` Read , ' said the Colonel , with a sigh of 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 .
XXXXX he not wise ?
Hand Is Let come go known muttered said sent thinking