Rushton's cuttin' it fine didn't MAKE this job, did it?
It would 'ave been done just the same if they 'adn't tendered for it at all! The only difference is that we should 'ave been workin' for some other master.' 'I don't believe the bloody job's cut fine at all!' said Philpot.
'Rushton is a pal of Sweater's and they're both members of the Town Council.' 'That may be,' replied Slyme; 'but all the same I believe Sweater got several other prices besides Rushton's--friend or no friend; and you can't blame 'im: it's only business.

But pr'aps Rushton got the preference--Sweater may 'ave told 'im the others' prices.' 'Yes, and a bloody fine lot of prices they was, too, if the truth was known!' said Bundy.

'There was six other firms after this job to my knowledge--Pushem and Sloggem, Bluffum and Doemdown, Dodger and Scampit, Snatcham and Graball, Smeeriton and Leavit, Makehaste and Sloggitt, and Gord only knows 'ow many more.' At this moment Newman came into the room.

He looked so white and upset that the others involuntarily paused in their conversation.
'Well, what do YOU think of it ?' asked Harlow.
'Think of what ?' said Newman.
'Why, didn't 'Unter tell you ?' cried several voices, whose owners looked suspiciously at him.

They thought--if Hunter had not spoken to Newman, it must be because he was already working under price.