The lama did not wake till the evening life of the city had begun with lamp-lighting and the return of white-robed clerks and subordinates from the Government offices . He stared dizzily in all directions , but none looked at him save a Hindu urchin in a dirty turban and Isabella-coloured clothes . Suddenly he bowed his head on his knees and wailed . ` What is this ? ' said the boy , standing before him . ` Hast thou been robbed ? ' ` It is my new chela -LSB- disciple -RSB- that is gone away from me , and I know not where he is . ' ` And what like of man was thy disciple ? ' ` It was a boy who came to me in place of him who died , on account of the merit which I had gained when I bowed before the Law within there . ' He pointed towards the Museum . ` He came upon me to show me a road which I had lost . He led me into the Wonder House , and by his talk emboldened me to speak to the Keeper of the Images , so that I was cheered and made strong . And when I was faint with hunger he begged for me , as would a chela for his teacher . Suddenly was he sent . Suddenly has he gone away . It was in my mind to have taught him the Law upon the road to Benares . ' Kim stood amazed at this , because he had overheard the talk in the Museum , and knew that the old man was speaking the truth , which is a thing a native on the road seldom presents to a stranger . ` But I see now that he was but sent for a purpose . By this I know that I shall find a certain River for which I seek . ' ` The River of the Arrow ? '
said XXXXX , with a superior smile .
Benares House Isabella-coloured Kim Law chela evening lama lamp-lighting urchin