This story occurs before Mowgli left the wolf pack, during the period in which he was being taught the Law of the Jungle by Baloo the bear. Mowgli memorizes what to say to different animals in the jungle so that they do not harm him, but he grows bored with the repetition, causing Baloo to hit him. After Mowgli runs away, upset, Bagheera arrives and Baloo explains to him that he is teaching Mowgli such valuable knowledge that he must use harsh methods of instruction. Mowgli returns, complaining that his head hurts from the strike, but he is able to recite the Master Words of the jungle in different animal languages. Speaking these words will prevent any other species from harming him. Mowgli reveals that when he was upset about being hit by Baloo, the monkey people—also called the Bandar-log—came to comfort him and promised him that he would be their leader someday. Baloo tells him that the monkey people lie constantly and they do not obey the Law of the Jungle, which means that the other animal species ignore them.

The monkey people have secretly been following Mowgli because they admire his ability to weave sticks together and make small structures.