and bench, and at the opposite wall was a stove, with
a bundle of faggots lying on the ground near the hearth. The inspector
then lit a fire, and by its light he found a small pot and a cup of
flour standing on the stove, and some salt in a salt-cellar. "Look
here!" cried the barn-keeper. "Here I find something to eat
unexpectedly; I have some water with me in my flask, and can cook some
warm porridge." So he set the pot on the fire, put some flour and water
into it, added some salt, stirred it with a splinter of wood, and boiled
his porridge well, after which he poured it into the cup, and set it on
the table. The bright fire lit up the room, and he did not need to light
a splinter. The bold barn-keeper seated himself at the table, took the
spoon, and began to eat the warm porridge. All at once he looked up and
saw the black cat with the fiery eyes sitting on the stove. He could
not comprehend how the beast had come there, as he had seen it running
up the stairs with his own eyes. After this, three loud knocks were
struck on the door, till the walls and floor shook. The barn-keeper did
not lose his presence of mind, but cried out loudly, "Let anybody enter
who has a head on his shoulders!" Immediately the door flew wide open,
and the black cat sprang from the stove and darted through, while sparks
of fire flew from its eyes and mouth. As soon as the cat had
disappeared, four tall men entered, clad in long white coats, and
wearing caps of flame-colour, which shone so brightly that the room
became as bright as day. The men carried a bier on their shoulders, and
a coffin stood upon it, but still the bold barn-keeper did not feel the
least bit afraid. The men set the coffin on the ground without speaking
a word, and then one after another went out at the door, and closed it
behind them. The cat whined and scratched at the door, as if it wanted
to get in, but the barn-keeper did not concern himself, and only ate his
warm porridge. When he had eaten enough, he stood up, and looked at the
coffin. He broke open the lid, and beneath it he beheld a little man
with a long white beard. The barn-keeper lifted him out, and carried him
to the fire to warm him. It was not long before the little old man began
to revive, and to move his hands and feet. The bold barn-keeper was not
a bit afraid; he took the porridge-pot and the spoon from the table, and
began to feed the old man. The latter said presently, "Thank you, my
son, for taking pi