Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 253, § 56: Lien for advancements

Section 56. The proprietors who advance the money so expended shall have a lien therefor on the rents and profits of the mill and may retain so much thereof as belongs to any proprietor indebted to them for such advance, to be applied to the payment of his debt; or they may maintain an action for the debt or for as much thereof as has not been received from the rents and profits.