was good for any sum, and he would just as soon have the
notes; in fact, he would prefer to have them, rather than make any
discount.

This matter being adjusted, Mr. Hill treated the party to some of his
best cigars, which he kept under the counter in a private box, and when
Quincy and Hiram came out and took their seats in the team, they looked
about the Square and found that the Professor and his best friend were
not in sight.

The next morning at about nine o'clock, Abbott Smith arrived at
Pettengill's, having with him Mr. Wallace Stackpole. Quincy was ready
for the trip, and they started immediately for Eastborough Centre. On
the way Quincy had plenty of time for conversation with Mr. Stackpole.
The latter gave a true account of the cause that had led to his losing
his election as tax collector at the town meeting a year before. He had
been taken sick on the train while coming from Boston, and a kind
passenger had given him a drink of brandy. He acknowledged that he took
too much, and that he really was unable to walk when he reached the
station at Eastborough Centre; but he said that he was not a drinking
man, and would not have taken the brandy if he had not been sick. They
reached Eastborough Centre in due season, but made no stop, continuing
on to West Eastborough to the home of Abbott Smith's father.

Here Quincy was introduced to 'Bias Smith, and found that what had been
said about him was not overstated. He was a tall, heavily-built man,
with a hard, rugged face, but with a pleasant and powerful countenance,
and, in the course of conversation, ran the whole gamut of oratorical
expression. He was what New England country towns have so often
produced--a natural-born orator. In addition he was an up-to-date man.
He was well read in history, and kept a close eye on current political
events, including not only local matters, but State and National affairs
as well.

Quincy gave him Strout's war record that he had obtained from the
Adjutant-General's office, and it was read over and compared with that
of Wallace Stackpole, which was also in 'Bias Smith's possession. Mr.
Stackpole had obtained from the town clerk a statement of taxes due and
collected for the past twenty years, and this was also delivered to Mr.
Smith. Quincy confided to Mr. Smith several matters that he wished
attended to in town meeting, and the latter agreed to present them, as
requested.

It was finally settled that 'Bias Smith and Mr. Sta