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 Assembly 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 Willys, and John Talcott. BLIGH 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