having any more after the first trial. A bright idea crossed his mind—Christmas approaching, he would advertise it. Accordingly, "Christmas Wine Hampers at Two Guineas!" appeared in all the leading newspapers in town and country, and proved eminently successful. In this case his purchasers had quantity, not quality. By the commencement of the year he had got rid of all his bad stock, and realised a good round sum of money to his credit. But some men are never satisfied where money is concerned. When he saw the last lot of wine carted away from his house he called himself some pretty names—such as "I'm a stupid dolt!" "A confounded fool!"—and avowed he should do better next time. The lesson he got in this instance he meant to utilize at the expense of the public the first opportunity. A chance had escaped him but another would occur. In the meantime he had established a good reputation with innumerable clients in town and country, which was like so much capital. [Pg 13] [Pg 13] When next Christmas approached his plans were fully matured, and he was ready for action. The chance of making a large sum of money he resolved should not be unsuccessful this time. On the 1st of November he published the following advertisement:—"Christmas Wine-Hamper for Two Guineas! The firm whose Christmas wine-hamper last year gave such universal satisfaction, are prepared, on this occasion only and on the following conditions to supply six bottles of sherry, six bottles of claret, and six bottles of champagne, all of guaranteed sound quality, packed in hamper, and sent free to any metropolitan railway station for the unprecedented small sum of Two Guineas! Orders accompanied by remittance will be registered as they arrive, and if the stock of wine is exhausted those who sent first will have the preference, and the money returned to those who cannot be supplied. The hampers will be forwarded one week before Christmas-day, and all remittances will be promptly acknowledged. References to customers in every part of the world. Bankers—London and Westminster Bank. Cellars—Coleman Street. All letters to be addressed 'Messrs. Hanbury, Robarts & Co., Moorgate Street, London, E.C.'" The orders arrived daily by hundreds, and a large staff of clerks had to be employed to register them and answer the letters. Clever people could not see how the thing could be done at the price, but came to the conclusion that the firm wanted a good advertisement. The two guineas, however, came rolling in, the public evidently looking upon it as a golden opportunity to save money.
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