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the old Gentleman; who was not to open it again until he had been paid for the Gruel he had ſpilt, and reſigned all claim to the privileges of the Great Paper: nor then neither unleſs he thought fit. Secondly, a decree was made to new model the regulations and œconomy of Jack’s family in ſuch manner that they might for the future be more ſubject to the will of the ſteward: and, thirdly, a large gallows was erected before the manſion houſe in the old farm, and an order made that if any of Jack’s children or ſervants ſhould be ſuſpected of miſbehaviour, they ſhould not be convicted or acquitted by the conſent of their brethren, agreeable to the purport of the Great Paper, but be tied neck and heels and dragged to the gallows at the manſion houſe, and there be hanged withot mercy.
No ſooner did tidings of this undue ſeverity reach the new farm, but the people were almoſt ready to diſpair. They were altogether at a loſs how to act, or by what means they ſhould avert the vengeance to which they were doomed: but the old Lady and ſteward ſoon determined the matter; for the Padlock was ſent over, and without ceremony faſtened upon Jack’s great gate. They did not wait to know whether he would pay for the Gruel or not, or make the requir-
ed
