that he would do anything that he did not fancy, so much the
better.

Another long silence followed. Bennett fidgeted with impatience,
and suggested calling a sentry to evict the fakir.

'Do they give or sell learning among the Sahibs? Ask them,' said
the lama, and Kim interpreted.

'They say that money is paid to the teacher - but that money the
Regiment will give ... What need? It is only for a night.'

'And - the more money is paid the better learning is given?' The
lama disregarded Kim's plans for an early flight. 'It is no wrong
to pay for learning. To help the ignorant to wisdom is always a
merit.' The rosary clicked furiously as an abacus. Then he faced
his oppressors.

'Ask them for how much money do they give a wise and suitable
teaching? And in what city is that teaching given?'

'Well,' said Father Victor in English, when Kim had translated,
'that depends. The Regiment would pay for you all the time you are
at the Military Orphanage; or you might go on the Punjab Masonic
Orphanage's list (not that he or you 'ud understand what that
means); but the best schooling a boy can get in India is, of
course, at St Xavier's in Partibus at Lucknow.' This took some time
to interpret, for Bennett wished to cut it short.

'He wants to know how much?' said Kim placidly.