Page:Hopkinson Smith--Tom Grogan.djvu/123

 opened them in succession, the clerk recording. The first four were from parties in outside villages. Then came McGaw's:—

“Forty-nine cents for coal, etc.”

So far he was lowest. Quigg twisted his hat nervously, and McGaw's coarse face grew red and white by turns.

Tom's bid was the last.

“Thomas Grogan, Rockville, S. I., thirty-eight cents for coal, etc.”

“Gentlemen,” said Mr. Schwartz, quietly, “Thomas Grogan gets the hauling.”