Now , amulets are common enough , but they are not generally strung on square-plaited copper wire , and still fewer amulets bear black enamel on silver . There were none except the Kamboh and the lama in the compartment , which , luckily , was of an old type with solid ends . Kim made as to scratch in his bosom , and thereby lifted his own amulet . The Mahratta 's face changed altogether at the sight , and he disposed the amulet fairly on his breast . ` Yes , ' he went on to the Kamboh , ' I was in haste , and the cart , driven by a bastard , bound its wheel in a water-cut , and besides the harm done to me there was lost a full dish of tarkeean . I was not a Son of the Charm -LSB- a lucky man -RSB- that day . ' ` That was a great loss , ' said the Kamboh , withdrawing interest . His experience of Benares had made him suspicious . ` Who cooked it ? ' said Kim . ' A woman . ' The Mahratta raised his eyes . ` But all women can cook tarkeean , ' said the Kamboh . ` It is a good curry , as I know . ' ` Oh yes , it is a good curry , ' said the Mahratta . ` And cheap , ' said Kim . ` But what about caste ? ' ` Oh , there is no caste where men go to -- look for tarkeean , ' the Mahratta replied , in the prescribed cadence . ` Of whose service art thou ? ' ` Of the service of this Holy One . '
Kim pointed to the happy , drowsy XXXXX , who woke with a jerk at the well-loved word .
Benares Kamboh Kim Mahratta Son day lama service tarkeean water-cut