` It repents me that I did not give a rupee to the shrine , ' said the lama on the last bead of his eighty-one . The old soldier growled in his beard , so that the lama for the first time was aware of him . ` Seekest thou the River also ? ' said he , turning . ` The day is new , ' was the reply . ` What need of a river save to water at before sundown ? I come to show thee a short lane to the Big Road . ' ` That is a courtesy to be remembered , O man of good will . But why the sword ? ' The old soldier looked as abashed as a child interrupted in his game of make-believe . ` The sword , ' he said , fumbling it . ` Oh , that was a fancy of mine an old man 's fancy . Truly the police orders are that no man must bear weapons throughout Hind , but ' -- he cheered up and slapped the hilt -- ` all the constabeels hereabout know me . ' ` It is not a good fancy , ' said the lama . ` What profit to kill men ? ' ` Very little -- as I know ; but if evil men were not now and then slain it would not be a good world for weaponless dreamers . I do not speak without knowledge who have seen the land from Delhi south awash with blood . ' ` What madness was that , then ? ' ` The Gods , who sent it for a plague , alone know . A madness ate into all the Army , and they turned against their officers .
That was the XXXXX evil , but not past remedy if they had then held their hands .
Army Delhi Road constabeels dreamers first lama madness reply shrine