7 NOVEMBER 1903, Page 7

Ilderim the Afghan. By David Ker. (R.T.S. 2s. 6d.)—Mr. Ker

has, as most young readers know, a gift of picturesque description, nor does he fail to make good use of it in this story, if story it may be called. It is not a little disjointed. There are adventures with tigers and crocodiles ; there are descriptions of famous places; there is even an interview with a famous generaL But to the canon that everything should subserve the main pur- pose of the tale and be of the substance of the plot very little heed is paid. Still, readers who are willing to take what comes and be content will not fare ill.