for gold,
without raising a finger toward adding to the general store, but at the
same time claiming the right to have so much of food as would not only
satisfy their hunger, but minister to their gluttony.

Nathaniel and I heard our master talking over the matter with the
preacher, on the night the Council had given him full charge of
everything save the dealings which might be had later with the London
Company, therefore it was that we knew there would be different doings
on the morrow.

Greatly did we rejoice thereat, for Jamestown had become as slovenly and
ill kempt a village as ever the sun shone upon.

Now it must be set down that these gentlemen of ours, when not searching
for gold, were wont to play at bowls in the lanes and paths, that they
might have amusement while the others were working, and woe betide the
serving man or laborer, who by accident interfered with their sports.

On this day, after the conversation with Master Hunt, all was changed.
Captain Smith began his duties as guardian and director of the village
by causing it to be proclaimed through the mouth of Nicholas Skot, our
drummer, that there would be no more playing at bowls in the streets
of Jamestown while it was necessary that very much work should be
performed, and this spoken notice also stated, that whosoever dared to
disobey the command should straightway be clapped into the stocks.

DISAGREEABLE MEASURES OF DISCIPLINE

Lest there should be any question as to whether my master intended to
carry out this threat or no, William Laxon, one of the carpenters, was
forthwith set to work building stocks in front of the tent where lived
Master Ratcliffe, the new President of the Council. Nor was this the
only change disagreeable to our gentlemen, which Captain Smith brought
about. No sooner had Nicholas Skot proclaimed the order that whosoever
played at bowls should be set in the stocks, than he was commanded to
turn about and announce with all the strength of his lungs, so that
every one in the village might hear and understand, that those who would
not work should not have whatsoever to eat.

Verily this was a hard blow to the gentlemen of our company, who prided
themselves upon never having done with their hands that which was
useful. One would have thought my master had made this rule for his own
particular pleasure, for straightway those of the gentlemen who could
least hold their tempers in check, gathered in the tent which