The Price of a Smoke. By R. V. (W. R.
Russell and Co.)— These seven stories of East African experiences are decidedly powerful. "R. V." does not like the Portuguese, and is glad to see them "bested," witness his amusing tale of "Blood Brothers," the longest and the best of the seven. The most interesting from one point of view, for it is an addition to a vast mass of testimony, is "The Doctor's Summons." Paulin°, a half- caste Goanese, is always bothering the doctor with unnecessary calls ; he is really suffering from drink and he thinks it fever, whereas, in the doctor's judgment, he was "too full of alcoholic germs for fever to touch him,"—a theory on which we have no opinion. At last he sends two urgent messages, and then comes himself,—or seems to come, for his figure clad in pyjamas is seen in the verandah. The doctor in great wrath goes to see him, and finds that he is dead of black-water fever, and has not been out of bed for two days. "The event which I am going to describe," says "K. V.," "actually took place in my presence."
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