Page:RussianFolkTales Afanasev 368pgs.djvu/111

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THE PRIEST WITH THE ENVIOUS EYES
95

body, bit by bit, breathed on them, and she arose alive and well.

Then the Tsar rewarded them both with gold and silver.

"Now let us go and divide the money," said the old man.

So they started. They put all the money into three little piles, and the pope looked on, and said: "What do you mean? There are only two of us. Who is to have the third?"

Said the old man: "That is for the thief who ate up my wafers."

"Oh, it was I who ate them up!" the pope cried out. "I really did! I swear it!"

"Then you may have all the money, and my own share as well. Henceforth serve your parish faithfully. Do not be a miser, and do not beat St. Nicholas on the shoulders with the keys!" the old man said, and vanished.