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you can put out the lights." "What lights?" "At the proper time, put out the lights in the assembly; but wait; I will go and muster the train-bands, and have them at hand to prevent the governor's soldiers from injuring the members of the general assembly." Captain Wadsworth went out, and on his way looked into the State-house where everything was going as well as he could have wished. He found the debaters cudgelling their brains for something to say to the point or against it. Never did debaters take greater interest in a minor subject. He summoned his train-bands to assemble at sunset. This done, he went home and found Charles eagerly waiting. "Charles, you see the soldiers of Governor Andros at the State-house?" "Yes." "They are sent to take our liberties. My train-bands have their eyes on them." "What do you intend doing, uncle? Will you fight them?" "Not unless they force it. We have no wish to shed their blood. Listen; the charter is to be brought to the assembly in the same mahogany box in which Charles II. sent it to Governor Winthrop. When it is laid on the table, the lights are to be snuffed out. Do you understand?" "Yes." "Can you do it?" "Nothing is easier." "Remember, the work must be done right at the time, not too soon, nor too late." "I will do it at the exact moment, uncle. Have no fear on that score." The sun was setting, and the captain said: "Come, Charles, let us hasten to the assembly. Look well at the setting sun, you may not live to see it rise." Charles Stevens smiled and answered: "You do not expect me to be a coward?" "By no means; but I want you to be fully impressed with the seriousness of your mission." They went to the general assembly at the meeting-house, where they found everything in the utmost confusion. The debate was at a white heat. "Take your place, Charles, and be prepared to do your part," whispered Captain Wadsworth. Charles got as close to the long table used by the secretaries as possible, without attracting special attention. The discussion went on, darkness came and four lighted candles were placed on the table, and two set on a shelf on the wall. Those two candles on the wall were a great annoyance to Charles until he saw a man stationed near them. Time passed on, and darkness had enveloped the earth. The debate was drawing to a close, or, in fact, had gone as far as it could, without arousing the suspicion of Gover
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