* * * * * "To write another person's life-history in the first person, and yet give to it the verisimilitude of a genuine autobiography, would under ordinary circumstances be a difficult if not impossible undertaking." So Mr. C. E. GOULDSBURY tells us in a note to _Reminiscences of a Stowaway_ (CHAPMAN AND HALL), and most of us will cordially agree with him. But, after reading this volume of reminiscences, I think you will also agree that Mr. GOULDSBURY has acquitted himself admirably of a most difficult task. The man into whose skin, if I may so express it, he has temporarily tried to fit himself was Mr. ALEXANDER DOUGLAS LARYMORE, who started his adventurous career as a stowaway in an "old iron tub," and eventually became Inspector-General of Jails in India. For nearly forty years Mr. GOULDSBURY was Mr. LARYMORE'S intimate friend, and has had sufficient data at his disposal to do justice to what was a remarkably full and interesting life. Possibly those of us who retain a tender spot in our hearts for stowaways may regret that Mr. LARYMORE grew tired of the sea; but his adventures were as numerous and amusing on land as on water, and they are also valuable for the strong light they throw on the India of some years ago. Mr. GOULDSBURY has at once provided a lasting tribute to the memory of his friend and written a book which both in style and matter would be hard to beat. * * * * * [Illustration: _The King._ "LOOK HERE--THIS THRONE WON'T DO; IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO LOOK DIGNIFIED IN IT." _The Artificer._ "I'M SORRY, YOUR MAJESTY. THERE MUST BE SOME MISTAKE. I GOT IT IN MY 'EAD THAT YOUR MAJESTY ORDERED A _LOUNGE_ THRONE."] * * * * *