He had almost forgotten this chance
to put another spoke in Mr. Strout's wheel. He made a mental memorandum
to send telegrams to two Massachusetts congressmen with whom he was well
acquainted to hold up Strout's appointment at all hazards until they
heard from him again.
A little after seven o'clock the advance guard of the surprise party
arrived at Hill's grocery, which was the appointed rendezvous. Abner
Stiles drew Strout to one side and said, "I saw the Pettengill folks and
that city feller in 'Zeke's double sleigh going over to the Centre at
about five o'clock."
"So much the better," said Strout.
"Do you know where they've gone?" inquired Stiles.
"No, but I guess I can find out," Strout replied.
He had spied Mandy Skinner among a crowd of girls on the platform. He
called her and she came to him.
"Did Mr. Pettengill and his sister take tea at home to-night?"
"No," said Mandy. "I told them I was going away to-night, and Mr.
Pettengill said they were going away too. And Cobb's twins told me at
dinner time that they wouldn't be home to supper; and as I didn't wish
to eat too much, considering what was coming later, I didn't get no
supper at all.
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