I think that is the anwser I hope this helps you
1.
to delay, stop, or guard against beforehand
2.
to anticipate
a.
to prevent or hinder sales at (a market, etc) by buying up merchandise in advance, etc
b.
to buy up (merchandise) for profitable resale
I do not know the text you are referring to please include the text in your question.
Answer:
c) "cast his watchful eye adown the pacific thoroughfare"
Explanation:
A stalwart is a hardworking, and dependable person.
Therefore, the detail from the story that provides the best clue of the meaning of the word "stalwart" in paragraph 2 is option C because it casts the image of someone who takes his job very seriously.