25 APRIL 1931, Page 17

A SENTIMENTAL BURGLAR

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sra,—I have, just received anonymously through the post a very old locket which was stolen from my house the other day by burglars. It was originally the property of my great-great- great-grandmother Anne, Countess of Kellie, and naturally I was delighted to get it back.

I found myself wondering what type of man this senti- mental burglar of mine could be that he should be so moved by the unlawful possession of a family heirloom as to return it to the owner. Is there a new kind of burglar about against whom hotel proprietors like myself must take precautions, or is it just our old professional turned sentimental ?—I am, Sir, &c., JAMES M. ERSKINE.

Eccleston Hotel, Eccleston Square, S. W . 1.