eefa she makes them for two rupees twelve annas with--oh, all sorts
of exorcisms. They are quite common, except they are partially black
enamel, and there is a paper inside each one full of names of local
saints and such things. Thatt is Huneefa's look-out, you see? Huneefa
makes them onlee for us, but in case she does not, when we get them we
put in, before issue, one small piece of turquoise. Mr Lurgan he gives
them. There is no other source of supply; but it was me invented all
this. It is strictly unoffeecial of course, but convenient for
subordinates. Colonel Creighton he does not know. He is European.
The turquoise is wrapped in the paper ... Yes, that is road to railway
station ... Now suppose you go with the lama, or with me, I hope, some
day, or with Mahbub. Suppose we get into a dam'-tight place. I am a
fearful man--most fearful--but I tell you I have been in dam'-tight
places more than hairs on my head. You say: "I am Son of the Charm."
Verree good.'

'I do not understand quite. We must not be heard talking English here.'

'That is all raight. I am only Babu showing off my English to you. All
we Babus talk English to show off;' said Hurree, flinging his
shoulder-cloth jauntily. 'As I was about to say, "Son of the Charm"
means that you may be member of the Sat Bhai--the Seven Brothers, which
is Hindi and Tantric. It is popularly supposed to be extinct Society,
but I have written notes to show it is still extant. You see, it is
all my invention. Verree good. Sat Bhai has many members, and perhaps
before they jolly-well-cut-your-throat they may give you just a chance
of life. That is useful, anyhow. And moreover, these foolish
natives--if they are not too excited--they always stop to think before
they kill a man who says he belongs to any speecific organization. You
see? You say then when you are in tight place, "I am Son of the
Charm", and you get--perhaps--ah--your second wind. That is only in
extreme instances, or to open negotiations with a stranger. Can you
quite see? Verree good. But suppose now, I, or any one of the
Department, come to you dressed quite different. You would not know me
at all unless I choose, I bet you. Some day I will prove it. I come
as Ladakhi trader--oh, anything--and I say to you: "You want to buy
precious stones?" You say: "Do I look like a man who buys precious
stones?" Then I say: "Even verree poor man can buy a turquoise or
tarkeean."'

'That