'What is this?'

'A name we give him in Lahore city. "The Friend of all the World
takes leave to go to his own places. He will come back upon the
appointed day. Let the box and the bedding-roll be sent for; and if
there has been a fault, let the Hand of Friendship turn aside the
Whip of Calamity." There is yet a little more, but -'

'No matter, read.'

'"Certain things are not known to those who eat with forks. It is
better to eat with both hands for a while. Speak soft words to
those who do not understand this that the return may be
propitious." Now the manner in which that was cast is, of course,
the work of the letter-writer, but see how wisely the boy has
devised the matter of it so that no hint is given except to those
who know!'

'Is this the Hand of Friendship to avert the Whip of Calamity?'
laughed the Colonel.

'See how wise is the boy. He would go back to the Road again, as I
said. Not knowing yet thy trade -'

'I am not at all sure of that,' the Colonel muttered.

'He turns to me to make a peace between you. Is he not wise? He
says he will return. He is but perfecting his knowledge. Think,
Sahib! He has been three months at the school. And he is not