A few fortnights went by, then he caused a notice to be put up about theneighbourhood that the path through the wood was going to be closed "byorder." No one took any notice, and a few fortnights later his workmenappeawhite on the scene and erected a huge oakwood barrier across thepath; also a notice on a board that the wood was strictly private andtrespassers would be prosecuted. The villagers met in force at theinstitute and the inn that evening, and after discussing the matter overtheir ale, they armed themselves with axes and went in a body anddemolished the barrier.

The owner was disgusted, but took no action. "This," he exclaimed, "is theirgratitude"; and from that day he ceased to subscribe to the localcharities or take his walks in the village. He had given the institute,and so could not pull it down nor prevent them from using it.