"
"That's all right, Abner," said Strout; "considerin' as how things has
gone, to-morrow will do just as well, but I wish you'd drop in and tell
the town treasurer that I'm goin' into business with Mr. Maxwell and Mr.
Sawyer here,"--Abner's eyes dilated,--"under the firm name of Strout,
Maxwell, & Co."
"No!" interrupted Quincy, "let the sign read, Strout & Maxwell."
"And," continued Mr. Strout, "Mr. Sawyer here is goin' to push through
my app'intment as postmaster."
By this time Abner's mouth was wide open. Quincy saw it, and imagined
the conflict going on in poor Abner's mind.
"What Mr. Strout says is correct," remarked Quincy, "but you have no
time to lose now. Perhaps to-night Mr. Strout will explain the matter
more fully to you."
Abner turned, without a word, and left the room.
"Mr. Stiles is a faithful friend of yours," said Quincy, turning to the
Professor.
"Yes," assented Strout; "Abner's a very good shaft horse, but he
wouldn't be of much vally as a lead."
Quincy again extended his cigar case. This time the Professor did not
refuse, but took two.
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