“The fellers wanter know why in time that ere 'greement ain't signed. We can't keep em back much longer,” Abner cried, rushing to the door of the kitchen a moment, and hurrying back to his post. “Where are writing materials?” asked Justice Goodrich, nervously, as a stone broke through one of the window panes and fell on the table. “I will bring them,” said the young lady, Dwight's daughter. “Do make haste, Miss,” urged Justice Barker. “The mob is even now forcing an entrance.” “I forbid you to bring them. Remain here,” thundered Dwight. The girl paused, irresolute, pale and terrified. “Go, Eliza,” said her mother. “Disobey your father and save his life.” She went, and in a moment returned with the articles. Perez wrote two lines, and read them. “'We promise not to act under our commissions until the grievances of which the people complain are redressed.' Now sign that, and quickly, or it will be too late.” “Do you order us to sign?” said Barker, apparently willing to find in this appearance of duress an excuse for yielding. “Not at all,” replied Perez. “If you think you can make better terms with the people for yourselves, you are welcome to try. I should judge from the racket that they're on the point of coming in.” There was a hoarse howl from without, and Justices Goodrich, Barker and Whiting simultaneously grabbed for the pen. Their names were affixed in a trice. “Will your honor sign?” said Perez to Dwight, who stood before the fireplace, silently regarding the proceedings. His first ebullition of rage had passed, and he appeared entirely calm. “My associates may do as they please,” he replied with dignity, “but it shall never be said that Elijah Dwight surrendered to a mob the commission which he received from his excellency, the governor, and their honors, the councillors of the Commonwealth.” “I admire your courage, sir, but I cannot answer for the consequences of your refusal,” said Perez. “For my sake sign, sir,” urged Madam Dwight. “Oh, sign, papa. They will kill you,” cried Eliza. “Methinks, it is but proper prudence, to seem to yield for the time being,” said Goodrich. “'Tis no more than the justices at Northampton have done,” added Barker. “I need not remind your honor that a pledge given under duress, is not binding,” said Whiting. But Dwight waved them away, saying merely, “I know my duty.” Suddenly Eliza Dwight stepped to the table and wrote something at the bottom of the agreement, and giving the paper to Perez said something to him in a low voice. But her father's keen eye had noted the act, and he said angrily: “Child, have you dared to write my name?” “Nay, father, I have not,” replied the girl. Even as she spoke there were confused cries, heavy falls, and a rush in the hall, and instantly the room was filled with men, their faces flushed with excitement and drink. The guard had been overpowered. “Whar's that paper?” “Hain't they signed?” “We'll make ye sign, dum quick.”