“Did she use my name? If so, we are undone and the reporters will swarm like bees.” “You are safe,” said Maude. “The message read: Brother found. Keep quiet.” Tom was prevailed upon to remain in Boston until Quincy could go to Fernborough. At supper they were introduced to Maude's family. “Six of them,” said Quincy. “I am uncle to a numerous extent. Maude, what are all their names--the girls first.” “This is Sarah, named after mother; Ella for Aunt Ella, and little Maude for her mother.” “Good! Now the boys.” “Stuart--the old gentleman was so nice to Harry and me when we were on our wedding tour--Nat for father, and Harry--” “Thank Heaven--no Quincy. That name was becoming contagious. I am glad, Maude, that you were wise and kept the epidemic out of your family.” That evening Quincy and Mr. Merry talked about business matters. Harry told of Hiram's accident and the destruction of the store by fire. “There's something funny about it,” said Harry. “We authorized Mr. Strout to rebuild and restock at once, and we hear that he has done so, but he has not called on us for a dollar, nor has he sent up any bills for payment.” “I wish you would send a telegram to Mr. Ezekiel Pettingill the first thing to-morrow morning asking him to come to the city--say important business.” About three o'clock Ezekiel arrived at the office of Sawyer, Crowninshield, Lawrence and Merry. He was shown into what had been the late Hon. Nathaniel's private office, and came face to face with Quincy. “I'm heartily glad to see you again,” he exclaimed as he wrung Quincy's helpless hand after the first surprise of the meeting. “Huldy'll be delighted too. You must come down and tell us all about it. Just to think--more'n twenty years--but you're looking well.” Quincy assured him that his health was never better. “What I wanted to see you about are affairs in Fernborough. What is Strout up to?” “You've used just the right word. He's up to something. He's got up a sign--O. Strout, Fine Groceries--an' says Hiram's out of the firm, and that he owns the whole business.” Quincy smiled. “So, I've got to fight it out with him again, have I? Well it will be the final conflict. To use Mr. Strout's words, one or the other of us will have to leave town. You aren't going back to-night?” “Oh, I must.” “Well, come up to the house first and see Alice and the boy. Well go down to-morrow.” CHAPTER XXIX THE FINAL CONFLICT When Tom Chripp showed his father the photograph of the house in which he was born, he burst into tears. “Just as pretty as ever,” he exclaimed. “The roof's been mended, beent it, and just the same flowers all around it as when I was a boy. Tom, I'm glad to see you back safe and sound--but that picter--Tom, when I die, you just put that picter in the coffin with me, won't you? I want your grandfather to see that the old place was looked after when he was gone.” Tom promised.