ly surprised Ivan, who said: "Well, why did you
not tell me about this before? I can make as many as you want."

Ivan then took his brother to the barn, but he said: "While I am willing
to create the soldiers, you must take them away from here; for if it
should become necessary to feed them, all the food in the village would
last them only one day."

Simeon promised to do as Ivan wished, whereupon Ivan proceeded to
convert the straw into soldiers. Out of one bundle of straw he made an
entire regiment; in fact, so many soldiers appeared as if by magic that
there was not a vacant spot in the field.

Turning to Simeon Ivan said, "Well, is there a sufficient number?"

Beaming with joy, Simeon replied: "Enough! enough! Thank you, Ivan!"

"Glad you are satisfied," said Ivan, "and if you wish more I will make
them for you. I have plenty of straw now."

Simeon divided his soldiers into battalions and regiments, and after
having drilled them he went forth to fight and to conquer.

Simeon had just gotten safely out of the village with his soldiers when
Tarras, the other brother, appeared before Ivan--he also having heard
of the previous day's performance and wanting to learn the secret of
his power. He sought Ivan, saying: "Tell me the secret of your supply of
gold, for if I had plenty of money I could with its assistance gather in
all the wealth in the world."

Ivan was greatly surprised on hearing this statement, and said: "You
might have told me this before, for I can obtain for you as much money
as you wish."

Tarras was delighted, and he said, "You might get me about three
bushels."

"Well," said Ivan, "we will go to the woods, or, better still, we
will harness the horse, as we could not possibly carry so much money
ourselves."

The brothers went to the woods and Ivan proceeded to gather the oak
leaves, which he rubbed between his hands, the dust falling to the
ground and turning into gold pieces as quickly as it fell.

When quite a pile had accumulated Ivan turned to Tarras and asked if he
had rubbed enough leaves into money, whereupon Tarras replied: "Thank
you, Ivan; that will be sufficient for this time."

Ivan then said: "If you wish more, come to me and I will rub as much as
you want, for there are plenty of leaves."

Tarras, with his tarantas (wagon) filled with gold, rode away to the
city to engage in trade and increase his wealth; and thus both brothers
went their way, Simeon to fight and Tarras to