When they reached Eastborough Centre, Quincy found he was too late
for the train. He had nearly an hour at his disposal. His first visit
was to the Eagle Hotel, where he put up the horse. Mr. Parsons, the
proprietor, was greatly pleased to meet him.
"You haven't forgotten how we railroaded Strout out of office, have
you?"
"That was long ago," said Quincy. "Strout and I are good friends now.
He's one of my partners in the Fernborough store.'
"So I've been told."
Quincy took Mr. Parsons aside and had an animated conversation with
him.
"I can get you just what you want, Guv'nor. Kind and gentle but some
go in them when needed."
"Send them to the Hawkins House and don't forget the saddles."
They crossed the square to the telegraph office, where Quincy sent
this message.
"Miss MAUDE SAWYER, "Wideview, Redford, Mass. "Meet me at State House
by two o'clock. Leave your trunk at station. Something important.
"QUINCY."
As they were leaving the office Quincy met Tobias Smith, father of
Abbott and Ellis Smith, and Wallace Stackpole.
"Glad to see you, Guv'nor," said 'Bias. "You remember Mr. Stackpole
that we gave Strout's job of tax-collector to--he's held it ever
since. We're mighty glad Strout lives in Fernborough. We don't have
circuses at town meetings now he's gone."
Quincy's next visit was to the office of the _Fernborough Gazette_,
which was published in Eastborough, as the editor and proprietor, Mr.
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