For my part , I rejoice . The pony learns the game . ' ` Ay , but another time he must not go alone . ' ` Why ? He went alone before he came under the Colonel Sahib 's protection . When he comes to the Great Game he must go alone -- alone , and at peril of his head . Then , if he spits , or sneezes , or sits down other than as the people do whom he watches , he may be slain . Why hinder him now ? Remember how the Persians say : The jackal that lives in the wilds of Mazanderan can only be caught by the hounds of Mazanderan . ' ` True . It is true , Mahbub Ali . And if he comes to no harm , I do not desire anything better . But it is great insolence on his part . ' ` He does not tell me , even , whither he goes , ' said Mahbub . ` He is no fool . When his time is accomplished he will come to me . It is time the healer of pearls took him in hand . He ripens too quickly -- as Sahibs reckon . ' This prophecy was fulfilled to the letter a month later . Mahbub had gone down to Umballa to bring up a fresh consignment of horses , and Kim met him on the Kalka road at dusk riding alone , begged an alms of him , was sworn at , and replied in English .
There was nobody within earshot to hear XXXXX 's gasp of amazement .
Ay English Kalka Kim Mahbub Mazanderan Sahib Sahibs consignment jackal