'I am already rudely loaded with favours.' She looked up with a curious smile and laid a hand on his shoulder.

'At least, thank me.

I am foul-faced and a hillwoman, but, as thy talk goes, I have acquired merit.

Shall I show thee how the Sahibs render thanks ?' and her hard eyes softened.
'I am but a wandering priest,' said Kim, his eyes lighting in answer.
'Thou needest neither my blessings nor my curses.' 'Nay.

But for one little moment--thou canst overtake the dooli in ten strides--if thou wast a Sahib, shall I show thee what thou wouldst do ?' 'How if I guess, though ?' said Kim, and putting his arm round her waist, he kissed her on the cheek, adding in English: 'Thank you verree much, my dear.' Kissing is practically unknown among Asiatics, which may have been the reason that she leaned back with wide-open eyes and a face of panic.
'Next time,' Kim went on, 'you must not be so sure of your heatthen priests.