rather than them,
but you will remember that we three were present, and had a very
pleasant time. I was the lawyer that advised Deacon Mason not to loan
that five hundred dollars to pay down on the store. I told the Deacon I
would loan him five hundred dollars if the store was knocked down to
you, but I would have had that store if it had cost me ten thousand
dollars instead of three. I was the one who put your war record in the
hands of Mr. Tobias Smith, and I was the one that prepared the statement
which showed how negligent you had been in attending to your duties as
tax collector."

"Payin' so much attention to other people's business must have made yer
forget yer own," said Strout, shutting his teeth together with a snap.

"Oh, no," remarked Quincy, with a laugh; "I had plenty of time left to
take a hand in village politics, and my friend Mr. Stackpole was elected
by a very handsome vote, as you have no doubt heard." Strout dug his
heel into the carpet, but said nothing.

"Now," continued Quincy, "I've had your appointment as postmaster held
up till you and I come to terms."

"You're takin' a lot of trouble for nothin'," said Strout. "I can't be
postmaster unless I have a store. I guess I kin manage to live with my
music teachin' and organ playin' at the church."

"I've thought of that," said Quincy. "I don't wish to go to extremes,
but I will if it is necessary. Before you leave this room, Mr. Strout,
you must decide whether you will work with me or against me in the
future."

"S'posin' I decide to work agin yer?" asked Strout; "what then?"

"Well," said Quincy sternly, "if you drive me to it, I'll bring down a
couple of good music teachers from Boston. They'll teach music for
nothing, and I'll pay them good salaries. The church needs a new organ,
and I'll make them a present of one, on condition that they get a new
organist."

Strout looked down reflectively for a few minutes, then he glanced up
and a queer smile passed over his face. "S'posin' I switch 'round," said
he, "and say I'll work with yer?"

"If you say it and mean it, Mr. Strout," replied Quincy, rising from his
chair, "I'll cross off the old score and start fresh from to-day. I'm no
Indian, and have no vindictive feelings. You and I have been playing
against each other and you've lost every trick. Now, if you say so,
we'll play as partners. I'll give you a third interest in the grocery
store for a thousand dollars. The firm name shall be St