23 AUGUST 1902, Page 15

rro THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."]

Sia,—In reference to your article on the secret transmission of intelligence, the following extract from Murray's Handbook to Kent may be of interest : " One of the lower rooms [in Charlton House] contains a black marble chimneypiece in the polished face of which tradition asserts that Lord Downe saw the reflection of a robbery on Blackheath, and immediately sent out his servants, by whom the thieves were secured." This Lord Downe died in 1679. It would be interesting to know whether there is any foundation of truth in this story. The reflection on the black marble chimneypiece may, of course, be an accretion.—I am, Sir, &a, A. CARR.