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.”