The Tree That Saved Connecticut Part 5

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