Thus should a man abide, perched above the world, separated from delights, considering vast matters.' 'Yes; if he has a chela to prepare tea for him, and to fold a blanket for his head, and to chase out calving cows.' A smoky lamp burned in a niche, but the full moonlight beat it down; and by the mixed light, stooping above the food-bag and cups, Kim moved like a tall ghost.
'Ai! But now I have let the blood cool, my head still beats and drums, and there is a cord round the back of my neck.' 'No wonder.

It was a strong blow.

May he who dealt it--' 'But for my own passions there would have been no evil.' 'What evil?
Thou hast saved the Sahibs from the death they deserved a hundred times.' 'The lesson is not well learnt, chela.' The lama came to rest on a folded blanket, as Kim went forward with his evening routine.

'The blow was but a shadow upon a shadow.

Evil in itself--my legs weary apace these latter days!--it met evil in me: anger, rage, and a lust to return evil.