Family Luck 7

"I would like to hire your cart, please," Jude asked Joe the carter.
"Here, ain't you the lad was looking for his brother? How do I know you not gonna run off with me cart." Jude took a couple of sovereigns from his pouch. Joe's eyes lit up.
"One now and another when I return," he told the carter. Joe never dreampt of owning a sovereign; with two he could buy several carts.

Loaded with the glass and earthenware, Jude set off from the port. He stopped at every inn and coffee house he could find. The goods were selling well. Then he came to Thacker's Coffee House, just off the Strand.
"Can I have a word with the owner, please?" he asked a young man with his back to him.
"Jude?" the lad said, turning, "It is you, isn't it?"
"Barny! I've been looking everywhere for you."

The two boys hugged then quickly parted as Mr. Thacker gave them a black look.
"This is my brother, Jude, Mr. Thacker; I've haven't seen him in ten years."
"Well, you can see him in your own time."
"I'm sorry to keep Barnaby from his work, Sir. I am here to discuss a little business with you."
"And what kind of business would that be?"

Jude showed the man some samples and Thacker was impressed. He bought quite a large quantity of glass.
"Ummm ... this earthenware isn't quite what I'm looking for; have you anything of better quality?"
"Not with me, but I'm sure I could acquire some."

Jude went to his usual London supplier and returned with some good china. Having completed the deal with a handsome profit he waited for his brother to finish work for the day.
"You'll stay in my rooms tonight?" Barny offered.
"I'd love to but I have to return the cart and rejoin my ship. We sail at three." Barny was disappointed but Jude left with a promise of a longer visit next time.

"The miners are on strike; there'll be no more coal trips 'til it's over, lad," Master Tweedy explained.
"What about the pottery and the glass works? They rely on coal don't they?"
"Aye, they do."
"But maybe they have stock already made; with no coal the high class potteries will be running short, we could charge more," Jude suggested.

The pair used every penny to buy up stock. Because the glass and earthenware made in Newcastle was mass produced, they had quite a lot in store. Jude was right; the high class wares were not available, and people who would normally turn down their wares were willing to pay a high price for them. Pockets jangling, Jude headed to the coffee house and his brother.

"Mr. Thacker, how much money would buy my brother a partnership in your business?" Jude asked the man.
"Oh, well, I would have to consult my accounts but ..." the man's eyes had lit up at the size of Jude's purse.