SHORN. By Robert Grant. (Murray. 7s. fid.)-- This novel is
somewhat slow in getting into its stride, but, once well going, it remains exciting and amusing till the end. Sir Isidore Benassen, the Jewish oil king, is known to Mihill Yates, a young American visitor to England, to have been the inspirer for his own ends of a recent revolution in Mexico. When, therefore, Sir Isidore states his intention of embarking upon a "treasure hunt" in that country, Mihill, under a guise of friendship, offers to accompany him. In reality it is Mihill's purpose to outwit and expose the unscrupulous baronet, and he achieves this end with superb ingenuity and aplomb. The story is told in the first person by Charles Urquhart, Mihill's travelling companion, who is the lovable type of adventurer who is always doing the wrong thing, yet luckily escaping the consequences of his folly. His experiences as managing director of a derelict tramway system in a small Mexican town make specially entertaining reading, while his love-affairs contribute the necessary touch of romance. There are some excellent first-hand scenes of Mexican life.
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