In the melee one old woman was nearly crushed to death.
Ivan laughed and was greatly amused at the sight of so many persons quarrelling over a few pieces of gold.
"Oh! you duratchki" (little fools), he said, "why did you almost crush the life out of the old grandmother?
Be more gentle.

I have plenty more, and I will give them to you;" whereupon he began throwing about more of the coins.
The people gathered around him, and Ivan continued throwing until he emptied his bag.

They clamored for more, but Ivan replied: "The gold is all gone.

Another time I will give you more.

Now we will resume our singing and dancing." The little children sang, but Ivan said to them, "Your songs are no good." The children said, "Then show us how to sing better." To this Ivan replied, "I will show you people who can sing better than you." With that remark Ivan went to the barn and, securing a bundle of straw, did as the little devil had directed him; and presently a regiment of soldiers appeared in the village street, and he ordered them to sing and dance.
The people were astonished and could not understand how Ivan had produced the strangers.
The soldiers sang for some time, to the great delight of the villagers; and when Ivan commanded them to stop they instantly ceased.
Ivan then ordered them off to the barn, telling the astonished and mystified moujiks that they must not follow him.