Andrew J. Roberts

 

Andrew J Roberts was a man I knew well. He was very successful. A one man show. Self employed with an obsession for money. The more money the better. And, Andrew had plenty of money. He was a very rich man.

Now, Andrew and family lived in a very small village in the middle of England. The village of Beehigh. Jane, his wife was a teacher, and Emma their daughter went to the primary school in the village. And, Beehigh had an event that everyone went to. Its annual sale. A flea market. And, one year, in a moment of great inspiration, Andrew had an idea. Toys! He would rent out a table and sell beautiful toys at the Beehigh annual sale. And, it worked.

Andrew was busy selling toys on his stand. Business was great. Far better than expected. Then, just before 12, Sally, one of Andrew's assistants, took over and Andrew went over the road to the pub. The Queen's Head. A great place for meals. Shortly afterwards, Jane and Emma arrived. A family lunch. But, Emma wasn't hungry. The solution was simple. Pocket money. Enough to spend on one or two things at the annual Beehigh sale. While Andrew and Jane were enjoying their lunch, Emma was having fun spending money. And, it was Andrew's toys that Emma found first.

A toy soldier in his very smart red and blue uniform caught Emma's eye. It would look perfect standing guard on her father's very full desk. A wonderful present. This little toy soldier wasn't very cheap, but, nevertheless, Emma bought it. She could afford it, her father had given her plenty of money. Then, just to be fair, a plastic flower for her mother. Then, hiding her secret, Emma went back to the pub. Jane and Andrew were finishing lunch. A little later, Jane and Emma went home and Andrew went back to selling his toys.

Andrew was tired. He'd had a very good day. He'd made a nice little pile. Emma was happy as well. She told Andrew to close his eyes and hold out his hands. Andrew opened his eyes. There was the little toy soldier. An irony! Andrew had bought the little toy soldier, had sold it, and, got it back as present – and – in a very funny way, had got back his money in a round about way!

But, Andrew was happy. Little Emma was thinking of him when she purchsed the little toy soldier. She had known what he liked. And now, all these years later, the little toy soldier is still there and still smiling where Emma had put him. Money well spent that came back as a soldier.

Andrew J. Roberts. He not only made very much money, he made luck as well.