Part 14 (1/2)

And then he began to talk business, showing up his soe, and quoting prices in a manner that made the restaurant-keeper think he was an old hand at the business

The , but he liked Matt's way, and thought it orth soood story to tell to his rival's discredit He bought four dozen triple-plated spoons and a carving-knife, and then Matt persuaded him to invest in a new toothpick holder, and a match holder of aluminum, which were both very pretty and cheap

”Just an even seven dollars!” thought Matt, as he hurried back to the wagon ”I don't think that so bad Our profits on that sale ought to be at least two dollars”

Andy aiting for hi, a dozen knives and forks, upon which he had been forced to ht discount He listened to Matt's story in amazement

”Seven dollars' worth! That's fine, Matt! You ht on, by all means”

”But I don't expect any such luck every time,” returned the boy, and then he told the story of his troubles in the first restaurant he had visited

”It was plucky in you to stick out as you did,” was Andy's coone out and picked up the things myself”

”I wouldn't, never!” cried Matt, and his whole face showed the spirit within him

It was only four o'clock in the afternoon, and Andy suggested that they continue to try their luck until sundown So they drove on down the street slowly, visiting every restaurant and many stores on the way

In one place Matt sold a dozen spoons, and in another a fancy water-pitcher Andy sold some spoons also, and a cheap watch and chain, which the buyer explained he intended to sell to some customer for double the money

At the last place at which they stopped Andy ht A stable was also found for Billy and the wagon, and by eight o'clock the partners found themselves free from business cares Matt reed

While the taiting for their orders to be filled, Andy brought out a bit of paper and a pencil and began to figure

”The net receipts for the day were eighteen dollars and a half,” he said, when he had finished ”The goods and the license cost thirteen dollars and sixty cents That leaves a profit of four dollars and ninety cents, which is not so bad, considering that we only worked about five hours all told”

”And ere our expenses?” asked Matt

Andy did a littleuntil to- this supper, about two dollars and thirty cents”

”Then we have two dollars and sixty cents over all?”

”Yes, that is, without counting wear and tear on wagon, harness, and so forth”

”Of course But that isn't so bad”

”Indeed it is not,” returned Andy ”If we do as well as that every day we shall get along very well, although I trust to do even better”

CHAPTER XIII

THE CORN SALVE DOCTOR

After supper the two partners found that tiested that they walk around the city a bit, taking in the sights, but Andy was too tired

”I'll tell you what I will do, though,” said the older et one of the accordions out and you can get a banjo, and we can practice a little There is nothing like being prepared for an eency, you know”