This proved to be of startling contents: a few lines scribbled informally, undated, without signature.

A glance at the postmark discovered 'Liverpool'.
'The children are at my last address,--you know it.

I can do no more for them.

If the shabby Abbotts refuse--as I dare say they will--it wouldn't hurt you to keep them from the workhouse.

But it's a devilish hard world, and they must take their chance.' After a stare and a frown, Harvey woke the echoes with boisterous laughter.