"Nay, sir. Do but think this man holds your life in his hands. Entreat
him civilly," expostulated Madam Dwight.

"He means not so, sir," she added, turning to Perez.

"The fellers wanter know why in time that ere 'greement ain't signed.
We can't keep em back much longer," Abner cried, rushing to the door
of the kitchen a moment, and hurrying back to his post.

"Where are writing materials?" asked Justice Goodrich, nervously, as a
stone broke through one of the window panes and fell on the table.

"I will bring them," said the young lady, Dwight's daughter.

"Do make haste, Miss," urged Justice Barker. "The mob is even now
forcing an entrance."

"I forbid you to bring them. Remain here," thundered Dwight.

The girl paused, irresolute, pale and terrified.

"Go, Eliza," said her mother. "Disobey your father and save his life."

She went, and in a moment returned with the articles. Perez wrote two
lines, and read them.

"'We promise not to act under our commissions until the grievances of
which the people complain are redressed.' Now sign that, and quickly,
or it will be too late."