Mason's Corner.

The last train to Boston left at 9.20. Ten minutes before that hour the
team returned with the doctor.

"She is all right," he said. "Everything has been done for her, and the
other doctor will write me when my services are needed again. Good
night."

The train dashed in and the doctor sped back to Boston.

Quincy had engaged a room at the hotel, and he at once retired to it,
but not to sleep. He passed the most uncomfortable night that had ever
come to him.

The next afternoon Hiram told Mandy that he heard Professor Strout say
to Robert Wood that he guessed that "accident would never have occurred
if that city chap hadn't been trying to drive hoss with one hand."

Mandy said, "That Strout is a mean old thing, anyway, and if you tell me
another thing that he says, I'll fill your mouth full o' soft soap, or
my name isn't Mandy Skinner."

CHAPTER XI.

SOME SAD TIDINGS.

The morning of the accident, when Quincy saw Ezekiel Pettengill standing
on the steps of Uncle Ike's house, Ezekiel was the bearer of some sad
tidings.

He recognized Quincy as the latter started to come up the path, and saw
him retrace his steps, and naturally thought, as most men would, that
the reason Quincy did not come in was because he did not wish to meet
him.

"Who was you looking after?" asked Uncle Ike, as Ezekiel entered the
room and closed the door.

"I think it was Mr. Sawyer," replied Ezekiel, "on his way to Eastborough
Centre."

"That Mr. Sawyer," said Uncle Ike, "is a very level-headed young man. He
called on me once and I like him very much. Do you know him, 'Zeke?"

"Yes, I know who he is," Ezekiel answered, "but I have never been
introduced to him. He nods and I nod, or I say, 'good mornin',' and he
says, 'good mornin'.'"

"Don't you go up to Deacon Mason's as much as you used to, 'Zeke?" asked
Uncle Ike. "I thought Huldy and you were going to make a match of it."

Ezekiel replied, "Well, to be honest, Uncle Ike, Huldy and me had a
little tiff, and I haven't seen her to speak to her for more than three
weeks, but I guess it will all come out all right some day."

"Well, you're on the right track, 'Zeke," said Uncle Ike. "Do all your
fighting before you get married. But what brings you down here so early
in the morning?"

"I've got some bad news," replied Ezekiel. "Have you heard from Alice
lately?"

"No," said Uncle Ike, "and I can't understand it. She has always written
to me once a