The Oorya , not unanxious to play off one parasite against the other , slunk away towards the dovecote . ` Yes , ' said Kim , with measured scorn . ` Their stock-in-trade is a little coloured water and a very great shamelessness . Their prey are broken-down kings and overfed Bengalis . Their profit is in children -- who are not born . ' The old lady chuckled . ` Do not be envious . Charms are better , eh ? I never gainsaid it . See that thy Holy One writes me a good amulet by the morning . ' ` None but the ignorant deny ' -- a thick , heavy voice boomed through the darkness , as a figure came to rest squatting -- ` None but the ignorant deny the value of charms . None but the ignorant deny the value of medicines . ' ' A rat found a piece of turmeric . Said he : `` I will open a grocer 's shop , '' ' Kim retorted . Battle was fairly joined now , and they heard the old lady stiffen to attention . ` The priest 's son knows the names of his nurse and three Gods . Says he : `` Hear me , or I will curse you by the three million Great Ones . '' ' Decidedly this invisible had an arrow or two in his quiver . He went on : ' I am but a teacher of the alphabet . I have learned all the wisdom of the Sahibs . '
` The XXXXX never grow old .
Bengalis Gods Kim Oorya Sahibs dovecote morning shamelessness stock-in-trade turmeric