“Don’t care if I do,” said the officer, and all three hopped on the wagon seat, and Matt drove off.
The office where licenses could be procured was at the City Hall, on Broad Street. When they turned into that thoroughfare Matt uttered a cry of surprise.
“What a broad street!” he exclaimed, as he surveyed it.
“It is one of the broadest in any eastern city,” returned the officer, who seemed inclined to be more friendly now that they had shown a disposition to do the right thing.
Inside of the City Hall they were compelled to wait near half an hour before they could procure 79 their license. Then they were asked for how long a term they desired it.
“For to-day only,” returned Andy, and so it was made out and as quickly paid for.
“Oh, but I’m glad we are out of that scrape so easily!” murmured Matt, as the two walked back to their wagon. “I was afraid they would lock us up for ten days or a month.”
“They would have their hands full locking up all the peddlers who try to sell goods without a license,” laughed Andy. “All they care for is the money.”
“We will have to pay in almost every town we go, won’t we?”
“Yes, every town. Some places charge so much that we won’t try to sell in them. I’ll make it a point after this to find out about a license as soon as we enter a place.”