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The story of the Bhishti obtaining his name on account of the solace which he afforded to the Muhammadan soldiery finds a parallel in the case of the English army: The uniform ’e wore Was nothin’ much before, An’ rather less than ’arf o’ that be’ind, For a piece o’ twisty rag An’ a goatskin water-bag Was all the field-equipment ’e could find.

I like the Bhishti and respect him.

Bhishti.—A small Muhammadan caste of water-bearers.

The traditional occupation of the Bhishti is to supply water, and he is still engaged in this and other kinds of domestic service.

The leather bag is a distinctive sign of the Bhishti, but when he puts it away he may be recognised from the piece of red cloth which he usually wears round his waist.