This is the Wheel of Life,' said the lama, 'the same I showed thee in the hut at Ziglaur when the rain fell.' 'And to hear thee expound it.' The lama's eyes lighted at the prospect of new listeners.

'To expound the Most Excellent Way is good.

Have they any knowledge of Hindi, such as had the Keeper of Images ?' 'A little, maybe.' Hereat, simply as a child engrossed with a new game, the lama threw back his head and began the full-throated invocation of the Doctor of Divinity ere he opens the full doctrine.

The strangers leaned on their alpenstocks and listened.

Kim, squatting humbly, watched the red sunlight on their faces, and the blend and parting of their long shadows.