The next morning Ivan’s exploits were the talk of the village, and news of the wonderful things he had done reached the ears of his brother Simeon, who immediately went to Ivan to learn all about it. “Explain to me,” he said; “from whence did you bring the soldiers, and where did you take them?” “And what do you wish to know for?” asked Ivan. “Why, with soldiers we can do almost anything we wish—whole kingdoms can be conquered,” replied Simeon. This information greatly surprised Ivan, who said: “Well, why did you not tell me about this before? I can make as many as you want.” Ivan then took his brother to the barn, but he said: “While I am willing to create the soldiers, you must take them away from here; for if it should become necessary to feed them, all the food in the village would last them only one day.” Simeon promised to do as Ivan wished, whe...