2 NOVEMBER 1901, Page 47

Held to Ransom. By F. B. Forester. (T. Nelson and

Sons. 50 —A reader is not favourably impressed by this "Story of Spanish Brigands" when he finds very early in the narrative an uncle described as "an avuncular relative." There are not many absurdities so glaring, but there is a disposition to use two words when one would have sufficed. The public insists, we suppose, on having a certain weight and size for its money, and this is the way in which the demand is supplied. Mr. Forester can be more businesslike. When he is engaged in describing action he is not so diffuse. But, as a rule, he is far too lengthy. His hero meditates too much, talks too much, and is, in conse- quence, not nnfrequently tedious.