Page:The Young Auctioneers.djvu/101

Rh The man was not particularly in need of anything, but he liked Matt's way, and thought it was worth something to have a good 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 was waiting for him. He had sold, after a good deal of hard talking, a dozen knives and forks, upon which he had been forced to make a slight discount. He listened to Matt's story in amazement.

"Seven dollars' worth! That's fine, Matt! You must be a born salesman. Keep right 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 comment. "I don't believe I could have done it. I would have gone out and picked up the things myself."