ten tale.

* * * * *

To _The Diary of a U-Boat Commander_ (HUTCHINSON) "ETIENNE" adds an
introduction and some explanatory notes. In one of these notes we are told
that the Diary was left in a locker when the Commander handed over his boat
to the British. We are all at liberty to form any opinion we like on the
use made of this Diary and I am not going to reveal mine. For, after all,
it is the book itself--however produced--that matters, and even those of us
who are getting a little shy of literature connected with the War will find
something original and intriguing in this Diary. With what seems to me
unnecessary frankness the publisher refers to the Commander's "incredible
exploits and adventures on the high seas." For my own part my powers of
belief in regard to the War are almost unlimited, and the only thing that
really staggers me here is the mentality of the diarist. From the record of
his purely private life, which is also exposed in these pages, I gather
that he was as unfortunate in love as in war; but he seems to have loved
with a whole-hearted passion that goes far to redeem him. I must add a word
of praise for Mr. FRANK MASON'S illustrations, which contributed generously
to my entertainment.

* * * * *

[Illustration: _Alexander_ (_bored_). "LIFE IS VERY DULL, MY DEAR ROX. NO
MORE WORLDS TO--"

_Roxana._ "OH, NONSENSE, ALEC! THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO. I WISH YOU'D
GO INTO THE KITCHEN AND DISCHARGE THAT CAPPADOCIAN COOK. SHE DRINKS."]

* * * * *

[Illustration: Epilogue]

AN OPEN LETTER TO FRANCE.

Mr. Punch had kissed the lady's hand and she had smiled upon him very
graciously, for they were old friends.

"I have brought you a letter from myself," he said.

"Shall I read it while you wait?" said Madame la France.

"Please, no. I never read my contributors' compositions in their presence.
It is embarrassing to both sides. And I want you to take your time over
this one, and consider carefully whether it is suitable for publication in
your Press. I have enclosed a stamped and addressed envelope, to be
utilized in the event of your deciding to return my communication with
regrets. In any case I propose to publish it in my own paper, _The London
Charivari_."

[_Here begins the letter_:--

"NEAREST AND DEAREST OF ALLIES.--You and I (I speak for my country, though
I have not been asked to do so) have