"Valentin Katayev. The Cottage in the Steppe (англ.)" - читать интересную книгу автора

exactly the same kind of bow, returned the jar to the sideboard and placed
it on the top shelf.
Meanwhile Gavrik had written out two more letters: "R" and a
shaky-looking "S."
"That's fine!" Petya praised him. "By the way, I think we can safely
try another spoonful."
"Of what?"
"The jam."
"But what about Auntie?"
"Don't be silly. We left it exactly the same as before. Another
spoonful each will still leave as much as there was. Right?"
Gavrik thought about it and agreed. After all, one could not contradict
the obvious.
Petya brought in the jar, untied the tight bow painstakingly, carefully
removed the paper lid and parchment disk, and admired the glossy surface
that shone as before at the very top of the jar; then the two friends had
another spoonful each, licked the spoons, and Petya wound the cord around
the neck of the jar and retied the bow.
This time the jam seemed doubly delicious and their enjoyment of it
twice as fleeting.
"You see, the level hasn't changed!" Petya said triumphantly, as he
lifted the jar that was just as heavy as ever.
"I wouldn't say that," Gavrik rejoined. "This time it's sure to be a
tiny bit lower. I had a good look at it."
Petya raised the jar and examined it closely.
"Nothing of the sort. It's exactly the same, no change."
"That's what you think," Gavrik said. "You can't notice it because the
empty space is hidden by the edges of the paper. Turn back the edge and
you'll see."
Petya lifted up the pleated edge of the paper lid and raised the jar to
the light. The jar was almost as full as before. Almost, but not quite.
There was a space a hair's-breadth wide, but it was a space. This was most
unfortunate, although it was doubtful that Auntie would notice it. Petya
took the jar into the dining-room and replaced it on the top shelf.
"Let's see what you've been scribbling," he said with an affected
gaiety.
Gavrik scratched his head in silence and sighed.
"What's the matter? Are you tired?"
"No. It's not that. I rather think that she'll notice it, even though
only a tiny bit is missing."
"No, she won't."
"I'll bet she will. And you'll be in a fix when she does."
Petya flushed.
"So what! Who cares! After all, Grandma sent it for all of us, and
there's no reason why I shouldn't taste it. If a friend comes to study with
me, surely I can treat him to strawberry jam? Huh! You know what? I'll bring
it in and we'll each have a saucerful. I'm sure Auntie won't say anything.
She'll even praise us for being honest and straightforward about it, for not
doing it in a sneaky way."
"Do you think we ought to?" Gavrik asked timidly.