a Field belonging to Mr. Weſtern, eſpied a Hare ſitting in her Form. This Hare he had baſely and barbarouſly knocked on the Head, againſt the Laws of the Land, and no leſs againſt the Laws of Sportſmen.
The Higler to whom the Hare was ſold, being unfortunately taken many Months after with a Quantity of Game upon him, was obliged to make his Peace with the ’Squire by becoming Evidence againſt ſome Poacher. And now Black George was pitched upon by him as being a Perſon already obnoxious to Mr. Weſtern, and one of no good Fame in the Country. He was, beſides, the beſt Sacrifice the Higler could make, as he had ſupplied him with no Game ſince; and by this Means the Witneſs had an Opportunity of ſcreening his better Cuſtomers: For the ’Squire, being charmed with the Power of puniſhing Black George, whom a ſingle Tranſgreſſion was ſufficient to ruin, made no further Enquiry.
Had this Fact been truly laid before Mr. Allworthy, it might probably have done the Game-keeper very little Miſchief. But there is no Zeal blinder than that which isinſpired
