Failing to secure a sufficient number of rubles with which to purchase the sheepskins, the shoemaker decided to obtain them on credit, but could not find a dealer who was willing to trust him. Each merchant to whom he applied said: "Bring the money in hard cash, and you can take your choice of the sheepskins in my store; but otherwise you cannot have them, as we know from experience what a difficult matter it is to collect debts."
Poor Simeon was unable to succeed in his undertaking, for he received only the twenty kopecks for repairing the shoes, and got from another peasant a pair of old felt ones to cover with leather. He worried a great deal and went into a tavern to drink, where he spent the entire twenty kopecks, returning to his home without the sheepskins for his coat. The morning was cold, but after drinking so much vodki (whiskey) he felt quite warm. He then turned his steps homeward, having in one hand the cane, with which he struck the frozen objects he en-
