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"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 plan to pursue in regard to a settlement of their troubles.
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