The Last of the Barons 93 



SIR, It is true that I robbed a Kite's nest 

 ;ir ago for your friend Mr. Scotton, and I 

 am sorry I did it, for it was a mean and cruel 

 act in this country, where Kites are almost ex- 

 tinct. Please excuse my freedom. 



As I have a wife and six children to feed, and 

 my rent to pay after a bad season, I must accept 

 your offer, and do another mean and cruel act. 

 My wife says that my children have as much right 

 to live as the Kites, and that as I was brought 

 up to this business I must take it as it comes. 

 Women are mostly right when there are children 

 to be thought of, and I must pay my rent. I 

 am sending my son, as I don't relish the job 



myself. 



Your humble servant, 



STEPHEN LEE. 



By return of post there came a letter for 

 Stephen, containing a cheque for twenty-five 

 guineas, which he handed to his astonished wife. 

 The letter ran thus : 



DEAR SIR, I send you a cheque for present 

 needs. Your feelings do you credit. I showed 



