They do not understand why, when they have paid for a magic piece of paper, strangers should punch great pieces out of the charm.

So, long and furious are the debates between travellers and Eurasian ticket-collectors.

Kim assisted at two or three with grave advice, meant to darken counsel and to show off his wisdom before the lama and the admiring Kamboh.

But at Somna Road the Fates sent him a matter to think upon.

There tumbled into the compartment, as the train was moving off, a mean, lean little person--a Mahratta, so far as Kim could judge by the cock of the tight turban.
His face was cut, his muslin upper-garment was badly torn, and one leg was bandaged.