must be getting close. I can hear the Bandar-logs. (Sniffs.) I can smell the Bandar-logs. (Points upward.) And I saw a vulture swooping on the dry wind. (Guardedly looks LEFT and RIGHT.) My curiosity was almost the end of me. A mongoose hunter is bad enough, but a mongoose hunter and Shere Khan is too much. (Sighs.) I am so weary from walking and running. That’s unusual for me. Here. There. Everywhere. Up. Down. (Sighs.) I’d better rest.

MONKEY POTENTATE: (Dance IN.) Oh, my, look who’s here.MONKEY ONE: Who’s here?MONKEY TWO: I’m here. Are you here? Oh, my, look who’s here.RIKKI: I’m glad you’re here.MONKEY POTENTATE: He’s glad we’re here.MONKEY ONE: We’re glad he’s here.MONKEYS: We’re glad he’s here! We’re glad he’s here! Hoot, hoot,

hoot.MONKEY POTENTATE: I’ve got an idea.MONKEYS: You always do.MONKEY POTENTATE: Yes, I do. Yes, I do. Yes, I do.MONKEYS: That’s for sure.RIKKI: Excuse me.MONKEY POTENTATE: Why? What have you done?MONKEYS: What have you done, Rikki-tikki-tavi? What have you done?MONKEY POTENTATE: Never mind about that. We’ll take him back

with us to The Lost City.RIKKI: That’s a good idea.MONKEY POTENTATE: Yes, it is. Yes, it is. Yes, it is.

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MONKEY ONE: We’ll keep him there forever and ever and he can play games with us.

RIKKI: Now just a minute.MONKEY TWO: He can fetch and carry water for us.MONKEY ONE: He can weave sticks together for protection against

the wind.MONKEY POTENTATE: He can be our prisoner.RIKKI: Prisoner?!MONKEYS: Good idea, good idea. Let’s go. Let’s stay.MONKEY POTENTATE: Let’s stay. Let’s go.RIKKI: (Unable to stand anymore of their foolishness.) Cease!MONKEY POTENTATE: (React.) There’s no need to be rude.MONKEY ONE: Rudeness never becomes a mongoose.MONKEY TWO: Don’t you want to play games?MONKEY THREE: Games are fun.RIKKI: I’m looking for a lady’s hand mirror. It was taken from the

bungalow garden.MONKEY POTENTATE: He must mean that magic “thing.”RIKKI: It’s not magic at all. It’s only a piece of glass. I want it back.MONKEYS: No, no, no.RIKKI: Yes, yes, yes.MONKEY POTENTATE: Did you know all the jungle people admire us

for our skill and our cunning?RIKKI: If you say so.MONKEYS: It’s true. Chatter, chatter, chatter. Hoot! Hoot! Hoot!MONKEY POTENTATE: Tell you what.MONKEYS: What?MONKEY POTENTATE: (To RIKKI.) Come along with us and play a

game or two or three, and you can have the mirror.RIKKI: (Delighted.) I can?MONKEY POTENTATE: Would a monkey lie? (This remark is too

outrageous even for the Bandar-logs. MONKEYS turn aside, cover their mouths and giggle.)

RIKKI: All right. I’ll come with you, but remember your promise.MONKEYS: What promise?MONKEY POTENTATE: When we get to The Lost City we can scratch

for fleas.MONKEY ONE: Sounds like fun.MONKEY POTENTATE: Scratching for fleas is always fun.

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RIKKI: The mirror, the mirror. I meant your promise about the mirror.MONKEY POTENTATE: Who cares about your mirror when we can

scratch for fleas?MONKEYS: Who cares? Who cares?RIKKI: I care! (With that, MONKEYS grab a protesting RIKKI and push

him OFF LEFT. From OFF LEFT.) Easy, easy. Don’t shove, don’t pull.MONKEYS: (From OFF LEFT.) Chatter, chatter, chatter. Hoot, hoot,

hoot. (LIGHTING SHIFTS to suggest we are now in The Lost City. MONKEYS, pulling RIKKI, ENTER and take CENTER.)

