Now in the company of the Mavericks’ regiment, Kim heads back to Umballa. His reputation in the regiment grows, not least because his prediction of their assignment in a new war is proven true. While many of the soldiers head to the front by train, Kim remains behind at the barracks with Father Victor, where he receives some initial schooling from a teacher whom Kim finds boring and, at times, abusive. He quickly starts working on possibilities for escape or transfer and convinces the drummer-boy who is tasked with watching him to allow him to go into the bazar to send a letter. With the services of a local letter-writer, he composes a message to Mahbub Ali, the horse trader from Lahore, detailing his situation and requesting help: “The clothes are very heavy, but I am a Sahib and my heart is heavy too. They send me to a school and beat me. […] Come then and help me.” (88). Later, back in the army barracks, Father Victor receives a letter from the lama, which Kim helps him interpret. It promises to pay for Kim’s schooling at a Catholic school in Lucknow.

A few days later, Mahbub Ali arrives, snatches Kim up on horseback, and consults with the boy.