Recite. By II. Rider Haggard. (Cassell and Co. Cs.)— Mr.
Rider Haggard has before now, we fancy, followed the dangerous example of Sir Walter Scott, and explained the foundations of his story in a preface. Mr. Haggard's followers, however, are not likely to have their illusions weakened by being told, in the preface that this story of hunting for treasure in an ancient Portuguese chapel in South Africa is founded on fact. Mr. Haggard was born a story-teller, and those who accept his formula will not quail before a reckless preface, nor yet before all hai weaknesses of dialogue and his general simplicity. If only we could wipe out the years which have passed between the publication of "King Solomon's Mines" or " She " and this story ! Are we feeling that age creeps onus, or are we really more sophis- ticated P We do not know. We feel that Mr. Haggard's formula is less satisfying than formerly, and yet a cool analysis tells us that this story has as many good points as the others. The interior of the chapel, with the mummied figures of the Portuguese lying on the floor, is eerie enough, and to that Mr. Haggard adds the uncanny conduct of the villain, who throws Bonita into a hypnotic state in order that she may see in dreams the secrete of the dead Portuguese. Considering that Berate resists the scoundrel always, we believe with difficulty in this Svengali business. But there,—it is certain that thousands of readers will not share our senile doubts.
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