The herald., 1898-07-03

with strong linen covers. The character of
the pictures is sufficiently indicated by
their title. The book is an appropriate and
valuable souvenir of the times.
O O O
ARACHNE. A historical romance. BY
George Ebers. New York: D. Appleton
& Co. Two volumes, paper covers, pages
2SS. 80 Price, 40 cents.
This handy edition Of Ebers' romances Is
too we'll known to call for an extended de-
|scription here. 1t is a most convenient
form for the pocket. The translation from
the German is by Mary ]. Stafford.
o O O
LUCKY BARGEE. By Harry Lander.
New York: D. Appleton & Co. Cloth, gilt
top, 347 pages Price, Slips.
Lucky Barges" is strong medicine in
many respects, but it is an interest-com-
polling story. The reader revolts at the
first chapter, but he does not lay the book
down, and before he reaches the end is glad
he didn't
The heir of Skelling Towers, cast off by
a proud father, and literally dying in the
gutter, apprentices his own son to NAVY
to spite his relentless ire. The apprentice
is the hero of the tale. He learns everything
that is bad, drinking, stealing and worse,
but stops short of murder. When he is IS
he is presented to his grandfather, drunk
en- rascal. Surely the revenge of the one
who died in the gutter is complete. The
grandfather dies and Harold Kramer be-
comes the master of Skelling Towers. He
has the instincts of gentleman, but the old
spirit Of vagabondage overcomes him at
last and he goes back to his old occupation
as bargee. Here the heroine appears on the
scene and, as usual, love finds a way to
reclaim the wanderer.' The pen pictures
of some of the characters are wonderfully
well drawn, and the descriptions of slum
| life in London appeal powerfully to the
reader. One feels that thay must be true
| to life. And the bulldogs-4lt is plain to be
seen that the author is a lover of dogs, and
| that bulldogs are his especial pets. Indeed,
the book is dedicated to two of that breed
by their owner. the author.
KRONSTADT. By Max Pemberton. New
York: D. Appleton & Co. Cloth, illus
trated, S67 pages. Price, $150.
Mr.. Pemberton's name is guaranty of an
interesting story. Nor does the fact that
there is a strong element of improbability
IN all MS tales lessen the interest OK the
reader One does not stop In the middle OF
an exciting tale to analyze or criticise.
The story opens in the stern, impregnable
fortress Of Kronstadt, the gateway of the
Baltic. Marion Best, the English governess
In the family of the governor Of the fort, is
a spy. She has sent drawings of the for,
to England. She is loved by Captain Pau
Zassulic Of the artillery, and his love re-
mains after he is forced to bear witness
that she is spy. Marion Is confined in the
fortress, but Captain Paul finds the way
tout, and they flee. their faces set toward
England. Captain Paul has turned traitor
he is a man without country, all for tn,
woman he loves.
The chase Of the fugitives who embark
on steam yacht, by a Russian war yes
sci, forms one Of the most thrilling pas
) sages of the story.
England Is finally reached. The girl il
safe under the British flag. but alas! he
! lover is not. High Russian officials in Lon
don make him their prisoner. But tn
: idea is conceived that Marion, as the wifi
Of Paul, a Russian officer, could not be
} traitress to the government She prove
J that she could IL she were SO inclined. max
J drawings Of the whole fortress of Kron
| stadt, but as Paul's wife, as Russian sub