Therefore they were poor Sahibs, and ignorant; for no Sahib in his senses would follow a Bengali's advice.

But the Bengali, appearing from somewhere, had given them money, and could make shift with their dialect.

Used to comprehensive ill-treatment from their own colour, they suspected a trap somewhere, and stood by to run if occasion offered.
Then through the new-washed air, steaming with delicious earth-smells, the Babu led the way down the slopes--walking ahead of the coolies in pride; walking behind the foreigners in humility.

His thoughts were many and various.

The least of them would have interested his companions beyond words.