The design was not to form a trust with a view of controlling certain food products and raising prices, but to establish a line of stores in which the best grade at the lowest cash price should be the rule. This price was to be fixed for the Boston store and was to be the same in all the stores. “Whom shall I put in charge of the Boston store, Quincy?” his father asked. “He will have to be general manager for the whole circuit.” “I know a man,” said young Quincy, “who is honest, conscientious, and a perfect tiger for work, but he knows nothing about the grocery business. He has adaptability, that valuable quality, but, while learning, he might make some costly mistakes.” “I want you to act as Treasurer for the company. It's your money, and you should handle it.” “I've no objection to drawing checks. We sha'n't have to borrow any money for there's half a million available any time. Why didn't you have a larger capital, father?” “Because the State taxes it so heavily; but there's no tax on borrowed money. The fellow who lends pays that.” “If I loan money do I have to pay taxes on it when I haven't got it?” “Certainly, and you pay just the same if there's no prospect of its ever being repaid.” “That's funny.” “Funny! Why, our Massachusetts tax laws are funnier than a comic almanac, and about as sensible.” Quincy took up a pen and began writing. “What are you writing, father?” “I'll show you in a few minutes.” “How will that do?” Quincy read: QUINCY ADAMS SAWYER, _President_. QUINCY ADAMS SAWYER, Jr., _Treasurer_. THOMAS CHRIPP, _General Manager_. Cash Capital, $200,000. Cable, _Vienna_. 20 _Stores_. THE SAWYER GROCERY COMPANY, INC. Wholesale and Retail. “Just the man I had in mind, father. You can depend upon him every time, and he'll keep his subordinates right up to the mark.” Upon his return to his native state Quincy had found many of his old friends still in office. The governor and higher officials were only annuals--some not very hardy at that--while the minor officials, in many cases, were hardy perennials, whom no political hot weather or cold storm could wither or destroy. A presidential campaign was on, and speakers, for there were few orators, were in demand. Quincy's visits to so many cities inspecting the Company's stores had brought him in contact with hundreds of local politicians. One day there came a call from the State Committee to come in and see the Secretary. “Do you want to do something for the party?” asked Mr. Thwing, the Secretary. “I have already subscribed,” said Quincy. “Do you need more?” “Money talks,” said Mr. Thwing, “and so do you. I have a score of letters from different cities asking me to add you to our list of speakers, and to be sure and let the writers hear you.” “I had no intention--” Quincy began. “You're an ex-governor, and know all the State. Aren't you in the grocery business in a big way?” “Rather.”