A rich nobleman of Rome was curious about Russia and set off on his horse one winter to explore the place. He had heard a lot about the heavy snow and frost that occurred in winter in the north of Europe, but was quite sure that he could manage to reach there without any trouble. He was dressed lightly; as he passed through Germany, Poland and other countries further north and east, he began to feel the bite of the cold. Then he saw an old man lying by the wayside, shivering. Overcome by pity for the poor man, the nobleman took off his cloak and covered him. “God bless you and reward you, son,” said the feeble old man. The nobleman thanked him and went on. Now, without his cloak, he was feeling even more cold and tired as he proceeded northwards through the heavy snow!
The Steeple
By the time night fell, the traveller was exhausted. There was snow all around. He dismounted near something that looked like a tree-stump and tied his horse to it. Unable to see anything in the dark, he curled up holding his pistols, near the horse, and fell asleep. He awoke with the sun shining brightly into his face. He sat up, startled. He found himself in a village square, with streets and houses and church near him! There was no sign of the snow or his horse. Suddenly, he heard a familiar neighing sound. He looked around and then up. His horse was hanging by the bridle, tied to the steeple of the church! He had mistaken the church steeple for a tree -stump. He pulled out his pistol and shot at the bridle, bringing down his poor horse! He smiled as he remembered the old man’s blessing and went ahead to Russia on his horse!