MONKEY POTENTATE: This is The Lost City. This is where we live. Isn’t it grand?

MONKEY THREE: Did you ever see anything so sumptuous?MONKEY ONE: All jungle creatures are jealous of the Bandar-logs.MONKEYS: This is true. We all say so.MONKEY TWO: There are none in the jungle so wise and good and

clever and strong and gentle as the Bandar-log.MONKEYS: (Applaud.) True, true. Who could deny it?RIKKI: The people of the bungalow are wise and good and clever and

strong and gentle as the Bandar-log. (MONKEYS stick out their tongues and make raspberries.) I won’t play unless you show me the mirror. I must make sure you have it.

MONKEYS: What mirror?RIKKI: The mirror you stole from the garden!MONKEY ONE: We never steal things.MONKEY TWO: We only borrow things.MONKEYS: And we never give them back.MONKEY ONE: What’s a mirror?MONKEY POTENTATE: He means the magic thing. Go and fetch it.MONKEY ONE: (Skips OUT.) Go and fetch it, go and fetch it. Hoot, hoot,

hoot.MONKEY POTENTATE: What shall we play? Hopscotch?MONKEY TWO: I thought we were going to scratch for fleas.MONKEY POTENTATE: We can do that anytime. (Thinks.) I know. Let’s

circle around and chant. That’s always fun. Say it’s always fun, Rikki.

RIKKI: (Flat, to AUDIENCE.) It’s always fun, Rikki.MONKEY ONE: (Skips back IN with the mirror.) Here it is. (Looks into

glass.) There’s another monkey in the glass looking back at me.MONKEY TWO: There always is.RIKKI: That’s the mirror. That’s it. Give it to me.

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MONKEY POTENTATE: Not so fast, my mongoose friend. Play first, mirror second.

MONKEYS: Mirror second, play first.RIKKI: Oh, very well. But can we hurry? If I don’t get back with the

mirror soon, they’ll think Shere Khan has eaten me.MONKEYS: (Aghast.) Shere Khan! (They make gestures of extreme

distaste, hoot about.)MONKEY POTENTATE: Don’t mention his name.MONKEY ONE: He’s a brute.MONKEY TWO: He’s a savage.MONKEY THREE: Always hungry for monkey meat.MONKEY ONE: He doesn’t respect jungle law.MONKEYS: Neither do we. Ha, ha, ha.MONKEY POTENTATE: Playtime! Playtime!MONKEYS: Playtime! (They form a circle, RIKKI hand-in-hand with

them. They circle about, going faster and faster.)Here we sit in a prancey row,Thinking of beautiful things we know,Dreaming of deeds that we mean to do,All complete, in a minute or two,Something noble and grand and good,Won by merely wishing we could. (Faster, faster they circle.)Now we’re going to— never mind,Brother, thy tail hangs down behind!Chatter, chatter, chatter. Hoot, hoot, hoot. (Convulsed with laughter, they drop to the ground and roll about. RIKKI jumps for the mirror and snatches it up.)

MONKEY ONE: The mirror! The mirror! He’s got the mirror!MONKEY POTENTATE: Play fair! Play fair! (MONKEYS scramble to their

feet and begin to give chase. RIKKI darts this way and that. Runs LEFT, runs RIGHT, UPSTAGE, DOWNSTAGE, ONSTAGE, OFFSTAGE. [NOTE: The chase may move into the AUDIENCE and back ONSTAGE.] Finally, RIKKI dashes out RIGHT with the angry chattering Bandar-logs in pursuit.)

MONKEY ONE: Come back!MONKEY TWO: Come back! Come back, Rikki-tikki-tavi!MONKEY POTENTATE: You didn’t play fair! You didn’t play fair!

(LIGHTING SHIFTS to suggest another area of the jungle forest. Pause.)

IKKI: (ENTERS with DARZEE.) Still no sign of him.DARZEE: Do you think any harm has befallen him?

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IKKI: Anything is possible, but Rikki knows how to take care of himself.DARZEE: Yes, but do the humans back at the bungalow? They’re not

as safe as they may think. We may already be too late. (Calls.) Rikki?

