I am already rudely loaded with favours . ' She looked up with a curious smile and laid a hand on his shoulder . ` At least , thank me . I am foul-faced and a hillwoman , but , as thy talk goes , I have acquired merit . Shall I show thee how the Sahibs render thanks ? ' and her hard eyes softened . ' I am but a wandering priest , ' said Kim , his eyes lighting in answer . ` Thou needest neither my blessings nor my curses . ' ` Nay . But for one little moment -- thou canst overtake the dooli in ten strides -- if thou wast a Sahib , shall I show thee what thou wouldst do ? ' ` How if I guess , though ? ' said Kim , and putting his arm round her waist , he kissed her on the cheek , adding in English : ` Thank you verree much , my dear . ' Kissing is practically unknown among Asiatics , which may have been the reason that she leaned back with wide-open eyes and a face of panic . ` Next time , ' Kim went on , ` you must not be so sure of your heatthen priests . Now I say good-bye . ' He held out his hand English-fashion . She took it mechanically . ` Good-bye , my dear . ' ` Good-bye , and -- and ' -- she was remembering her English words one by one -- ` you will come back again ? Good-bye , and -- thee God bless you . '
Half an hour later , as the creaking litter jolted up the hill path that leads south-easterly from Shamlegh , XXXXX saw a tiny figure at the hut door waving a white rag .
Asiatics English English-fashion Kim Sahib Sahibs dooli favours heatthen hillwoman