The Further Adventures of Quincy Adams Sawyer and Masons Corner Folks | Page 2

me to choose your town for a vacation, and how
long that vacation was to be, especially as I came in the winter when
country life is popularly, but erroneously, supposed to be dull.
"By some I was welcomed,--others--I don't blame them--refused to
extend to me the hand of fellowship. But, I liked some of your people
so well--and one in particular"--all eyes were turned towards his wife,
who bore the scrutiny bravely--"that I determined to stay--and I did."
Hiram Maxwell could not forget past events in which he had figured
prominently and cried, "Three cheers for Quincy Adams Sawyer,"
which were given with a will, and accompanied by many expressions
of approval in the shape of clapping of hands, pounding of canes, and
stamping of thick-soled boots. The Governor continued his remarks.
"I staid so long that I might have become a voter. I did not, but besides
my native city of Boston, I shall always render my allegiance to this
town, which turned the current of my life into such happy channels.
"I will not weary you with a long speech."
Cries of "Go on," "We can stand it," came from all parts of the hall, and
Mrs. Hawkins said to Olive Green, "He's a beautiful speaker. I could
listen to him all night if it wa'n't for gettin' breakfast for my boarders.
My bread didn't ris worth a cent, and I've got to git up airly and make
biscuits."
His Excellency went on, "I want you to make Fernborough, the
Mason's Corner of five years ago, a beautiful town--more beautiful than
it is now." Make good, wide roads, don't call them streets, and have
wide tires on your wagons to preserve them. Plant trees both for
grateful shade and natural beauty. Support your Village Improvement
Society by suggestions and contributions. Attend town meeting
regularly, be economical but not stingy in your appropriations, pay
good salaries and wages for honest service. Be partisans if you wish, in

State and National elections, but in choosing your town servants, get
the best men regardless of politics.
"Support and constantly aim to elevate the standard of education in
your schools, and remember that the mother and the teacher are the
makers of those who are to rule in the future.
"Do these things, and you will make Fernborough a worthy member of
that galaxy of communities which represents the civic virtues and
possibilities in the highest degree--our New England towns, in which
the government is by the people, of the people, and for the people, and
may God grant that these bulwarks of our freedom may ever be
preserved."
It was decided by the committee to have a reception in the Selectmen's
room. It was conveniently arranged for such a purpose, having a door at
either end, besides the double one near the middle. At the request of
Selectman and Toastmaster Strout, the Governor and his wife and the
Countess of Sussex, formerly Lindy Putnam, stood in line to greet the
citizens of Fernborough.
First came Benoni Hill, who had increased in rotundity since selling his
grocery store and giving up an active life.
"How much is flour a barrel?" asked Quincy as he shook hands with
him.
"When I kept the store myself everything I wanted I got at wholesale,
but now your partners charge me full price."
"That's right," said Quincy. "You got a good price for the store, and
now we're trying to get some of it back," and he laughed heartily as he
extended his hand to young Samuel Hill. His wife, the former Miss
Tilly James, was with him.
"I am pleased to meet a lion-tamer," said Tilly.
"I never saw a live one," said Quincy, somewhat puzzled by the

remark.
"Oh, yes, you have. Our local lion, Obadiah Strout, is as tame as a dove,
and we owe it to you."
"If I remember aright, a certain Miss Tilly James aided me when I gave
the first lesson."
"Oh! you mean the time you whistled 'Listen to the Mocking Bird.' I
wish you had repeated it to-night."
Cobb's Twins, William and James, with their wives, were next in line.
"How's farming?" asked Quincy.
"Bill and I," said James, "spend most of our time on our own places,
but we help 'Zeke and Hiram out on their hayin' an' potato diggin'."
"Samantha," said Quincy, addressing Mrs. James Cobb, "do you
remember the first time I came to see Miss Putnam?"
"Oh, yes, I'd heard about you goin' round with Huldy Mason. Didn't I
laugh when I showed you into Aunt Heppy's room? She did the hearin'
for both of 'em, for you remember her husband, Silas, was as deaf as a
stone post."
"Mrs. Putnam found out all about me before I got away. I shall never
forget