“But it’s a good thing we didn’t have that kind of a start, Andy. We would have been ‘busted’ otherwise.”
“You are right there,” returned Andy.
By seven o’clock on the following morning he was on the way to New York, leaving Matt to open the store alone. This the young auctioneer did, and as trade was very quiet, Matt spent the time in cleaning up such goods as had been handled, and tidying up generally.
Compared with the day before, the street was almost deserted, but during the noon hour, when people were going to and coming from dinner, Matt managed to start up a sale which lasted until nearly two o’clock, and by which he disposed of over three dollars’ worth of goods at a good profit.
It was nearly seven o’clock when Andy returned. He had rushed matters in New York, but had bought several bargains, especially one in imitation cut glassware, which, when it arrived the next day, made a pretty showing in the window.
They remained in Plainfield two days longer, and then loaded their wagon once more and started on the road. They made brief stops at Bound Brook and Somerville, doing fairly well at both places, 127 and then, just ten days after leaving the city, struck Flemington.
At this latter place they again came across Menville’s circus, and as a consequence did a big day’s business. They intended to leave Flemington on the day following, but after talking the matter over decided to remain until the following Monday.
“On Monday morning you can strike across the country for High Bridge alone, if you will,” said Andy. “I can take another trip to New York, and buy more goods and have them shipped direct to that place, or else on to Phillipsburg, which shall be our last stopping place in New Jersey.”
To this Matt agreed, and on Saturday night all was made ready for an early morning start on Monday. Sunday was a quiet day for both, although they attended divine services, and took a long walk among the farms outside of the town proper.
“By creation! but it looks like a storm,” exclaimed Andy, on Monday morning, as he jumped out of bed and aroused Matt.