'This is not to Mahbub, but to a priest. Take thy pen and write
quickly. To Teshoo Lama, the Holy One from Bhotiyal seeking for a
River, who is now in the Temple of the Tirthankars at Benares. Take
more ink! In three days I am to go down to Nucklao to the school at
Nucklao. The name of the school is Xavier. I do not know where that
school is, but it is at Nucklao.'

'But I know Nucklao,' the writer interrupted. 'I know the school.'

'Tell him where it is, and I give half an anna.'

The reed pen scratched busily. 'He cannot mistake.' The man lifted
his head. 'Who watches us across the street?'

Kim looked up hurriedly and saw Colonel Creighton in tennis-
flannels.

'Oh, that is some Sahib who knows the fat priest in the barracks.
He is beckoning me.'

'What dost thou?' said the Colonel, when Kim trotted up.

'I - I am not running away. I send a letter to my Holy One at
Benares.'

'I had not thought of that. Hast thou said that I take thee to
Lucknow?'

'Nay, I have not. Read the letter, if there be a doubt.'