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Grasping the candle with both hands； Ivan's father heaved a deep
sigh； and； stretching himself out on his back； yielded up the
ghost。
* * * * * * *
Ivan for once accepted his father's advice。 He did not betray
Gavryl； and no one ever learned the origin of the fire。
Ivan's heart became more kindly disposed toward his old enemy；
feeling that much of the fault in connection with this sad affair
rested with himself。
Gavryl was greatly surprised that Ivan did not denounce him
before all the villagers； and at first he stood in much fear of
him； but he soon afterward overcame this feeling。
The two peasants ceased to quarrel； and their families followed
their example。 While they were building new houses； both
families lived beneath the same roof； and when they moved into
their respective homes； Ivan and Gavryl lived on as good terms as
their fathers had done before them。
Ivan remembered his dying father's command； and took deeply to
heart the evident warning of God that A FIRE SHOULD BE
EXTINGUISHED IN THE BEGINNING。 If any one wronged him he did not
seek revenge； but instead made every effort to settle the matter
peaceably。 If any one spoke to him unkindly； he did not answer
in the same way； but replied softly； and tried to persuade the
person not to speak evil。 He taught the women and children of
his household to do the same。
Ivan Scherbakoff was now a reformed man。
He lived well and peacefully； and again became prosperous。
Let us； therefore； have peace； live in brotherly love and
kindness； and we will be happy。