Beechnut opened it, and read aloud as follows:
My judgment is, that it would depend upon whether B. had a reasonable time to consider and decide upon the offer, before C. came forward. In all cases of making an offer, it is implied that reasonable time is allowed to consider it.
“The question is, then, boys,” said Beechnut, “whether Stuyvesant had had a reasonable time to consider my offer, before Phonny came forward. What do you think about that, Phonny?”
“Why, yes,” said Phonny, “he had an hour.”
Stuyvesant said nothing.
“I will think about that while I am riding,” said Beechnut, “and tell you what I conclude upon it when I return. Perhaps we shall have to refer that question to Mr. Wallace, too.”
So Beechnut drove away, and the boys went back into the shop. Here they resumed their work of putting the tools in order, and while doing so, they continued their conversation about the question of priority.
“I think,” said Phonny, “that you had abundance of time to consider whether you would accept the offer.”
“We might leave that question to Wallace, too,” said Stuyvesant.