I retired.

Soon they recalled me and offered the contract, provided we took the lower price, which was only a few thousand dollars less.

I agreed to the concession.

That cast-iron lamp-post so opportunely smashed gave us one of our most profitable contracts and, what is more, obtained for us the reputation of having taken the Dubuque bridge against all competitors.

It also laid the foundation for me of a lifelong, unbroken friendship with one of America's best and most valuable public men, Senator Allison.
The moral of that story lies on the surface.