He did not note the money-lender on his goose-rumped pony, hastening along to collect the cruel interest; or the long-shouting, deep-voiced little mob--still in military formation--of native soldiers on leave, rejoicing to be rid of their breeches and puttees, and saying the most outrageous things to the most respectable women in sight.

Even the seller of Ganges-water he did not see, and Kim expected that he would at least buy a bottle of that precious stuff.

He looked steadily at the ground, and strode as steadily hour after hour, his soul busied elsewhere.

But Kim was in the seventh heaven of joy.

The Grand Trunk at this point was built on an embankment to guard against winter floods from the foothills, so that one walked, as it were, a little above the country, along a stately corridor, seeing all India spread out to left and right.