An Emperor's Doom. By Herbert Hayens. (T. Nelson and Sons.)—Stories
of the Archduke Maximilian's occupation of Mexico and its melancholy sequel are by no means plentiful, though it should provide excellent material for an historical romance. Mr. Hayens must know his Mexico well, for he has thrown this tale of the struggle for independence into a perfect Mexican setting. The hero who tells the story is the son of a domiciled Englishman, and the narrative opens with the rescue of young Vincent's father, who is condemned to be shot for sheltering an old friend. The narrative is carried on briskly to the last scene at Queretaro and the Mexican leaders (Diaz, Juarez, Carbajal) are vigorously delineated for us. The circum- stances of many a fight and the incidents of campaigning are related with a vivacity, a grasp of the subject, and a local colour- ing that fascinate the reader. Mark, the big Englishman, and faithful friend and guardian of young Francisco ; Miguel, the heroic and patriotic Indian ; and Pascual Salamo, the smooth- tongued traitor, are all living characters. Salamo is such a fascinating villain that one is almost sorry when his time to go arrives. An Emperor's Doom is cleverly told, it is not over- burdened with dialogue, the besetting sin of the best of story. writers, and it never drags. It presents a very vivid picture of Mexican warfare, and historically it can be commended as being as reliable as it is interesting. Of its kind it is one of the best stories that have appeared this year, and it is distinctly the best fiction dealing with the Mexican War of Independence that we know.
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