That these even sell the more comely of their womenfolk for gain.

Down south they sell them--to zemindars and such--all of Oudh.' If there be one thing in the world that the small Hill Rajahs deny it is just this charge; but it happens to be one thing that the bazars believe, when they discuss the mysterious slave-traffics of India.

The old lady explained to Kim, in a tense, indignant whisper, precisely what manner and fashion of malignant liar he was.

Had Kim hinted this when she was a girl, he would have been pommelled to death that same evening by an elephant.

This was perfectly true.
'Ahai! I am only a beggar's brat, as the Eye of Beauty has said,' he wailed in extravagant terror.
'Eye of Beauty, forsooth! Who am I that thou shouldst fling beggar-endearments at me ?' And yet she laughed at the long-forgotten word.