IKKI: (Calls.) Rikki-tikki-tavi!QUEEN COBRA: (Slithers IN.) I see there are intruders in the jungle. I

must make them welcome. Etiquette demands.DARZEE: Look!IKKI: Cobra! (They react.)QUEEN COBRA: Queen Cobra to you, porcupine.DARZEE: (Clings to IKKI.) Don’t come any closer.QUEEN COBRA: Why shouldn’t I? Are you afraid?IKKI: Don’t come any closer, that’s all.QUEEN COBRA: What pitiful creatures you are compared to a cobra.

HISSsssssss. I fear nothing.IKKI: If Rikki-tikki-tavi were here you wouldn’t say that.QUEEN COBRA: Shere Khan the tiger is my friend. He will take care

of Rikki-tikki-tavi.IKKI/DARZEE: Shere Khan?QUEEN COBRA: YESsssssss. O miserable porcupine. O miserable

tailor-bird, do you not think I am beautiful? Look into my bewitching eyes. Have you ever seen such limpid pools? Transparent and clear.

IKKI: Don’t do it, Darzee. She’s trying to hypnotize us.QUEEN COBRA: Nonsense. I merely wish to be admired. HISSssssss.

What is the sense of being gorgeous if you cannot be admired? My scales are perfection and my forked tongue glistens like the morning dew. (She moves closer.) If you will not come to me, I will come to you. (Moves closer.)

DARZEE: Her eyes are pretty.QUEEN COBRA: YESsssssss. Is not my voice melodious?IKKI: Look away, Darzee. Look away.DARZEE: I can’t.QUEEN COBRA: Of course you can’t! What bird could? Am I not the

rarest reptile you’ve ever seen? HISSsssssss.DARZEE: You. Are. Beautiful.QUEEN COBRA: YESsssssss.DARZEE: Beautiful. You. Are.QUEEN COBRA: In my time I have eaten the eggs of a thou-sand birds.

HISSsssssss.

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IKKI: Careful. She’s going to strike.QUEEN COBRA: (Pulls wide her hood, preparing to strike at DARZEE.)

HISSsssssss.RIKKI: (Jumps ON.) No, you don’t!IKKI: It’s Rikki!DARZEE: (Snaps out of it.) Rikki!QUEEN COBRA: (Frightened.) Cursed be the name of mongoose. (As

fast as she can, she slithers OFF.)IKKI: Aren’t you going after her, Rikki?RIKKI: She’ll give you no more trouble. I didn’t expect to see you two

here.DARZEE: Never mind about us. Where have you been?RIKKI: I’ve been having wonderful adventures. I met a soldier named

Billy Gumption and I talked with the Camp Animals. I know how the elephant got its nose. The Bandar-logs tried to keep me prisoner in The Lost City. But I got what I went after. (Realizes he doesn’t have the mirror. Reacts.) I must have dropped it when the Bandar-logs gave chase. I’ll have to turn back. It must be on the trail somewhere. (Starts to EXIT.)

IKKI: Wait. We have bad news.RIKKI: Bad news?DARZEE: The Queen Cobra said Shere Khan the tiger would take care

of you.IKKI: Her very words.DARZEE: Not friendly words at all.RIKKI: Shere Khan? He’s a man-eater, not a mongoose-eater.DARZEE: You’d better be careful.RIKKI: I better find that mirror. I’ve gone to too much trouble to lose it.IKKI: There’s more bad news.RIKKI: More?DARZEE: It’s why we’re here.IKKI: We’ve been searching everywhere for you. Up one jungle trail,

down another—RIKKI: (Impatient.) What’s the bad news?DARZEE: Nag and his wife have returned to the garden.RIKKI: What!IKKI: No sooner had you left than Darzee saw Nag napping in the

melon patch in back of the bungalow.RIKKI: What!

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IKKI: And I saw Nagaina slithering about. They’re up to no good. The humans are in great danger.

