As I approached the counter, a young man probably somewhere in his twenties with dark hair, a round face and pink complexion wondered how he could assist me.

I asked him who I could speak to about selling a collectible magic book. He turned and hollered "Tony" into the back room. A mature gentleman with white hair, shirt and tie came out.

Apparently this was Tony. He seemed a little puzzled by my appearance and perhaps my odor and politely inquired how he could help.

"I have an early edition of Hoffman's "Modern Magic". I reached out and handed it to him.

Tony gently but thoroughly examined the book inside and out. When he was satisfied, he looked up and asked, "How much?"

"Fifty."

He came back with "Thirty-five."

My turn. "Forty dollars, cash and a stripper deck".

"Deal!" No hesitation. Tony hit the keys on the register, pulled out two twenties, reached into the glass case and pulled out a deck of cards. He reached over the counter handing me the money and the magic deck. A quick smile and "Thanks for bringing it in."

"No, thank you," turned and headed straight for the elevator.

I'm up fifty-four dollars plus one trick deck of cards. Not an auspicious start, but a start nonetheless.

Next stop, the flea market.

So far, I have been lucky. Well, except for being knocked on the noggin and tossed in a dumpster. Everything thus far has been within walking distance. It was a bright, sunny morning in Manhattan. New York City has some of the coolest flea markets in the world. One of the best was right around the corner.