When Cully led the Big Gray into his stall, a moment later, he
stepped into a pool of blood.
XV
IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH
At the appointed hour the Board of Trustees met in the hall over
the post-office. The usual loungers filled the room--members of
the Union, and others who had counted on a piece of the highway
pie when it was cut. Dempsey, Crimmins, and Quigg sat outside the
rail, against the wall. They were waiting for McGaw, who had not
been seen since the afternoon.
The president was in his accustomed place. The five gentlemen of
leisure, the veterinary surgeon, and the other trustees occupied
their several chairs. The roll had been called, and every man had
answered to his name. The occasion being one of much importance,
a full board was required.
As the minute-hand neared the hour of nine Dempsey became uneasy.
He started every time a new-comer mounted the stairs. Where was
McGaw? No one had seen him since he swallowed the tumblerful of
whiskey and disappeared from O'Leary's, a few hours before.
The president rapped for order, and announced that the board was
ready to sign the contract with Thomas Grogan for the hauling and
delivery of the broken stone required for public highways.
There was no response.
"Is Mrs. Grogan here?" asked the president, looking over the room
and waiting for a reply.
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