f relief. It was absurd that a
man of his position should take an interest in a little country-bred
vagabond; but the Colonel remembered the conversation in the train, and
often in the past few months had caught himself thinking of the queer,
silent, self-possessed boy. His evasion, of course, was the height of
insolence, but it argued some resource and nerve.

Mahbub's eyes twinkled as he reined out into the centre of the cramped
little plain, where none could come near unseen.

'"The Friend of the Stars, who is the Friend of all the World--"'

'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 mouthed to that
bit. For my part, I rejoice. The pony learns the game.'

'Ay, but another time he must not go alone.'

'Why? He went alone before he came under the Colonel Sahib's
protection. When he comes to the Great Game he must go alone--alone,
and at peril of his head. Then, if he spits, or sneezes, or sits down
other than as the people do whom he watches, he may be slain. Why
hinder him now? Remember how the Persians say: The jackal that lives
in the wilds of Mazanderan can only be caught by the hounds of
Mazanderan.'

'True. It is true, Mahbub Ali. And if he comes to no harm, I do not
desire anything better. But it is great insolence on his part.'

'He does not tell me,