The Tree That Saved Connecticut - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Opposed? Carried!
BLIGH [_insistent knocking_]
Open, open, I say! Open in the name of the King.
TREAT [_over the noise_]
Captain Wadsworth, I deliver this charter into your hands for safe-keeping.
WADSWORTH
We shall keep it, sir. Never fear!
TREAT [_calling_]
Doorkeeper, open the door!
VOICE
Yes, sir!
BLIGH [_coming in_]
What is the meaning of this, sir? Why was I locked out?
TREAT
Your pardon, sir. But what authority have you, sir, to break into the a.s.sembly of the General Court of Connecticut?
BLIGH
I have come to take over the government of this colony under the authority of Governor Andros.
TREAT
Indeed, and who are you, if we may be permitted to know?
BLIGH
Ah, of course--I have the honor to be Samuel Bligh, Colonel in His Majesty's service. Are you Robert Treat?
TREAT
I am.
BLIGH
Here are your orders! [_rattle of paper_]
TREAT
Thank you. "Hereby ordered"--yes--yes--"in compliance with mandate of His Majesty"--yes, indeed. Colonel Bligh, we are ready to turn the government over to Governor Andros.
BLIGH
Then, sir, you will deliver up the charter to me.
TREAT
What?
BLIGH
The charter! The charter--read the rest of the order, sir.
TREAT [_reading_]
"Governor Treat is hereby ordered to deliver up the forfeited charter"--but, Colonel Bligh, I cannot deliver up the charter--
BLIGH
Why not?
TREAT
Because, sir, it is not in my possession.
BLIGH
In whose possession is it?
TREAT
It has been intrusted by the General Court to a special committee.
BLIGH
Indeed--and who comprises the committee?
TREAT
The clerk will read the names of the committee.
ALLYN
May it please you, sir, the committee consists of Captain Wadsworth, Charles w.i.l.l.ys, and John Talcott.
BLIGH
