Do I not safeguard thy old feet about the ways ? Give me the money and at dawn I will return it . ' He slipped his hand above the lama 's girdle and brought away the purse . ` Be it so -- be it so . ' The old man nodded his head . ` This is a great and terrible world . I never knew there were so many men alive in it . ' Next morning the priest was in a very bad temper , but the lama was quite happy ; and Kim had enjoyed a most interesting evening with the old man , who brought out his cavalry sabre and , balancing it on his dry knees , told tales of the Mutiny and young captains thirty years in their graves , till Kim dropped off to sleep . ` Certainly the air of this country is good , ' said the lama . ' I sleep lightly , as do all old men ; but last night I slept unwaking till broad day . Even now I am heavy . ' ` Drink a draught of hot milk , ' said Kim , who had carried not a few such remedies to opium-smokers of his acquaintance . ` It is time to take the Road again . ' ` The long Road that overpasses all the rivers of Hind , ' said the lama gaily . ` Let us go . But how thinkest thou , chela , to recompense these people , and especially the priest , for their great kindness ? Truly they are but parast , but in other lives , maybe , they will receive enlightenment . A rupee to the temple ? The thing within is no more than stone and red paint , but the heart of man we must acknowledge when and where it is good . ' ` Holy One , hast thou ever taken the Road alone ? '
XXXXX looked up sharply , like the Indian crows so busy about the fields .
Kim Road chela day evening lama night opium-smokers overpasses years