midday
He knocked the snow off his boots , took muffler and cap off together , dusted the snow off his fur , clapped his stiff hands against his arms , pushed the bench towards the fire , and sat down heavily . Antkowa took a saucepan full of cabbage off the fire and put it in front of her husband , cut a piece of bread and gave it him , together with the spoon . The peasant ate in silence , but when he had finished he undid his fur , stretched his legs , and said : ` Is there any more ? ' She gave him the remains of their midday porridge ; he spooned it up after he had cut himself another piece of bread ; then he took out his pouch , rolled a cigarette and lighted it , threw some sticks on the fire and drew closer to it . A good while later he looked round the room . ` Where 's the old man ? ' ` Where should he be ?