The Drum

by A.E.W. Mason

The treacherous kingdom that lies between India and the Hindu Khush was marred by raids, blood feuds and a trade in slaves. When the Khan of Tokot invites the British Government to send a small mission to the region, Captain Frank Carruthers is considered the ideal candidate. Carruthers is made aware of the volatile atmosphere along the Kingdom’s borders. But he becomes intrigued by the legend of the Yudeni drum. According to local myth, the drum lies on the tower of the Khan’s fort and a phantom drummer can be heard beating a haunting rhythm. Disaster befalls all who see the ghostly beater. Captain Carruthers is unconvinced and determined to find out the truth behind the drum.

82 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Major Alfred Edward Woodley Mason (7 May 1865 Dulwich, London - 22 November 1948 London) was a British author and politician. He is best remembered for his 1902 novel The Four Feathers.

He studied at Dulwich College and graduated from Trinity College, Oxford in 1888. He was a contemporary of fellow Liberal Anthony Hope, who went on to write the adventure novel The Prisoner of Zenda.

His first novel, A Romance of Wastdale, was published in 1895. He was the author of more than 20 books, including At The Villa Rose (1910), a mystery novel in which he introduced his French detective, Inspector Hanaud. His best-known book is The Four Feathers, which has been made into several films. Many consider it his masterpiece. Other books are The House of the Arrow (1924), No Other Tiger (1927), The Prisoner in the Opal (1929) and Fire Over England (1937).

Reviews

[Andy Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heroic Indian prince helps save a British administrator and wins back his kingdom. There are good Indians and bad Indians and, of course, the good ones are sympathetic to the British. The children's adventure story is therefore in the traditions of Kipling. The other plot resolves around a traditional drum with a mythology around it which comes to stand for a wrong of the prince's that must be put right. As with Mason's 4 Feathers duty is a key theme. I should find the movie. I do like The 1930s 4 Feathers and the remake wasn't bad - not read that book yet.

[Neer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good adventure yarn. More here: https://ahotcupofpleasureagain.wordpr...

[Victoria Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite short, very readable, set in India