Years passed, and Mowgli grew tall and strong. Akela grew old and weak, and one night he missed his kill. Now the young wolves listened to Shere Khan. One evening Bagheera came to Mowgli. Little Brother, said Bagheera, Shere Khan wants to kill you. The young wolves will not help you now. Look into my eyes. Mowgli looked, but Bagheera turned away. You see? said Bagheera. No animal of the jungle can look into your eyes. You are a man. Go down to the village and bring the Red Flower. The Red Flower was fire, and every animal in the jungle was afraid of it. That night Mowgli went down to the village. He took a pot of fire from a hut and ran back into the jungle.