morse, refused further to
pursue their path of destruction--the entire army scattering in many
directions.

CHAPTER XII.

The old devil, failing to ruin Ivan's kingdom with soldiers, transformed
himself into a nobleman, dressed exquisitely, and became one of
Ivan's subjects, with the intention of compassing the downfall of his
kingdom--as he had done with that of Tarras.

The "nobleman" said to Ivan: "I desire to teach you wisdom and to render
you other service. I will build you a palace and factories."

"Very well," said Ivan; "you may live with us."

The next day the "nobleman" appeared on the Square with a sack of gold
in his hand and a plan for building a house, saying to the people: "You
are living like pigs, and I am going to teach you how to live decently.
You are to build a house for me according to this plan. I will
superintend the work myself, and will pay you for your services in
gold," showing them at the same time the contents of his sack.

The fools were amused. They had never before seen any money. Their
business was conducted entirely by exchange of farm products or by
hiring themselves out to work by the day in return for whatever they
most needed. They therefore glanced at the gold pieces with amazement,
and said, "What nice toys they would be to play with!" In return for the
gold they gave their services and brought the "nobleman" the produce of
their farms.

The old devil was overjoyed as he thought, "Now my enterprise is on a
fair road and I will be able to ruin the Fool--as I did his brothers."

The fools obtained sufficient gold to distribute among the entire
community, the women and young girls of the village wearing much of it
as ornaments, while to the children they gave some pieces to play with
on the streets.

When they had secured all they wanted they stopped working and the
"noblemen" did not get his house more than half finished. He had neither
provisions nor cattle for the year, and ordered the people to bring him
both. He directed them also to go on with the building of the palace and
factories. He promised to pay them liberally in gold for everything they
did. No one responded to his call--only once in awhile a little boy or
girl would call to exchange eggs for his gold.

Thus was the "nobleman" deserted, and, having nothing to eat, he went
to the village to procure some provisions for his dinner. He went to
one house and offered gold in return for a chicken, but was ref