He used the compass for bearings as occasion served--after dark chiefly, when the camels had been fed--and by the help of his little Survey paint-box of six colour-cakes and three brushes, he achieved something not remotely unlike the city of Jeysulmir.

Mahbub laughed a great deal, and advised him to make up a written report as well; and in the back of the big account-book that lay under the flap of Mahbub's pet saddle Kim fell to work..
'It must hold everything that thou hast seen or touched or considered.
Write as though the Jung-i-Lat Sahib himself had come by stealth with a vast army outsetting to war.' 'How great an army ?' 'Oh, half a lakh of men.' 'Folly! Remember how few and bad were the wells in the sand.

Not a thousand thirsty men could come near by here.' 'Then write that down--also all the old breaches in the walls and whence the firewood is cut--and what is the temper and disposition of the King.

I stay here till all my horses are sold.

I will hire a room by the gateway, and thou shalt be my accountant.