` The Colonel is the servant of the Government . He is sent hither and yon at a word , and must consider his own advancement . -LRB- See how much I have already learned at Nucklao ! -RRB- Moreover , the Colonel I know since three months only . I have known one Mahbub Ali for six years . So ! To the madrissah I will go . At the madrissah I will learn . In the madrissah I will be a Sahib . But when the madrissah is shut , then must I be free and go among my people . Otherwise I die ! ' ` And who are thy people , Friend of all the World ? ' ` This great and beautiful land , ' said Kim , waving his paw round the little clay-walled room where the oil-lamp in its niche burned heavily through the tobacco-smoke . ` And , further , I would see my lama again . And , further , I need money . ' ` That is the need of everyone , ' said Mahbub ruefully . ' I will give thee eight annas , for much money is not picked out of horses ' hooves , and it must suffice for many days . As to all the rest , I am well pleased , and no further talk is needed . Make haste to learn , and in three years , or it may be less , thou wilt be an aid -- even to me . ' ` Have I been such a hindrance till now ? '
said XXXXX , with a boy 's giggle .
Kim Mahbub Nucklao Sahib annas hindrance lama months oil-lamp tobacco-smoke