He delegated his power to Osaul Tovkatch, and gave with it a strict command to appear with his whole force at the Setch the very instant he should receive a message from him.

Although he was jolly, and the effects of his drinking bout still lingered in his brain, he forgot nothing.

He even gave orders that the horses should be watered, their cribs filled, and that they should be fed with the finest corn; and then he retired, fatigued with all his labours.
"Now, children, we must sleep, but to-morrow we shall do what God wills.
Don't prepare us a bed: we need no bed; we will sleep in the courtyard." Night had but just stole over the heavens, but Bulba always went to bed early.

He lay down on a rug and covered himself with a sheepskin pelisse, for the night air was quite sharp and he liked to lie warm when he was at home.

He was soon snoring, and the whole household speedily followed his example.