But I am not altogether a reed . ' He picked up his lathi -- a five-foot male-bamboo ringed with bands of polished iron -- and flourished it in the air . ` The Jats are called quarrel-some , but that is not true . Except when we are crossed , we are like our own buffaloes . ' ` So be it , ' said Kim . ' A good stick is a good reason . ' The lama gazed placidly up-stream , where in long , smudged perspective the ceaseless columns of smoke go up from the burning-ghats by the river . Now and again , despite all municipal regulations , the fragment of a half-burned body bobbed by on the full current . ` But for thee , ' said the Kamboh to Kim , drawing the child into his hairy breast , ' I might today have gone thither -- with this one . The priests tell us that Benares is holy -- which none doubt -- and desirable to die in . But I do not know their Gods , and they ask for money ; and when one has done one worship a shaved-head vows it is of none effect except one do another . Wash here ! Wash there ! Pour , drink , lave , and scatter flowers -- but always pay the priests . No , the Punjab for me , and the soil of the Jullundur-doab for the best soil in it . ' ' I have said many times -- in the Temple , I think -- that if need be , the River will open at our feet . We will therefore go North , ' said the lama , rising . ' I remember a pleasant place , set about with fruit-trees , where one can walk in meditation -- and the air is cooler there . It comes from the Hills and the snow of the Hills . ' ` What is the name ? '
said XXXXX .
Benares Hills Jats Jullundur-doab Kim North burning-ghats fruit-trees lathi lave