I think I have been merciful. I could easily
claim your heads, and within two weeks have your death warrants in my
hand. Do you really want to risk that The First Speaker will be more
understanding? If so, I will send you to him for judgment. Make up your mind, now!"
104 The man bowed his head. "I will abide," he agreed, "by your
judgment, though I weep for the inheritance of my children that is
being stolen from them by this injustice!"
105 "Your tongue," remarked Shy Fox, "is as sharp as a knife, but I
will forgive you THIS time. But do not consider that such insults will
be accepted again. Get out of here!"
106 The men departed, their wives and children weeping, for they were
to lose their homes and all their fine things.
107 Next, Shy Fox went to another village, and here a man complained
that he was being charged for services he did not receive. "Explain to
me," demanded Shy Fox.
108 "Lord," the man continued "our village put in a water system and
the pipes run by my house. Now, I have my own wells. I did not have the
pipes put into my house. I do not draw the water. But The Village
Speaker says, and, The Council, that because the pipes pass by my land,
I must pay the same price as anyone else, whether I use the water, or
not!"
109 "It seems," said Shy Fox, "that some of The Speakers in our Land
have written & NEW Law all their own, unlike anything that was
ever known before! You men come here. Did The Old Fox not write a Law
that says, 'No person shall be charged for a service that he does not
receive?' Now, correct me if I'm wrong. Is there NOT such a Law?"
110 The men looked hesitant, but finally one