The Padre went indoors for cheroots.
Creighton heard Kim say bitterly: 'Trust a Brahmin before a snake, and a snake before an harlot, and an harlot before a Pathan, Mahbub Ali.' 'That is all one.' The great red beard wagged solemnly.

'Children should not see a carpet on the loom till the pattern is made plain.
Believe me, Friend of all the World, I do thee great service.

They will not make a soldier of thee.' 'You crafty old sinner!' thought Creighton.

'But you're not far wrong.

That boy mustn't be wasted if he is as advertised.' 'Excuse me half a minute,' cried the Padre from within, 'but I'm gettin' the documents in the case.' 'If through me the favour of this bold and wise Colonel Sahib comes to thee, and thou art raised to honour, what thanks wilt thou give Mahbub Ali when thou art a man ?' 'Nay, nay! I begged thee to let me take the Road again, where I should have been safe; and thou hast sold me back to the English.