7 NOVEMBER 1896, Page 11

Under the Naga Banner. By Charles J. Mansford. (John Hogg.)

.—An Indian doctor, and a lawyer who is his patient, go for a bit of hunting somewhere on the Afghan frontier. There they meet another Englishman, who is on a similar errand. The three join forces and seek a treasure which they do not reach without a good deal of bloodshed. The tale is full of spirit and fairly varied in incident. But does not Mr. Mansford pile it up somewhat in respect of number ? Could these mountain tribes have mus- tered so many warriors ? and, this allowed, is not the slaughter prodigiously great ?