To most of them, short pilgrimages are as tame as rabbits would be to the hunter of lions.

They will walk from Bombay to Benares, from Madras to Llassa, begging and bragging all the way.

Eventually they become semi-holy, distinguished citizens in a clutter of mud huts.
They deposited some corn and fruit at the foot of the tree and departed, leaving Kathlyn in peace.

But later, when the moon poured its white, cold radiance over her face it awakened her, and it took her some time to realize where she was.
Below, belly deep in the river, stood several water buffaloes, their sweeping horns glistening like old ivory in the moonshine.

Presently a leopard stole down to the brink and lapped the water greedily, from time to time throwing a hasty, apprehensive glance over his sleek shoulders.