“And these are, it’s said, the three domestic counsellors,” remarked the lad, and with his strong arms he pushed under the pent-roof the sledge that had remained outside.
“Why counsellors?” asked Nikíta.
“That’s what is printed in Paulson. A thief creeps to a house—the dog barks, that means ‘Be on your guard!’ The cock crows, that means, ‘Get up!’ The cat licks herself—that means, ‘A welcome guest is coming. Get ready to receive him!’ ” said the lad with a smile.
Petrúshka could read and write and knew Paulson’s primer, his only book, almost by heart, and he was fond of quoting sayings from it that he thought suited the occasion, especially when he had had something to drink, as today.
“That’s so,” said Nikíta.
“You must be chilled through and through,” said Petrúshka.
“Yes, I am rather,” said Nikíta, and they went across the yard and the passage into the house.