midday
From the last tree to the low scrub of the Bee Rocks was open country , where there was hardly cover enough to hide a wolf . Mowgli trotted along under the trees , judging distances between branch and branch , occasionally climbing up a trunk and taking a trial leap from one tree to another , till he came to the open ground , which he studied very carefully for an hour . Then he turned , picked up Won-tolla 's trail where he had left it , settled himself in a tree with an outrunning branch some eight feet from the ground , and sat still , sharpening his knife on the sole of his foot and singing to himself . A little before midday , when the sun was very warm , he heard the patter of feet and smelt the abominable smell of the dhole pack as they trotted pitilessly along Won-tolla 's trail . Seen from above , the red dhole does not look half the size of a wolf , but Mowgli knew how strong his feet and jaws were . He watched the sharp bay head of the leader snuffing along the trail and gave him `` Good hunting ! '' The brute looked up , and his companions halted behind him , scores and scores of red dogs with low-hung tails , heavy shoulders , weak quarters , and bloody mouths .