. . THOMAS PAINE, Common Sense Friday, September 20, 1776 On the Way Home from the Bear Market THEIR meager pantry had been depleted over the course of the past week, and when she heard tell of traders at the market, Anne exhumed the strongbox from under her bed. Tossing a wad of useless Continental currency into the box, she pocketed a handful of guineas and shillings she’d stashed away when Washington’s Army had come to town. Bandit joined her on the long trek across town to the Bear Market on the Hudson, to find the stalls filled with upstate and cross-river farmers and merchants hawking their wares. Droves of eager customers paying in good old British coin crowded the aisles. A great variety of provisions were on exhibit—an abundance of riches Anne had not witnessed since before the Patriot army was in command of the city. Commerce is lured by silver and gold . . . So many hungry customers with ready coin drove market prices high, but Anne did not stint. She was more than willing to pay the price for best quality, for Jack would be coming soon to rescue them all, and David must be fit and ready to travel.
