MALVA
"How should I know? I received no letter."
Then Iakov told him that the horse was dead, that all the corn had been eaten before the beginning of February, and that he himself had been unable to find any work. Hay was also short, and the cow had almost perished from hunger. They had managed as best they could until April and then they decided that Iakov should join the father far away and work three months with him. That is what they had written. Then they sold three sheep, bought flour and hay and Iakov had started.
"How is that possible?" cried Vassili. "I sent you some money."
"Your money didn't go far. We repaired the cottage, we had to marry sister off and I bought a plough. You know five years is a long time."
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