Kim stood amazed at this , because he had overheard the talk in the Museum , and knew that the old man was speaking the truth , which is a thing a native on the road seldom presents to a stranger . ` But I see now that he was but sent for a purpose . By this I know that I shall find a certain River for which I seek . ' ` The River of the Arrow ? ' said Kim , with a superior smile . ` Is this yet another Sending ? ' cried the lama . ` To none have I spoken of my search , save to the Priest of the Images . Who art thou ? ' ` Thy chela , ' said Kim simply , sitting on his heels . ' I have never seen anyone like to thee in all this my life . I go with thee to Benares . And , too , I think that so old a man as thou , speaking the truth to chance-met people at dusk , is in great need of a disciple . ' ` But the River -- the River of the Arrow ? ' ` Oh , that I heard when thou wast speaking to the Englishman . I lay against the door . ' The lama sighed . ' I thought thou hadst been a guide permitted . Such things fall sometimes -- but I am not worthy . Thou dost not , then , know the River ? '
` Not I , ' XXXXX laughed uneasily . '
Benares Englishman Kim Museum Priest River anyone chela fall lama