SIR,--Yes, I did mean the donkey's. It will cure both his stupid
braying and his habit of writing absurd and childish letters.
But if you poison _my_ donkey it will cost you a good deal more than
you will care to pay, especially in war-time.
It is a pity you're too old for the army; you might have been shot by
now.
Faithfully yours,
FREDERICK PETHERTON.