To the madrissah I will go . At the madrissah I will learn . In the madrissah I will be a Sahib . But when the madrissah is shut , then must I be free and go among my people . Otherwise I die ! ' ` And who are thy people , Friend of all the World ? ' ` This great and beautiful land , ' said Kim , waving his paw round the little clay-walled room where the oil-lamp in its niche burned heavily through the tobacco-smoke . ` And , further , I would see my lama again . And , further , I need money . ' ` That is the need of everyone , ' said Mahbub ruefully . ' I will give thee eight annas , for much money is not picked out of horses ' hooves , and it must suffice for many days . As to all the rest , I am well pleased , and no further talk is needed . Make haste to learn , and in three years , or it may be less , thou wilt be an aid -- even to me . ' ` Have I been such a hindrance till now ? ' said Kim , with a boy 's giggle . ` Do not give answers , ' Mahbub grunted . ` Thou art my new horse-boy . Go and bed among my men . They are near the north end of the station , with the horses . ' ` They will beat me to the south end of the station if I come without authority . '
XXXXX felt in his belt , wetted his thumb on a cake of Chinese ink , and dabbed the impression on a piece of soft native paper .
Mahbub Sahib annas days hindrance horse-boy lama madrissah oil-lamp tobacco-smoke