THE GOLDMAKERS’ VILLAGE. 149

more than eight hours were paid for the extra
time, or the product of their industry bought from
them and the money placed in the savings-bank,
so that on leaving the house they would not be
penniless. Whoever misbehaved, cursed, or swore,
or was guilty of any disorderly conduct, was shut
up in the strong-room without hesitation or mercy ;
but those who worked steadily and distinguished
themselves by their decency and propriety of con-
duct, had always the hope of bettering their con-
dition ; they might become one of the directors or
even master of the poorhouse: for the inspectors
who directed the works and superintended the con-
duct of the inmates, and watched over the clean-
liness of the rooms, beds, clothes, &c., were at-
ways chosen from among the best-behaved of the
paupers, and made their reports to the master, who
was himself a pauper. They, as well as the cooks,
had this advantage, that they were not forced to
labor with the rest; what they could earn after
having fulfilled all the duties of their offices, was
their own, and placed for them in the savings-bank,
or employed in purchasing the raw materials, with
which they worked for themselves. There were
some sub-inspectors, who were obliged to work
four hours, but who had the benefit of all they
could earn at other times.

Elizabeth had the superintendence of the kitch.
en, and instructed two women in the art of cooking.
Others had the care of all the linen and clothes, as
well as the washing. Thus between the fear of

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