RIKKI: And so are you, good friends. You mustn’t stay in this part of the jungle any longer. Return to the garden as fast as you can. Keep an eye on Nag and Nagaina. As soon as I find the mirror I’ll hurry after you.

IKKI: (Starts to EXIT with DARZEE.) I told you not to look into that cobra’s eyes.

DARZEE: I couldn’t help myself. They were so beautiful. I love beautiful things.

IKKI: Bah. (They EXIT. RIKKI starts to EXIT LEFT, but is stopped by SHERE KHAN who bounces IN, all toothy grin and oily charm.)

SHERE KHAN: Hello there. We’ve never met formally, but I don’t believe formal introductions are necessary. You, of course, are that famous little rodent called Rikki-tikki-something-or-other. And I am that magnificent cat known far and wide as Shere Khan. Shere Khan the all-powerful. Shere Khan the most elegant. Shere Khan the wisest creature in the jungle. I’m going to eat you, you know.

RIKKI: Are you hungry?SHERE KHAN: No. I recently dined. (Smacks his lips.) Delicious.RIKKI: Then you can’t eat me.SHERE KHAN: Why not?RIKKI: Jungle law.SHERE KHAN: Jungle law? Pish-posh. Shere Khan makes his own law.RIKKI: If you don’t obey jungle law, you’re an outlaw.SHERE KHAN: Ah, but such a captivating outlaw. Everyone says I’m

quite unique. I suspect I am.RIKKI: I’m small.SHERE KHAN: A mere tidbit.RIKKI: Why waste your time with me? It won’t do your reputation any

good.SHERE KHAN: Maybe not. But when I devour you, the Queen Cobra

will reward me handsomely. When I look at you I don’t see a tidbit, I see a dazzling necklace of sparkling diamonds and a crown of rare jewels. Come, come, let’s not prolong the inevitable. You stay still. I’ll pounce and that will be the end of it.

RIKKI: You’re conceited.SHERE KHAN: I daresay. Goodbye, little rodent. (Pounces for RIKKI

who deftly jumps aside. SHERE KHAN is momentarily flustered, pounces again. RIKKI jumps away. SHERE KHAN is annoyed.) Weren’t you listening? I told you to stay still. (Another pounce,

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another jump from RIKKI. To AUDIENCE.) Who would have thought a mere mongoose would prove so much trouble?

RIKKI: I may not have your strength, but I make up for it in swiftness and cunning.

SHERE KHAN: Pish-posh. (Another pounce, another jump away by RIKKI.) I’m beginning to lose my temper. Don’t make me angry. I can be very disagreeable. (Another pounce, another escape.) If I didn’t know better I’d suspect you were taunting me.

RIKKI: I only want you weakened.SHERE KHAN: Weakened? Shere Khan weakened? I laugh. Ha. Ha. I

warn you, I don’t know my own strength. (Another pounce, another escape.) I’ll show you why I’m called Shere Khan the Great! (Pounces again and again and each time RIKKI manages to elude him. SHERE KHAN by now is breathing audibly, his strength draining with each pounce. He rallies. More pounces, yet more escapes. RIKKI is fast and nimble.) Time out. Let me catch my breath.

RIKKI: Tired?SHERE KHAN: Just a bit. I’ve been neglecting exercise.RIKKI: I’ll show you what a mongoose can do.SHERE KHAN: How’s that? (RIKKI nips SHERE KHAN’S shoulder, ear,

leg, arm, hand. Here, there, everywhere. SHERE KHAN doesn’t know what to make of this. It’s a battle like none he’s ever known. He swats at RIKKI as if he were a mosquito, but RIKKI is always too quick for him.) Stop it! Stop it, I say! Ouch, that hurts. Ow!

RIKKI: (Makes chattering sounds with his teeth.) As far as I’m concerned, you’re nothing but a big snake.

SHERE KHAN: (Outraged.) Snake! Snake! Shere Khan a snake?! (RIKKI’S at it again, nipping here and nipping there. SHERE KHAN tries to throw him OFF, but he has no success.) Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Fight fair! (Nip, nip, nip.) Ow! Ow! Ouch! Ouch! Stop it! (SHERE KHAN can take no more. Defeated, he slinks OUT RIGHT, with RIKKI nipping at him as he goes.) Wretched, wretched mongoose. (From OFF.) Stop it! I can’t take anymore! Ouch! Ouch! Ow!

