"There's a 'pig' down here named Silver Coin," the letter said, "that has been raced for work recently. I think he's fit and ready and that within the next few days they will place him in a race that he can win, and he will bring home the coonskins at odds of 10 to 1."
I had seen letters like that before, but my interest was aroused. I picked up a copy of the New York Morning Telegraph from the table. Turning the pages, I noticed a number of tipsters' advertisements, all claiming they were continually giving the public winners on the races.
THE BIRTH OF AN IDEA TO COIN MONEY
"Do these people make money?" I asked Campbell.
"Yes, they must," he answered, "because the ads have been running every day for months and months."
"Well, if poorly written ads like these can make money, what would well-written ads accomplish, and particularly from an information bureau which might give real information?" I queried. A moment later the ticker began its click, click, click.
"Here come the entries," said Campbell.
He went to the tape and ejaculated, "By Jiminy! Here's Silver Coin entered for to-morrow."
The coincidence stirred me.
"I've got an idea for an advertisement," I said. "Get me a sheet of paper."