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farming implements stood just where he had placed them. He could see
also the opposite corner of the house.
He looked in every direction, but no one was in sight, and he thought
to himself that his imagination must have played him some trick, leading
him to believe that some one was moving when there really was no one
there.
Still, Ivan was not satisfied, and decided to make a further examination
of the premises. As on the previous occasion, he moved so very
cautiously that he could not hear even the sound of his own footsteps.
He had taken the precaution to remove his shoes, that he might step the
more noiselessly. When he reached the corner of the barn it again seemed
to him that he saw something moving, this time near the plow; but it
quickly disappeared. By this time Ivan's heart was beating very fast,
and he was standing in a listening attitude when a sudden flash of light
illumined the spot, and he could distinctly see the figure of a man
seated on his haunches with his back turned toward him, and in the act
of lighting a bunch of straw which he held in his hand! Ivan's heart
began to beat yet faster, and he became terribly excited, walking up and
down with rapid strides, but without making a noise.
Ivan said: "Well, now, he cannot get away, for he will be caught in the
very act."
Ivan had taken a few more steps when suddenly a bright light flamed
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