Page:Hopkinson Smith--Tom Grogan.djvu/159

 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, reëntered 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