trade.

Simeon's soldiers conquered a kingdom for him and Tarras-Briukhan made
plenty of money.

Some time afterward the two brothers met and confessed to each other
the source from whence sprang their prosperity, but they were not yet
satisfied.

Simeon said: "I have conquered a kingdom and enjoy a very pleasant life,
but I have not sufficient money to procure food for my soldiers;" while
Tarras confessed that he was the possessor of enormous wealth, but the
care of it caused him much uneasiness.

"Let us go again to our brother," said Simeon; "I will order him to make
more soldiers and will give them to you, and you may then tell him that
he must make more money so that we can buy food for them."

They went again to Ivan, and Simeon said: "I have not sufficient
soldiers; I want you to make me at least two divisions more." But Ivan
shook his head as he said: "I will not create soldiers for nothing; you
must pay me for doing it."

"Well, but you promised," said Simeon.

"I know I did," replied Ivan; "but I have changed my mind since that
time."

"But, fool, why will you not do as you promised?"

"For the reason that your soldiers kill men, and I will not make any
more for such a cruel purpose." With this reply Ivan remained stubborn
and would not create any more soldiers.

Tarras-Briukhan next approached Ivan and ordered him to make more money;
but, as in the case of Tarras, Ivan only shook his head, as he said:
"I will not make you any money unless you pay me for doing it. I cannot
work without pay."

Tarras then reminded him of his promise.

"I know I promised," replied Ivan; "but still I must refuse to do as you
wish."

"But why, fool, will you not fulfill your promise?" asked Tarras.

"For the reason that your gold was the means of depriving Mikhailovna of
her cow."

"But how did that happen?" inquired Tarras.

"It happened in this way," said Ivan. "Mikhailovna always kept a cow,
and her children had plenty of milk to drink; but some time ago one of
her boys came to me to beg for some milk, and I asked, 'Where is your
cow?' when he replied, 'A clerk of Tarras-Briukhan came to our home
and offered three gold pieces for her. Our mother could not resist the
temptation, and now we have no milk to drink. I gave you the gold pieces
for your pleasure, and you put them to such poor use that I will not
give you any more.'"

The brothers, on hearing this, took their departure to discuss as to the
best