How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
[Rikki-tikki] looked at the thickness of the neck below the hood, but that was too much for him; and a bite near the tail would only make Nag savage. (59)
More signs of Rikki-tikki's maturity. Unlike his battle with Karait, the mongoose actually takes the time to assess the situation and plan an attack. Someone put this guy at the head of a military, quick.
Quote #8
"On the rubbish-heap by the stables, mourning for Nag. Great is Rikki-tikki with the white teeth."
"Bother my white teeth! Have you ever heard where she keeps her eggs?" (72-73)
Yet more signs of maturity? It's almost like Rikki-tikki is growing up before our eyes! Here, Rikki-tikki rejects Darzee's praise, since he knows Nagaina is still alive and deadly. There'll be time to post on his Facebook wall after the final battle is won.
Quote #9
Rikki-tikki put his paws one on each side of the egg, and his eyes were blood-red. "What price for a snake's egg? For a young cobra? […]." (94)
Rikki-tikki is a thinker as a much as fighter now, as all the lessons learned come to this final battle with Nagaina. (But we're still not quite sure how to feel about all the destroyed eggs.)