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 doc.u.ment.

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 a.s.sure 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

s.e.xton, it's warm in here!

s.e.xTON

Yes, sir! [_noise of window_]

ANDROS

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

ALL