educated here. Why should I pay the bills of
other families, pay for the education of THEIR children? I have
no children in this school. I have, at times of my own free
will, bought books for the children of my servants, and some of my
neighbors. I have also given gifts to this school in the form of money,
and the service of my laborers. But I refused to pay this tax!
98 So The Village Speaker ordered my property attached, and each season
against my will, they take money from my estate to pay for this school.
I demand it returned."
99 Shy Fox called The Speaker over. "Sir," he began, "surely you know The Law against taxation. It has been in
effect since the beginning of our history. You know what you are doing
is illegal. You cannot make a man pay for something that he does not
use, no matter how noble the cause.
100 It is the parents' responsibility to pay for the education of their
children, not this man. You could not be unaware of the wrong you have
done. I remove you from your office.
101 All the Councilmen that agreed to this, anyone else who was
involved in it, and did not make protest, I seize all your properties
and sentence all of you to ten years in punishment. But I will not send
you to the mines. I will let you serve your punishment here, doing
local labor, that will benefit the village."
102 "Lord," argued The Village Speaker, "I protest. You are not The
First Speaker. You have no right to issue such a decree. I DEMAND to be
heard by him."
103 "I have been given The First Speaker's authority," answered Shy
Fox. "Do you question that authority? Do you want to add treason to
your charges?