RIKKI: (Returns, well satisfied with himself. He holds his hands over his head like a champion prizefighter. He yells OFF to SHERE KHAN.) Wait until the jungle hears Shere Khan the Great was defeated by a mongoose.

SHERE KHAN: (From OFF, groans.) Oh, misery. (Groans again.)RIKKI: Now for the mirror. Then back to the bungalow. Rikk tikk-tikki-

tikki-tchk! (Runs OUT LEFT. LIGHTS FADE.)End of Scene Three

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ACT TWOScene Four

LIGHTS UP: The jungle. We hear the WOLVES howl, pause, then howl again. WOLVES trot IN, excited.WOLF ONE: Is it not truly hard to believe?WOLF TWO: It is indeed, my brother [sister].WOLF THREE: Shere Khan the Great slinking through the jungle forest

like a guilty house cat. Head bowed, ashamed.WOLF ONE: I heard it from a vulture.WOLVES: Beware the vulture.WOLF ONE: The vulture was screaming it for one and all to hear.WOLF TWO: Shere Khan, the man-eater, defeated in battle by a mere

mongoose.WOLF THREE: Rikki-tikki-tavi.WOLF ONE: Was it not a privilege to have met him?WOLVES: Yes.WOLF TWO: We must tell all the jungle citizens Rikki-tikki-tavi is our

dear friend. Did we not show him the way to The Lost City?WOLVES: We did.WOLF THREE: Let’s follow the trail of the tiger and witness his

disgrace.WOLF ONE: His punishment.WOLF TWO: His banishment, thanks to that clever mongoose. (Howling

excitedly, WOLVES EXIT. LIGHTS FADE.)End of Scene Four

ACT TWOScene Five

LIGHTS UP: Bright and sunny garden of the English family.NAG: (From OFF RIGHT.) HISSssssss. Is that you, Nagaina?NAGAINA: (From OFF LEFT.) HISSssssss. It is I, husband.NAG: (ENTERS RIGHT.) You have been gone longer than I expected.NAGAINA: (ENTERS RIGHT.) I visited with the python and the snakes

of the swamp.NAG: You warned our brothers and sisters of the jungle forest?NAGAINA: Queen Cobra says not to fear. Not only will she spread the

alarm, but she vows to see the end of Rikki-tikki-tavi.NAG: SSSplendid.NAGAINA: When will we strike the humans and seize the bungalow?

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NAG: SSSoon. Within the hour. When they nap. After their teatime. There is nothing to stop us now.

NAGAINA: Who will have the first strike? You or I?NAG: My venom all but overflows. It trickles and drools. My fangs ache

for killing. I will bite the man and woman and you will bite the child.NAGAINA: It shall be as you sssssay.ENGLISH HUSBAND: (From OFF.) A stroll-about before our tea is in

order, I think. As usual.ENGLISH WIFE: (From OFF.) Whatever you think best, John.NAG: They come this way. We will hide and wait for our moment of

triumph.NAGAINA: YESsssss. (They EXIT.)ENGLISH HUSBAND: (Leisurely stroll IN from RIGHT, hands behind his

back and with hat on. Behind him, strolls ENGLISH WIFE, parasol over her head. Behind her, strolls DAUGHTER, dangling a doll from one hand. As they talk they slowly cross LEFT, turn back and stroll RIGHT.) Strange we haven’t seen anything of Rikki.

