A new form of tobacco had been discovered and was being put on the market by a syndicate consisting of rather dubious characters. The campaign was to start with a free distribution of millions of packets of cigarettes made from the new leaf. But the whole consignment of the tobacco was burnt, and one by one the members of the projected syndicate were assassinated by a mysterious person who called himself "X Esquire." Who was he? And what was his purpose? Mr. Charteris shows himself in this story to be one of the real brand of mystery novelists.

The Author can write a rattling good yarn, full of excitement and real mystery. Thoroughly brisk in action, the story is told in a virile and spirited manner.

WARD, LOCK & CO.'S NEW FICTION