y.

TREAT

But, sir, we have signified our submission. The surrender of the
charter is quite another thing.

ANDROS

How so?

TREAT

It was granted in perpetuity, to be forfeited only through due process
of law.

ANDROS

Have you not been informed, sir, that a writ of quo warranto issued in
the proper courts of England was tried and went by default last
February?

TREAT

Last February? Indeed, sir! We had no knowledge that any action was
brought against it. Who was the complainant?

ANDROS

I was!

TREAT

You, sir?

ANDROS

Indeed, you seem to have forgotten an occasion when I promised you I'd
get your charter.

TREAT

No, sir! Unfortunately I still remember it!

ANDROS

I have here the original court order, declaring your charter forfeit,
and I shall now trouble your Charter Committee to produce the original
document.

TREAT

One moment, sir. Has not every Englishman a right to defend his case
before a court of law?

ANDROS

Of course--you had such a chance and failed to appear.

TREAT

We had no notice of the action.

ANDROS

That's not my fault.

TREAT

The court is in error, and we shall appeal.

ANDROS

Appeal all you like; but produce the charter.

TREAT

We do so under protest.

ANDROS

Ah, very well. I care not how much you protest. Once I get the charter,
I can assure you, you'll never see it again.

TREAT

But, sir!

ANDROS

Produce the charter.

TREAT

Captain Wadsworth, place the charter on the table.

WADSWORTH

Here it is, sir.

ANDROS

Ah--at last!

TREAT

One moment, sir.

ANDROS

What now?

TREAT

Will you first sign the receipt for the charter, so that the committee
may be protected?

ANDROS

Why, certainly, if you wish. It's no matter; but I'll do it. Give me
your quill, clerk.

ALLYN

Here you are, sir--and paper.

ANDROS

Yes. Hm--"received--charter--signed"--there--

WADSWORTH

Sexton, it's warm in here!

SEXTON

Yes, sir! [_noise of window_]

ANDROS

Hey, the lights! Quick, what's happened? Lights! Lights!

ALL

The candles have all blown out!

Put down the window!

What's the matter--[_etc._] [_exclamations continue through the scene_]

ANDROS

Put that window down! What are you trying to do?

SEXTON

Why, sir, it was warm.

ANDROS

Put it down, I say! Light those candles! What foolishness is this?
Light those candles, I say! Do you hear me?

SEXTON

Yes, sir, at once, s