'Hear me.' He turned to the lama.
'Three koss [six miles] to the westward runs the great road to Calcutta.' 'But I would go to Benares--to Benares.' 'And to Benares also.

It crosses all streams on this side of Hind.
Now my word to thee, Holy One, is rest here till tomorrow.

Then take the road' (it was the Grand Trunk Road he meant) 'and test each stream that it overpasses; for, as I understand, the virtue of thy River lies neither in one pool nor place, but throughout its length.

Then, if thy Gods will, be assured that thou wilt come upon thy freedom.' 'That is well said.' The lama was much impressed by the plan.

'We will begin tomorrow, and a blessing on thee for showing old feet such a near road.' A deep, sing-song Chinese half-chant closed the sentence.
Even the priest was impressed, and the headman feared an evil spell: but none could look at the lama's simple, eager face and doubt him long.
'Seest thou my chela ?' he said, diving into his snuff-gourd with an important sniff.