Quincy found Fernborough but little changed, During the fourteen years that he had been a resident of, or a visitor to, the town there had been but little to disturb its serenity. Goldsmith's “Deserted Village” could not have had a better record for unbroken placidity. The wrestling match between young Quincy and Bob Wood had been an incentive to some animated conversations at meal times and at the grocery, but the “locals” in the _Fernborough Gazette_ had never risen above the usual level of, Hal Prentiss has bought a Jersey cow, Strout and Maxwell have a new wagon, William Jones has painted his fence green, Sol. Peters cut twenty tons of hay from his lot on the Center Road, Mrs. Jerusha May is visiting her daughter Hannah at Westvale, And more of the same kind, interesting to a rural community but considered inconsequential by those conversant with more exciting intelligence. But Fernborough was destined to have its share of important events, which incidentally interfered with the well laid plans of both Quincy and Mary for the vacation in the mountains. For the first time in the town's history newsboys went through its streets, calling out “All about the Murder at Cottonton,” and offering for sale copies of the _Cottonton Journal_. The boys held up the papers so the headlines in large type could be seen. The word “Fernborough” caught the eyes of those attracted by the word “Murder” and the copies were soon disposed of, obliging many intending purchasers to share the news with those who had been fortunate enough to obtain copies. Quincy was in Mason Square when the newsboys arrived and he purchased a paper. He glanced at the headlines and saw a name that caused him to utter an exclamation of astonishment. He did not stop to discuss the matter with any of the large crowd that had been collected, but whipping up his horse soon reached Mary's home. Leaving the animal standing in the yard he burst into the sitting room crying loudly, “Mary! Mary!” “Why, what is the matter, Quincy--are you hurt?” “No, but something has happened in Cottonton and they sent newsboys over here with the papers.” “Somebody living in Fernborough must be mixed up in the affair,” said Mr. Dana, who was sitting in his rocking chair near the window. “I should say there was, decidedly so. Sit down, and I'll read what it says.” “THE MURDER AT COTTONTON “A YOUNG MAN NAMED ROBERT WOOD, A NATIVE OF FERNBOROUGH, ARRESTED AS THE CRIMINAL AND LOCKED UP WITHOUT BAIL. ANOTHER CANDIDATE FOR THE ELECTRIC CHAIR!” “Bob Wood, he was the one who insulted you, wasn't he?” “Yes, father, but that was a long time ago,” said Mary. “Do let Quincy read the rest of it.”