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Of Master Stephen Timewell, Mayor of Taunton.
Within the town-hall all was bustle and turmoil.

At one side behind a low table covered with green baize sat two scriveners with great rolls of paper in front of them.

A long line of citizens passed slowly before them, each in turn putting down a roll or bag of coins which was duly noted by the receivers.

A square iron-bound chest stood by their side, into which the money was thrown, and we noted as we passed that it was half full of gold pieces.