ouse, and after paying the fare, they drove upon this, and were
soon on their way to the New Jersey shore.

"Do you know the road?" asked Matt, as they tied up upon an open
street on the other side, and went into the great ferry-house to wash
and brush up.

"I know the roads through Newark and Elizabeth," returned Andrew
Dilks. "I think we had better strike along the New Jersey Central
Railroad as far as Bound Brook or Somerville, and then strike through
Flemington, and across to the Delaware River, and so on into
Pennsylvania."

"That suits me," returned Matt.

It was exactly half-past ten o'clock when they left the vicinity of
the ferry in Jersey City, and moved off toward the old plank road, so
called, which leads to Newark, five miles distant. Both were in
excellent spirits, despite the thrilling experience through which they
had passed.

"I have here a list of all the articles we have in stock," said Andy,
as he set Billy on a brisk trot. "You had better study it. The prices
are also put down, and of course, we never will auction a thing off
for less, unless it is unsalable otherwise and we wish to dispose of
it."

"But supposing a thing is put up and people won't bid above a certain
figure?"

"We will buy it in ourselves, or get some one to bid for us, or else
refuse to take a bid under a certain sum."

Matt took the sheet of paper, and resting on the box in the back of
the wagon, began to study it carefully, and so absorbed did he become
that he did not notice when Newark was reached, and was only aroused
when Andy drew up in front of a restaurant and asked him if he did not
feel like having some dinner.

"You can just bet I do!" exclaimed Matt. "The fire and the drive have
made me as hungry as a bear."

The restaurant was not a very large place, and but few customers were
present. They ordered what they wished, and it was soon brought to
them.

"I didn't want to go to one of those high-toned places where they
charge big prices," observed Andy, as he began to fall to. "We can't
afford to cut a spread until we see how our venture is going to pan
out."

"You are right there," returned Matt. "As it is, I think our supply of
cash is getting mighty low."

"I notice the knives and forks are rather rusty here," went on Andy.
"I wonder if I can't sell the proprietor some table cutlery. We have
some on board that is both cheap and good."

"I'd try it by all means," cried Matt heartily.

So when the