25 APRIL 1903, Page 39

The Thin Red Line of Heroes. By Mrs. Fred Maturin.

(Grant Richards. 3s. 6d.)—The reader will scarcely be prepossessed by the early chapters of this book. They relate the stupid quarrels among the ladies in a transport ship. Such things, and some of the stories that one reads about life in cantonments, make one see why the Romans did not allow officials appointed to any provincial post to take their wives with them. As one goes further, there is more amusement to be had. The fun is some- what farcical; but still it is fun, and, for want of anything better, may be enjoyed.