"
The annual hauling contract for the brewery, which had become an
important one in Rockville, its business having nearly doubled in
the last few years, was of special value to Tom at this time, and
she determined to make every effort to secure it.
Pop filled up the proposal in his round, clear hand, and Tom
signed it, "Thomas Grogan, Rockville, Staten Island." Then Pop
witnessed it, and Mr. Crane, a few days later, duly inscribed the
firm's name under the clause reserved for bondsmen. After that
Tom brought the bid home, and laid it on the shelf over her bed.
Everything was now ready for the fight.
The bids were to be opened at noon in the office of the brewery.
By eleven o'clock the hangers-on and idlers began to lounge into
the big yard paved with cobblestones. At half past eleven McGaw
got out of a buggy, accompanied by Quigg. At a quarter to twelve
Tom, in her hood and ulster, walked rapidly through the gate, and,
without as much as a look at the men gathered about the office
door, pushed her way into the room. Then she picked up a chair
and, placing it against the wall, sat down. Sticking out of the
breast pocket of her ulster was the big envelope containing her
bid.
Five minutes before the hour the men began filing in one by one,
awkwardly uncovering their heads, and standing in one another's
way.
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