How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
Rikki-tikki knew he was a young mongoose, and it made him all the more pleased to think that he had managed to escape a blow from behind. (33)
The sweet, sweet smell of victory. This one is a great confidence booster for our protagonist, and he's going to need it: the difficulty is about to get cranked up to eleven.
Quote #5
If Rikki-tikki had only known, he was doing a much more dangerous thing than fighting Nag, for Karait is so small, and can turn so quickly, […]. (35)
The problem with being a kid (or a young mongoose) is that you don't always know what you're getting into. Rikki-tikki is lucky he survived this one. It's easy to be brave if you don't know what you're up against.
Quote #6
That night at dinner, walking to and fro among the wineglasses on the table, he could have stuffed himself three times over with nice things; but he remembered Nag and Nagaina, […]. (38)
If knowing when to stuff yourself and when to refrain is a sign of maturity, then we revert to childhood every holiday season. (And every time Ben & Jerry's comes out with a new flavor.)