Do not altogether go away.' 'I have considered that also,' the lama replied, in a shaking voice.
'It is manifest that from time to time I shall acquire merit if before that I have not found my River--by assuring myself that thy feet are set on wisdom.

What they will teach thee I do not know, but the priest wrote me that no son of a Sahib in all India will be better taught than thou.

So from time to time, therefore, I will come again.

Maybe thou wilt be such a Sahib as he who gave me these spectacles'-- the lama wiped them elaborately--'in the Wonder House at Lahore.

That is my hope, for he was a Fountain of Wisdom--wiser than many abbots ....
Again, maybe thou wilt forget me and our meetings.' 'If I eat thy bread,' cried Kim passionately, 'how shall I ever forget thee ?' 'No--no.' He put the boy aside.