She is at least a woman of open hands, and I made a promise to return to her house if need arose.

Then, perceiving myself alone in this great and terrible world, I bethought me of the te-rain to Benares, where I knew one abode in the Tirthankars' Temple who was a Seeker, even as I.' 'Ah! Thy River,' said Kim.

'I had forgotten the River.' 'So soon, my chela?
I have never forgotten it.

But when I had left thee it seemed better that I should go to the Temple and take counsel, for, look you, India is very large, and it may be that wise men before us, some two or three, have left a record of the place of our River.
There is debate in the Temple of the Tirthankars on this matter; some saying one thing, and some another.

They are courteous folk.' 'So be it; but what dost thou do now ?' 'I acquire merit in that I help thee, my chela, to wisdom.