ENGLISH WIFE: I hope he hasn’t gotten himself into trouble.DAUGHTER: I miss him.ENGLISH WIFE: We all miss him.ENGLISH HUSBAND: He’ll be back.ENGLISH WIFE: It isn’t like him to stay away for long.DAUGHTER: Perhaps he found a girlfriend.ENGLISH HUSBAND: I don’t recall this time of the year ever being so

hot.ENGLISH WIFE: It’s positively stifling.DAUGHTER: What are we going to have with our tea?ENGLISH WIFE: What we always have. Biscuits and jam.DAUGHTER: What kind of jam?ENGLISH WIFE: You’re as curious as Rikki.DAUGHTER: Why can’t we have cake instead of biscuits

and jam?ENGLISH WIFE: We can have both.DAUGHTER: Rikki’s quite partial to cake.ENGLISH HUSBAND: Splendid walk.DAUGHTER: We didn’t walk very far.ENGLISH HUSBAND: An Englishman doesn’t require much exercise.ENGLISH WIFE: I’ll enjoy my nap after tea.ENGLISH HUSBAND: So will I.

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DAUGHTER: Must I have a nap?ENGLISH WIFE/ENGLISH HUSBAND: Yes. (They EXIT.)NAG: (Reappears with NAGAINA.) The time grows near.NAGAINA: YESsssssss.NAG: We will slither in and hide behind the water jug. When they go to

their beds we will slither out and SSStrike.NAGAINA: SSStrike.NAG: Quietly as a soft breeze we will move.NAGAINA: YESsssss. (NAG and NAGAINA move for the bungalow.)RIKKI: (Jumps IN from LEFT.) I warned you before. You didn’t take my

warning. Now you must pay.NAG: You! (To NAGAINA.) The Queen Cobra lied. Quickly, Nagaina, into

the bungalow. Strike now. I will distract him.NAGAINA: YESsssss. (Moves for the bungalow, but RIKKI is too fast for

her. He jumps in front of her. Both COBRAS sway side to side, back and forth, attempting to strike. Each time they do strike out, RIKKI jumps back. He gets in a couple of nips and the COBRAS react in terror. They know if he bites just so, their lives are over.)

COBRAS: HISSsssss.RIKKI: Hiss yourself.NAG: It’s no use, Nagaina. We must escape.NAGAINA: Are we not to kill the humans?NAG: Another time.RIKKI: That’s what you think. (NAG and NAGAINA, terrified, EXIT UP

RIGHT, hissing as they go. RIKKI, jumping about, follows them OFF. Pause, followed by the sound of a fierce struggle. From OFF.) Take that and that and that!

NAG: (From OFF.) Auuugh!NAGAINA: (From OFF.) Auuugh!NAG: (From OFF, getting quieter.) HISSsssssss.NAGAINA: (From OFF, getting quieter.) HISSsssssss.NAG: (From OFF.) We are dying.NAGAINA: (From OFF.) Dyinggg... (Pause. RIKKI ENTERS. As he did after

his battle with SHERE KHAN, he holds his hands over his head like a prizefighter who has just won a bout.)

IKKI: (ENTERS LEFT with DARZEE.) You got here before us.DARZEE: We walked as fast as we could.RIKKI: No one can walk as fast as Rikki-tikki-tavi.DARZEE: You’re boasting again.

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RIKKI: Don’t I have a right to boast? I have just killed the deadly cobras.

DARZEE/IKKI: Nag and Nagaina?RIKKI: Of course.ENGLISH HUSBAND: (ENTERS RIGHT with ENGLISH WIFE and

DAUGHTER.) I tell you I heard a commotion.ENGLISH WIFE: I think I heard something.DAUGHTER: Look. It’s Rikki. (Grinning, pleased with himself as he can

be, RIKKI points OFF UP RIGHT.)ENGLISH WIFE: What’s he pointing at, John?ENGLISH HUSBAND: We’ll soon find out. (EXITS UP RIGHT.)DAUGHTER: (Crosses to RIKKI, pats him on the head.) I’ve missed you,

Rikki. Where have you been? Having some wonderful adventures, no doubt. (IKKI and DARZEE nod that this is so.)

ENGLISH HUSBAND: (From OFF.) Wait until you see what I have here. (ALL look UP RIGHT. ENGLISH HUSBAND RETURNS. In each hand he holds a dangling stretch of rope to suggest the dead snakes.)

