` Look ! look ! look ! ' clucked the lama . ` Yonder comes a priest . ' It was Bennett , the Church of England Chaplain of the regiment , limping in dusty black . One of his flock had made some rude remarks about the Chaplain 's mettle ; and to abash him Bennett had marched step by step with the men that day . The black dress , gold cross on the watch-chain , the hairless face , and the soft , black wideawake hat would have marked him as a holy man anywhere in all India . He dropped into a camp-chair by the door of the Mess-tent and slid off his boots . Three or four officers gathered round him , laughing and joking over his exploit . ` The talk of white men is wholly lacking in dignity , ' said the lama , who judged only by tone . ` But I considered the countenance of that priest and I think he is learned . Is it likely that he will understand our talk ? I would talk to him of my Search . ' ` Never speak to a white man till he is fed , ' said Kim , quoting a well-known proverb . ` They will eat now , and -- and I do not think they are good to beg from . Let us go back to the resting-place . After we have eaten we will come again . It certainly was a Red Bull -- my Red Bull . ' They were both noticeably absent-minded when the old lady 's retinue set their meal before them ; so none broke their reserve , for it is not lucky to annoy guests .
` Now , ' said Kim , picking his teeth , ` we will return to that place ; but thou , O Holy One , must wait a little way off , because thy feet are heavier than mine and I am anxious to see more of that XXXXX Bull . '
Bennett Chaplain Kim Mess-tent Red day lama resting-place watch-chain wideawake