His thoughts were many and various . The least of them would have interested his companions beyond words . But he was an agreeable guide , ever keen to point out the beauties of his royal master 's domain . He peopled the hills with anything thev had a mind to slay -- thar , ibex , or markhor , and bear by Elisha 's allowance . He discoursed of botany and ethnology with unimpeachable inaccuracy , and his store of local legends -- he had been a trusted agent of the State for fifteen years , remember -- was inexhaustible . ` Decidedly this fellow is an original , ' said the taller of the two foreigners . ` He is like the nightmare of a Viennese courier . ' ` He represents in little India in transition -- the monstrous hybridism of East and West , ' the Russian replied . ` It is we who can deal with Orientals . ' ` He has lost his own country and has not acquired any other . But he has a most complete hatred of his conquerors . Listen . He confided to me last night , ' said the other . Under the striped umbrella Hurree Babu was straining ear and brain to follow the quick-poured French , and keeping both eyes on a kilta full of maps and documents -- an extra-large one with a double red oil-skin cover . He did not wish to steal anything . He only desired to know what to steal , and , incidentally , how to get away when he had stolen it . He thanked all the Gods of Hindustan , and Herbert Spencer , that there remained some valuables to steal . On the second day the road rose steeply to a grass spur above the forest ; and it was here , about sunset , that they came across an aged lama -- but they called him a bonze -- sitting cross-legged above a mysterious chart held down by stones , which he was explaining to a young man , evidently a neophyte , of singular , though unwashen , beauty . The striped umbrella had been sighted half a march away , and Kim had suggested a halt till it came up to them . ` Ha ! '
said Hurree XXXXX , resourceful as Puss-in-Boots .
Babu Elisha French India Orientals ethnology lama markhor thev valuables