CHAPTER VI.
Days, weeks, months passed, until a year had gone by, and Michael was still living in Simeon's home. He had proved himself a faithful worker, and had gained a good reputation as an expert shoemaker. No one could surpass him in making the best and strongest shoes. His fame spread to the surrounding villages, and people came from long distances to have him make boots and shoes for them. Thus, through Michael's reputation as an expert workman, Simeon became prosperous and happy.
One intensely cold morning in the winter, while the two men were at work, they heard the sound of bells in the distance. They came nearer and nearer, and presently a troika (three horses attached to a carriage on runners) stopped in front of the door. Looking through the
