QUOTE : Magpies too,’ said Leslie; ‘awful thieves, magpies.’ Larry took a hundred-drachma note from his pocket and waved it over the babies, and they immediately shot their heads skywards, necks wavering, mouths gaping, wheezing and bubbling frantically. Larry jumped back hastily. ‘You’re right, by God!’ he exclaimed excitedly. ‘Did you see that? They tried to attack me and get the money!’ ‘Don’t be ridiculous, dear; they’re only hungry,’ said Mother. ‘Nonsense, Mother … you saw them leap at me, didn’t you? It’s the money that did it … even at that age they have criminal instincts. He can’t possibly keep them; it will be like living with Arsène Lupin.