20 FEBRUARY 1988, Page 25

Spitting image

Sir: I am afraid that Christopher Fildes's reference-checker has let him down. (City and suburban, 16 January.) It was not Soapy Molloy who was the inefficient spitter, but his unloved associated Chimp Twist. Soapy Molloy (together with the redoubtable Dolly) was the object of Chimp's suspicions — 'He trusted neither of them as far as he could spit, and he was a poor spitter, lacking both distance and control.' (Money in the Bank, chapter 15, paragraph 3.)

Elizabeth Suddaby

41 Southfield Road, Oxford