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262 ladies! The only place in Wilkesbarre selling reliable goods at rock-bottom figures! Don't be deceived by rival concerns trying to obtain a bit of our well-earned prosperity! Come right in and be convinced!" And he kept on in this strain for fully five minutes.

"Well, that is what I call downright mean," cried Matt to Andy. "Of course all these cracks at rival concerns are meant for us. He wants to draw the crowd away from us."

"More than that, he is trying to scare them, so that if they won't patronize him they won't purchase anywhere," returned the senior partner. "It is certainly not a fair way to do."

"Can't we stop, him, Andy?"

"I don't see how. He has mentioned no names."

Andy began to talk, but as he was inside of the store while Gissem was outside, very few of the people on the street were attracted. They made several sales to those inside, but after the purchasers were gone the store was empty. In the meantime, the next place was filled to overflowing.

"Let us give them a tune," suggested Matt. "I see our rivals have no musical instruments."

He brought out a banjo, and Andy took up the largest accordion in the place. Sitting down in a