Many who read this extraordinary advertisement doubtless thought that the advertiser must have made some strange wager; others that he had probably been paid a debt of a large amount in disconnected penny stamps, which the Post-Office declined to receive; others came to the conclusion that he was some eccentric philanthropist, who desired in his original way to benefit his fellow creatures; and there were others, no doubt, who pronounced the "gentleman of position" a swindler, and the whole affair a fraud. The last-named were not a little astonished, however, to hear that the advertiser really kept his word—that fifteen stamps were actually returned for twelve!
What assisted to make the scheme popular and to draw particular attention to it was the arrival at most of the principal towns of secret agents, whose duty it was to frequent bar-parlours in the evening, take occasion to read the advertisement aloud to those present, and enter into conversation upon it, eventually proposing, just to test its genuineness, to forward the twelve connected stamps—procuring and enclosing them at the bar. The answer would, of course, promptly arrive conveying the advertised number of stamps. Needless to say others followed the example, and with a like result, it becoming subsequently quite a popular amusement in many towns to send twelve stamps to London to receive in return fifteen! In fact, if you wanted a stamp to post a letter, you were jocularly asked why you did not send to London for one? These secret agents "did" many publichouses each night, and by the end of three or four days took their departure for "fresh fields and pastures new."
There were altogether about twenty agents, and before despatching them on their mission Mr. Bathurst considered it necessary to appoint a meeting at his chambers, now suitably furnished, and addressed them as follows: "Gentlemen, I believe you have received your instructions detailing the plan of procedure and how you are to conduct your correspondence with this office. Before starting, however, I wish, with the concurrence of my partner, to say a few words to you. You have been selected, gentlemen, out of many hundred applicants, on account of your good characters and respectability, and we trust you will do nothing to forfeit that good opinion. The business you have in hand, gentlemen, requires tact and a certain amount of secrecy. It is not for us to discuss with you the merits or demerits of the whim which actuates our client. We have simply to obey and carry out his orders, as we expect you, gentlemen, in like manner, to carry out and obey ours, being, as it were, soldiers obeying, not questioning, the orders of their superior officers. There may be, gentlemen, for aught we know, a large sum of money depending on the result of your exertions. But whether that be the case or not, it will have nothing whatever to do with the punctuality with which you shall be paid your respective salaries. Now, gentlemen, as regards the genuineness of this announcement, it is easily ascertained—you or your friends can test it for yourselves. If people were not so incredulous or hard of belief, so much afraid of being hoodwinked or humbugged, we of course could have relied on our advertisements alone and dispensed with your services; but this is an unbelieving age, gentlemen, and we have some trouble, nowadays, to convince people that we really wish to do them a service. Therefore, to show the public that this is a bona fide transaction, and that our client means what he says, will be your especial duty. In conclusion, gentlemen, allow me to offer you my best wishes, with that of my partner, for your immediate success, feeling quite sure that our confidence has not been misplaced. Good-day, gentlemen; the cashier will take your receipts for salary as you leave the office."
As may be supposed, the opinions of the agents were at variance regarding the affair. It was thought, however, by the majority that probably some jolly and wealthy sportsman like the famous Marquis of Waterford had staked a large sum of money on the result; but as they had half the first week's salary in advance and their letter of instructions, they considered they were on the profitable side of the project, and so decided to proceed on their mission.
They, therefore, separated and started for their respective districts. Certain newspapers in some towns would not insert the advertisement, but there were others not so particular, and so the scheme was successfully launched. It was met at first with some rough suspicion, no doubt, but keeping it well before the public by means of advertising, together with a little energy, it turned out a complete success, and flourished like the proverbial green bay tree.
My readers have now read how Mr. Bathurst's stamp idea was successfully worked out of doors. I will now narrate how it was managed in his office. There was £5 worth of penny postage stamps purchased and disconnected. As the answers came in they were immediately answered, the applicant's twelve stamps with three extra returned in each case. This continued until the bank (£5!) was exhausted. Thus far they carried out the terms and conditions of the advertisement, at the same time keeping faith with the public. They now worked very cautiously, as it required delicate handling and steady manœuvring, and they did not mean to expend another penny. It was necessary, at the same time, to keep the business afloat so long as there was no chance of exposure. They accordingly kept back a certain number of letters, writing on each the day it arrived, The stamps in these delayed letters made up the extra three required for each of the others, which were duly forwarded. On the following morning the detained letters were immediately sent off, with a note of apology explaining that pressure of business had caused the delay. This mode of procedure went on for a short time, when one day they found they were irretrievably in arrears, so numerous were the applications! Now came their dishonest harvest! There were no more letters of apology! Business suspended! During the five or six days Mr. Bathurst's "idea" was in existence the applications came in by hundreds, and resulted in the round sum of £500!
It is scarcely necessary to add that there was soon an office to let in that particular inn near the Strand, and that the whereabouts of Messrs Bathurst and Fenn was not easily obtainable for a considerable time afterwards.