Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/291

 a Field belonging to Mr. Wetern, epied a Hare itting in her Form. This Hare he had baely and barbarouly knocked on the Head, againt the Laws of the Land, and no les againt the Laws of Sportmen.

The Higler to whom the Hare was old, 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 againt ome Poacher. And now Black George was pitched upon by him as being a Peron already obnoxious to Mr. Wetern, and one of no good Fame in the Country. He was, beides, the bet Sacrifice the Higler could make, as he had upplied him with no Game ince; and by this Means the Witnes had an Opportunity of creening his better Cutomers: For the ’Squire, being charmed with the Power of punihing Black George, whom a ingle Trangreion was ufficient 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 Michief. But there is no Zeal blinder than that which is