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He reasoned with himself that any person can be abused by lying tongues,
but when his mistress would see him she would say: "Well done, Polikey;
you have shown that you can be honest. Here are three--it may be
five--perhaps ten--rubles for you;" and also she would order tea for
him, and might treat him to vodki--who knows?
The latter thought gave him great pleasure, as he was feeling very cold.
Speaking aloud he said: "What a happy holy-day we can have with ten
rubles! Having so much money, I could pay Nikita the four rubles fifty
kopecks which I owe him, and yet have some left to buy shoes for the
children."
When near the house Polikey began to arrange his clothes, smoothing
down his fur collar, re-tying his sash, and stroking his hair. To do the
latter he had to take off his hat, and when doing so felt in the lining
for the envelope. Quicker and quicker he ran his hand around the lining,
and not finding the money used both hands, first one and then the other.
But the envelope was not to be found.
Polikey was by this time greatly distressed, and his face was white with
fear as he passed his hand through the crown of his old hat. Polikey
stopped the mare and began a diligent search through the wagon and
its contents. Not finding the precious envelope, he felt in all his
pockets--BUT THE MONEY COULD NOT BE FOUND!
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