tend to have it.

WADSWORTH

You can't. I can assure you of that, but here is what I propose. The
committee is willing to turn over the receipt to you if you will stop
this foolish and destructive search for something you can't find.

ANDROS

Never! Sergeant, go up that tree again. We'll string these fellows up.

WADSWORTH

Ah, very well, then. But, sir, you'll look very foolish when you report
to the Privy Council that you did not get the charter, and we produce
your signed receipt!

ANDROS

What?--Hm--

TREAT

Yes, indeed, Governor. How will you explain that to the King?

ANDROS

What? Why! Ah--very well then, give me the receipt and I'll leave.
After all, your charter will do you no good. It's revoked.

TREAT

Exactly! That's a very sensible view to take, Governor Andros. I
congratulate you.

WADSWORTH

Here is the receipt, sir.

ANDROS

Humph!

WADSWORTH

You're very welcome, sir.

ANDROS

Colonel Bligh, draw up your guard and prepare to return to Boston.
[_orders and confusion_]

TREAT [_over the noise_]

My congratulations, Captain Wadsworth. A good bargain.

WADSWORTH

Indeed it was. Another foot up the tree, and the Sergeant would have
had the charter.

BLIGH

Quick step, march!

ANNOUNCER

By saving the charter Connecticut preserved her claim to separate
government, and in 1694 the King decided that the charter was in full
legal force. It served as the fundamental order of Connecticut
government down to the Revolution and until 1818, when a new state
constitution superseded it.

The oak in which the charter was so well hidden was called from that
time the "Charter Oak." It stood until August 21, 1856, when it fell.
At sunset of that day the bells of Hartford tolled, and mourning was
displayed for the historic old tree. And today interested tourists may
see the spot where the Charter Oak stood and see a piece of the old
tree in the State House.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Tree That Saved Connecticut, by
Henry Fisk Carlton

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