The Tree That Saved Connecticut Part 6

Are any of those named here?

WADSWORTH

Yes, sir!

BLIGH

Your name, sir?

WADSWORTH

Captain Wadsworth.

BLIGH

Captain Wadsworth, I order you to deliver up the charter to me.

WADSWORTH

Oh, yes, and have you an order for it there?

BLIGH

Indeed I have. Governor Treat has just read it.

WADSWORTH

May I be allowed to see it?

BLIGH

Of course. Governor Treat, will you let this gentleman read the order and be satisfied.

WADSWORTH [_rattle of paper_]

Hm, yes.--"Governor Treat--hereby ordered"--but, Colonel, this is an order upon Governor Treat!

BLIGH

Of course it is! Now are you satisfied?

WADSWORTH

I am deeply sorry, sir, I do not see how the committee can comply with this order.

BLIGH

Why not, pray--is it not properly signed and sealed?

WADSWORTH

Oh yes. Signed properly, but it is drawn against the Governor--and not against the Charter Committee.

BLIGH

Why--what--oh, this is too much! Governor Andros warned me that you would be stubborn and stiff-necked! But I'll have that charter!

Here--I'll change that order--give it here!

WADSWORTH

Here you are, sir. [_rattle of paper_]

BLIGH

Hm--yes--a quill. So--now--"The Charter Committee--is hereby ordered"--there you are. Now I hope you are satisfied.

WADSWORTH

Are you satisfied with this, Governor?

TREAT

Hm--does this not seem to be a forgery, Captain Wadsworth?

WADSWORTH

It not only seems to be, sir, but it is. I saw him make an illegal change in the order. All of us saw it.

ALL

Yes, yes! We saw him.

It is a forgery! Don't obey it!

TREAT

I should say that the change invalidated the entire order!

BLIGH

What? You are trying to put me in the wrong?

WADSWORTH

Not at all, sir! You have put yourself in the wrong.

BLIGH