The black dress, gold cross on the watch-chain, the hairless face, and the soft, black wideawake hat would have marked him as a holy man anywhere in all India.

He dropped into a camp-chair by the door of the Mess-tent and slid off his boots.

Three or four officers gathered round him, laughing and joking over his exploit.
'The talk of white men is wholly lacking in dignity,' said the lama, who judged only by tone.

'But I considered the countenance of that priest and I think he is learned.

Is it likely that he will understand our talk?
I would talk to him of my Search.' 'Never speak to a white man till he is fed,' said Kim, quoting a well-known proverb.