Bayete ! is a book with a much more serious
intention. It, indeed, deals with the great colour problem both in America and South Africa. The hero is the legal successor to Loben- gula, and his election is the theme of the introduction. Balum- bata, such is his native name, is of Arab blood and is imbued with the desire to make Africa the Empire of the black man. To do this he feels that he requires a Western training, and under the name of Garth Nelson goes to an American university. When he returns he makes a wide- spread' conspiracy throughout the whole of South Africa with branches among the coloured people of America. There is a great rising, in the course of which he is killed. The author strongly hints to the reader that this is a true state of affairs, and that, without more understanding between black and white races, rebellions will soon take a very serious aspect.
* (1) Mary of Many loves. By Amy J. Baker (Mrs. Maynard Crawford). Lon- don: John Lcmg. net.)—(2) Bayete " Haft to the King " By G. Heaton Nicholls. London George Allen and tnwln. L7a. ed. net.. The book is long and carefully planned and written, and, though as fiction it is not very successful, it is extremely interesting reading.
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