lten silver. There is a branch of a river
beyond. But if ye need water I can give that--and milk.'

'Nay, we will go to the river,' said the lama, striding out.

'Milk and a meal.' the man stammered, as he looked at the strange tall
figure. 'I--I would not draw evil upon myself--or my crops. But
beggars are so many in these hard days.'

'Take notice.' The lama turned to Kim. 'He was led to speak harshly
by the Red Mist of anger. That clearing from his eyes, he becomes
courteous and of an affable heart. May his fields be blessed! Beware
not to judge men too hastily, O farmer.'

'I have met holy ones who would have cursed thee from hearthstone to
byre,' said Kim to the abashed man. 'Is he not wise and holy? I am his
disciple.'

He cocked his nose in the air loftily and stepped across the narrow
field-borders with great dignity.

'There is no pride,' said the lama, after a pause, 'there is no pride
among such as follow the Middle Way.'

'But thou hast said he was low-caste and discourteous.'

'Low-caste I did not say, for how can that be which is not? Afterwards
he amended his discourtesy, and I forgot the offence. Moreover, he is
as we are, bound upon the Wheel of Things; but he does not tread the
way of deliverance.' He halted at a little runlet among the fields,
and considered the hoof-pitted bank.

'Now, how wilt thou know thy River?' said Kim, squatting in the shade
of some tall sugar-cane.

'When I find it, an enlightenment will surely be given. This, I feel,
is not the place. O littlest among the waters, if only thou couldst
tell me where runs my River! But be thou blessed to make the fields
bear!'

'Look! Look!' Kim sprang to his side and dragged him back. A
yellow-and-brown streak glided from the purple rustling stems to the
bank, stretched its neck to the water, drank, and lay still--a big
cobra with fixed, lidless eyes.

'I have no stick--I have no stick,' said Kim. 'I will get me one and
break his back.'

'Why? He is upon the Wheel as we are--a life ascending or
descending--very far from deliverance. Great evil must the soul have
done that is cast into this shape.'

'I hate all snakes,' said Kim. No native training can quench the white
man's horror of the Serpent.

'Let him live out his life.' The coiled thing hissed and half opened
its hood. 'May thy release come soon, brother!' the lama continued
placidly. 'Hast thou knowledge, by chance, of my River?'

'Never