` That doctor , learned in physic and courtesy , affirms that the people among these lower hills are devout , generous , and much in need of a teacher . In a very short time -- so says the hakim -- we come to cool air and the smell of pines . ' ` Ye go to the Hills ? And by Kulu road ? Oh , thrice happy ! ' shrilled the old lady . ` But that I am a little pressed with the care of the homestead I would take palanquin ... but that would be shameless , and my reputation would be cracked . Ho ! Ho ! I know the road -- every march of the road I know . Ye will find charity throughout -- it is not denied to the well-looking . I will give orders for provision . A servant to set you forth upon your journey ? No ... Then I will at least cook ye good food . ' ` What a woman is the Sahiba ! ' said the white-bearded Oorya , when a tumult rose by the kitchen quarters . ` She has never forgotten a friend : she has never forgotten an enemy in all her years . And her cookery -- wah ! ' He rubbed his slim stomach . There were cakes , there were sweetmeats , there was cold fowl stewed to rags with rice and prunes -- enough to burden Kim like a mule . '
I XXXXX old and useless , ' she said .
affirms am find give go learned rose said shrilled stewed