osure, outside of which always stood the
citizens. On the wall hung a big eight-day clock. Over the table,
about which were placed chairs, a kerosene lamp swung on a brass chain.
Opposite each seat lay a square of blotting-paper and some cheap pens
and paper. Down the middle of the table were three inkstands, standing
in china plates.

The board always met in the evening, as the business hours of the
members prevented their giving the day to their deliberations.

Upon the night of the letting of the contract the first man to arrive
was McGaw. He ran up the stairs hurriedly, found no one he was looking
for, and returned to O'Leary's, where he was joined by Justice Rowan and
his brother John, the contractor, Quigg, Crimmins, and two friends of
the Union. During the last week the Union was outspoken in its aid of
McGaw, and its men had quietly passed the word of "Hands off this job!"
about in the neighborhood. If McGaw got the work--and there was now not
the slightest doubt of it--he would, of course, employ all Union men.
If anybody else got it--well, they would attend to him later. "One thing
was certain: no 'scab' from New Brighton should come over and take it."
They'd do up anybody who tried that game.

When McGaw, surrounded by his friends entered the board-room again, the
place was full. Outside the rail stood a solid mass of people. Inside
every seat was occupied. It was too important a meeting for any trustee
to miss.

McGaw stood on his toes and looked over the heads. To his delight, Tom
was not in the room, and no one representing her. If he had had any
lingering suspicion of her bidding, her non-appearance allayed it. He
knew now that she was out of the race. Moreover, no New Brighton people
had come. He whispered this information to Justice Rowan's brother
behind his big, speckled hand covered with its red, spidery hair. Then
the two forced their way out again, reentered the post-office, and
borrowed a pen. Once there, McGaw took from his side pocket two large
envelopes, the contents of which he spread out under the light.

"I'm dead roight," said McGaw. "I'll put up the price of this other bid.
There ain't a man round here that dares show his head. The Union's fixed
'em."

"Will the woman bid?" asked his companion.

"The woman! What'd she be a-doin' wid a bid loike that? She c'u'dn't
handle the half of it. I'll wait till a few minutes to nine o'clock. Ye
kin fix up both these bids an' hold 'em in yer p