And every tale was told in the even , passionless voice of the native-born , mixed with quaint reflections , borrowed unconsciously from native foster-mothers , and turns of speech that showed they had been that instant translated from the vernacular . Kim watched , listened , and approved . This was not insipid , single-word talk of drummer-boys . It dealt with a life he knew and in part understood . The atmosphere suited him , and he throve by inches . They gave him a white drill suit as the weather warmed , and he rejoiced in the new-found bodily comforts as he rejoiced to use his sharpened mind over the tasks they set him . His quickness would have delighted an English master ; but at St Xavier 's they know the first rush of minds developed by sun and surroundings , as they know the half-collapse that sets in at twenty-two or twenty-three . None the less he remembered to hold himself lowly . When tales were told of hot nights , Kim did not sweep the board with his reminiscences ; for St Xavier 's looks down on boys who ` go native all-together . ' One must never forget that one is a Sahib , and that some day , when examinations are passed , one will command natives . Kim made a note of this , for he began to understand where examinations led . Then came the holidays from August to October -- the long holidays imposed by the heat and the Rains . Kim was informed that he would go north to some station in the hills behind Umballa , where Father Victor would arrange for him . ' A barrack-school ? ' said Kim , who had asked many questions and thought more . ` Yes , I suppose so , ' said the master . ` It will not do you any harm to keep you out of mischief . You can go up with young De Castro as far as Delhi . ' Kim considered it in every possible light . He had been diligent , even as the Colonel advised .
A boy 's holiday was his own property -- of so much the talk of his companions had advised him , -- and a XXXXX would be torment after St Xavier 's .
Umballa Victor Xavier all-together barrack-school day drummer-boys first foster-mothers half-collapse