'The Sahib is a little hot and angry after riding,' the horse-
dealer returned, with the leer of a privileged jester. 'Presently,
he will see my horse's points more clearly. I will wait till he has
finished his talk with the Padre. I will wait under that tree.'

'Confound you!' The Colonel laughed. 'That comes of looking at one
of Mahbub's horses. He's a regular old leech, Padre. Wait, then, if
thou hast so much time to spare, Mahbub. Now I'm at your service,
Padre. Where is the boy? Oh, he's gone off to collogue with Mahbub.
Queer sort of boy. Might I ask you to send my mare round under
cover?'

He dropped into a chair which commanded a clear view of Kim and
Mahbub Ali in conference beneath the tree. The Padre went indoors
for cheroots.

Creighton heard Kim say bitterly: 'Trust a Brahmin before a snake,
and a snake before an harlot, and an harlot before a Pathan, Mahbub
Ali.'

'That is all one.' The great red beard wagged solemnly. 'Children
should not see a carpet on the loom till the pattern is made plain.
Believe me, Friend of all the World, I do thee great service. They
will not make a soldier of thee.'

'You crafty old sinner!' thought Creighton. 'But you're not far
wrong. That boy mustn't be wasted if he is as advertised.'

'Excuse me half a minute,' cried the Padre from within, 'but I'm
gettin' the documents in the case.'