I need thy blessings as much as I do thy curses . It is my order and none of thine . Lift and away ! Here ! Hast thou money for the road ? ' She beckoned Kim to her hut , and stooped above a battered English cash-box under her cot . ' I do not need anything , ' said Kim , angered where he should have been grateful . ' I am already rudely loaded with favours . ' She looked up with a curious smile and laid a hand on his shoulder . ` At least , thank me . I am foul-faced and a hillwoman , but , as thy talk goes , I have acquired merit . Shall I show thee how the Sahibs render thanks ? ' and her hard eyes softened . ' I am but a wandering priest , ' said Kim , his eyes lighting in answer . ` Thou needest neither my blessings nor my curses . ' ` Nay . But for one little moment -- thou canst overtake the dooli in ten strides -- if thou wast a Sahib , shall I show thee what thou wouldst do ? ' ` How if I guess , though ? ' said Kim , and putting his arm round her waist , he kissed her on the cheek , adding in English : ` Thank you verree much , my dear . ' Kissing is practically unknown among Asiatics , which may have been the reason that she leaned back with wide-open eyes and a face of panic .
` Next time , ' XXXXX went on , ` you must not be so sure of your heatthen priests .
Asiatics English Kim Sahib Sahibs cash-box cot dooli favours hillwoman