There had been a “To Let” bill upon the show-window of the vacant store next door, but on the following morning when the young auctioneers opened up they found the bill gone. The door of the store was open, and inside a boy somewhat younger than Matt was cleaning up.
“Hullo!” cried Matt, stopping short. Then he poked his head in at the door and confronted the boy.
“So we are going to have neighbors, eh?” he remarked pleasantly.
“Bet your life!” was the slangy reply from the boy, as soon as he had noted who had addressed him. “You didn’t expect us, did you?”
“No, I didn’t know the store was taken until a moment ago,” said Matt.
“Well, it can’t be helped. It was the only store vacant in the neighborhood.”
“Can’t be helped?” repeated Matt, somewhat puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, I thought you might object to our opening up alongside of you.”
“I don’t see why I should. What business are you in?”