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