He was sent of a sudden to aid me in this search , and his name is Friend of all the World . ' The priest smiled . ` Ho , there , Friend of all the World , ' he cried across the sharp-smelling smoke , ` what art thou ? ' ` This Holy One 's disciple , ' said Kim . ` He says thou are a but -LSB- a spirit -RSB- . ' ` Can buts eat ? ' said Kim , with a twinkle . ` For I am hungry . ' ` It is no jest , ' cried the lama . ' A certain astrologer of that city whose name I have forgotten -- ' ` That is no more than the city of Umballa where we slept last night , ' Kim whispered to the priest . ` Ay , Umballa was it ? He cast a horoscope and declared that my chela should find his desire within two days . But what said he of the meaning of the stars , Friend of all the World ? ' Kim cleared his throat and looked around at the village greybeards . ` The meaning of my Star is War , ' he replied pompously . Somebody laughed at the little tattered figure strutting on the brickwork plinth under the great tree . Where a native would have lain down , Kim 's white blood set him upon his feet . ` Ay , War , ' he answered . ` That is a sure prophecy , ' rumbled a deep voice . ` For there is always war along the Border -- as I know . '
It was an old , withered man , who had served the Government in the XXXXX of the Mutiny as a native officer in a newly raised cavalry regiment .
Ay Ho Umballa astrologer buts chela days night plinth war