CHAPTER XII.
The old devil, failing to ruin Ivan's kingdom with soldiers, transformed himself into a nobleman, dressed exquisitely, and became one of Ivan's subjects, with the intention of compassing the downfall of his kingdom--as he had done with that of Tarras.
The "nobleman" said to Ivan: "I desire to teach you wisdom and to render you other service.

I will build you a palace and factories." "Very well," said Ivan; "you may live with us." The next day the "nobleman" appeared on the Square with a sack of gold in his hand and a plan for building a house, saying to the people: "You are living like pigs, and I am going to teach you how to live decently.
You are to build a house for me according to this plan.

I will superintend the work myself, and will pay you for your services in gold," showing them at the same time the contents of his sack.
The fools were amused.

They had never before seen any money.

Their business was conducted entirely by exchange of farm products or by hiring themselves out to work by the day in return for whatever they most needed.