s, and Colonel Bligh. He intended this time to get the
charter, and no mistake!

Governor Treat called the General Court to assemble on the evening of
October 31, 1687, to confer with Governor Andros and make one last
determined stand to retain the charter even if there was no way to
retain their rights under the charter.

Our next scene is at the State House in Hartford. It is evening. The
sexton is preparing the room for the meeting which is about to take
place.

SEXTON [_to himself_]

Now these candles, where'd I best put 'em. I cal'ate mebbe I'd better
scatter 'em around the room--

WADSWORTH [_coming in_]

Good even to you, Nathan.

SEXTON

Even, Captain Wadsworth. Even, Master Allyn.

ALLYN

Good even, Nathan.

WADSWORTH

These candles, Nathan.

SEXTON

Yes, sir! I was jest a puttin' 'em around where everybody'd git a
little light.

WADSWORTH

I think perhaps you'd best put them all on the Governor's table.

SEXTON

The Governor's table. Yes, sir! So--one here--and one--

ALLYN

No, no, Nathan. Put them all together at this end of the table.

SEXTON

This end by the window?

ALLYN

I think that will be best, don't you, Captain?

WADSWORTH

Of course! The Governor needs a great deal of light.

SEXTON

But, sir, the draft from the window--it may blow them out.

ALLYN

Well, well, if it does, Nathan, we'll just have to light them all
again.

SEXTON

Yes, sir! Of course, sir!

WADSWORTH [_low_]

Now Allyn, seeing you are the clerk of the General Court, you can sit
at the Governor's table without exciting suspicion.

ALLYN

Yes, Captain!

WADSWORTH

Best put your chair next the window.

ALLYN

Have you the charter?

WADSWORTH

Yes, I have it with me, and when Andros demands it I shall have to
produce it.

ALLYN

Andros must not be allowed to get his hand on it.

WADSWORTH

That will be your duty.

ALLYN

Yes?

WADSWORTH

Willys will be waiting outside that window, next your chair. When the
candles go out, grab the charter and toss it out the window. He'll put
it in a safe place.

ALLYN

Where?

WADSWORTH

You know the oak in front of his house?

ALLYN

Indeed yes!

WADSWORTH

There is a hollow--high up--

ALLYN

Good!

WADSWORTH [_louder_]

Nathan!

SEXTON

Yes, Captain!

WADSWORTH

A good fire you have in the fireplace.

SEXTON

I figgered to have a good fire--it's a mite chilly this evenin'.

WADSWORTH