ENGLISH WIFE: (Horrified.) Cobras.ENGLISH HUSBAND: Both killed by a mongoose. (ALL look to RIKKI

who waits for some praise.)DAUGHTER: It was Rikki! He saved our lives.ENGLISH WIFE: He’s a hero. (RIKKI remembers something and runs

OFF LEFT.)DAUGHTER: Where’s he going now? (ENGLISH HUSBAND tosses “cobras”

OFFSTAGE. RIKKI hurries back IN, mirror in hand. He presents the mirror to DAUGHTER.) Look, Mother. Look, Father. Rikki’s found my mirror. (She takes mirror. Indicates that RIKKI should bow his head. He does. She kisses his head and ALL “Aaaaaaah.”)

ENGLISH HUSBAND: What a clever chap. (ALL FREEZE. The stage looks like a page from an old story book.)

PURAN BHAGAT: (ENTERS DOWN RIGHT and speaks to AUDIENCE, finishing up his story of the incredible mongoose.) O, Best Beloved, Rikki-tikki-tavi had a right to be proud of himself, but he did not grow too proud, and he kept that garden as a mongoose should, with tooth and jump and spring and bite, till never a cobra dared show its head inside the walls. (As PURAN BHAGET speaks, the ENTIRE CAST comes ONSTAGE in two lines: one line from UP RIGHT and the other line from UP LEFT, one line behind the other. ACTORS hold hands as they move DOWNSTAGE a few feet, stop and recite—)

ENTIRE CAST: This is the hour of pride and power.Talon and tush and claw.

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Oh, hear the call! Good hunting, allThat keep the jungle law!

RIKKI: Rikk-tikk-tikki-tchk! (CAST applauds RIKKI. CURTAIN FALLS.)END OF PLAY

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PRODUCTION NOTES

PROPERTIES ONSTAGEACT ONE, Scene One: Hand mirror

PROPERTIES BROUGHT ONACT ONE, Scene One:

Begging bowl, wooden flute (PURAN BHAGET)Fish, large spoon with cooked rice (CREW)Parasol (ENGLISH WIFE)

ACT ONE, Scene Two:Rifle, hat, military jacket, pocket watch, whistle (BILLY GUMPTION)

ACT ONE, Scene Four:Sack with string (MONGOOSE HUNTER)

ACT TWO, Scene Five:Doll (DAUGHTER)Two lengths of rope (ENGLISH HUSBAND)

ABOUT THE STAGING

The open stage is all that’s needed in way of setting. Only the “humans” need costumes (although in the original production the humans wore nondescript modern clothes with a few “props” to suggest another time— period hat, parasol, wide ribbon sash around the Daughter’s waist).

The animals wear sweats or various odds-and-ends. The cobras have hoods. The point being we want the audience’s imagination to work as much as the actor’s performance: the animal persona is created by the way the actor crouches, walks, gestures and speaks. If you wish, animals can wear makeup, a half-mask or nose mask to suggest their personality. The alligator uses his arms as jaws, and the elephants use their arms as the elongated trunks.

Some lighting touches are mentioned in the script, but they are optional.

Of course, the play can be presented with a real setting and the actors can wear appropriate costumes; but that, too, is strictly optional.Although individual scenes are listed as such for rehearsal purposes, the play flows without interruption, one scene blending into the next. Lights fading and coming up again may be replaced with a shift in lighting to reflect a different place or a passage of time.

Imagination is the key word. Don’t be afraid to use it.

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SOUND EFFECTSJungle noises, flute, menacing chord of music, circus music.

FLEXIBLE CASTINGYou can make the cast as large as you wish by adding additional monkeys, wolves, camp animals or elephants. If you do add additional animals, don’t be afraid to redistribute some of the lines. With slight exception, the roles can be portrayed as either male or female. For a smaller cast, and keeping in mind the imaginative staging, the CAMP ANIMALS can double as MONKEYS or WOLVES. ENGLISH HUSBAND might play the CROCODILE. ENGLISH WIFE could portray QUEEN COBRA. DAUGHTER could play KOLOKOLO BIRD. BILLY GUMPTION might be SHERE KHAN. The possibilities are many and even tripling works.

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