` Cure them if they are sick , ' said the lama , when Kim 's sporting instincts woke . ` Cure them if they have fever , but by no means work charms . Remember what befell the Mahratta . ' ` Then all Doing is evil ? ' Kim replied , lying out under a big tree at the fork of the Doon road , watching the little ants run over his hand . ` To abstain from action is well -- except to acquire merit . ' ` At the Gates of Learning we were taught that to abstain from action was unbefitting a Sahib . And I am a Sahib . ' ` Friend of all the World , ' -- the lama looked directly at Kim -- ' I am an old man -- pleased with shows as are children . To those who follow the Way there is neither black nor white , Hind nor Bhotiyal . We be all souls seeking escape . No matter what thy wisdom learned among Sahibs , when we come to my River thou wilt be freed from all illusion -- at my side . Hai ! My bones ache for that River , as they ached in the te-rain ; but my spirit sits above my bones , waiting . The Search is sure ! ' ' I am answered . Is it permitted to ask a question ? ' The lama inclined his stately head . ' I ate thy bread for three years -- as thou knowest . Holy One , whence came -- ? '
` There is much wealth , as men count it , in Bhotiyal , ' the XXXXX returned with composure .
Doon Hai Mahratta Sahib Sahibs World escape lama te-rain years