VELMORA ACADEMY

Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies

Menu Close

The Jungle Book

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Jungle Book is here in full — 192 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By Rudyard Kipling • Curated US English Learning Edition

Cover illustration for The Jungle Book

English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5

“O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

And the Law does not say who may or may not pay that price.

Am I right?”

“Good!

Good!” said the young wolves, who are always hungry.

Narrator

Speed 0.75x

AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English

LEARNER DICTIONARY

Archivist

/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/

Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Chapter II Reading 1/38

The Jungle Book

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of The Jungle Book is here in full — 192 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/38 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1

“O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

Line 2

And the Law does not say who may or may not pay that price.

Line 3

Am I right?”

Line 4

“Good!

Line 5

Good!” said the young wolves, who are always hungry.

All words in this reading · 54

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

a

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

Akela

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

always

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Good!” said the young wolves, who are always hungry.

Am

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Am I right?”

and

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

are

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Good!” said the young wolves, who are always hungry.

assembly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

at

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

be

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

bought

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

but

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

cub

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

does

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the Law does not say who may or may not pay that price.

doubt

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

Free

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

Good

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “Good!

have

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

he

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

hungry

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Good!” said the young wolves, who are always hungry.

I

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

if

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

in

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

is

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

Jungle

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

killing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

Law

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

life

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

matter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

may

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

new

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

no

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

not

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

O

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

of

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

or

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the Law does not say who may or may not pay that price.

pay

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the Law does not say who may or may not pay that price.

People

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

price

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

purred

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

regard

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

right

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

said

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Good!” said the young wolves, who are always hungry.

say

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the Law does not say who may or may not pay that price.

says

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

that

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

the

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

there

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

to

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

which

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

who

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And the Law does not say who may or may not pay that price.

wolves

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Good!” said the young wolves, who are always hungry.

ye

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

young

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Good!” said the young wolves, who are always hungry.

your

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “O Akela, and ye the Free People,” he purred, “I have no right in your assembly, but the Law of the Jungle says that if there is a doubt which is not a killing matter in regard to a new cub, the life of that cub may be bought at a price.

Chapter 2 of The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling holds 192 sentences, grouped into 39 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 2 of The Jungle Book contain?

Chapter 2 holds 192 sentences of The Jungle Book, unabridged, divided into 39 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 192 sentences, grouped into 39 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 2 of The Jungle Book?

Work through the 39 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 39 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading The Jungle Book

Common questions about reading The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Jungle Book?

Yes. All 3020 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #236 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Jungle Book is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #236, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Jungle Book take to read?

About 251 minutes of reading across 604 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Jungle Book section by section

How to work through The Jungle Book section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

Open a chapter

Choose one of the 16 chapters of The Jungle Book to begin.
Read one section

Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Listen and tap

Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in The Jungle Book

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Jungle Book, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Mowgli: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Jungle Book; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Brothers: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Jungle Book; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Hunting-song: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Jungle Book; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Seeonee: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Jungle Book; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.