The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-12-15

agonizing: on the minister's part, because he could not save the soul of the woman he loved; on the girls part, because the man who desired so passionately to save her soul apparently did not love her. Of course, there was no essential harm in Phillys mngling a foolish love potion with Fenns tea when he came to call upon her one afternoon. and she could not be expected to know that monkshood is aeonite. The result was nearly tragic; but John Fem did not die. and his eyes were opened. Perhaps, after all, it was the long-awaited Voice of God which spoke through Roberts lips, bidding Phil ly, despite her wrong-doing. accept her lover as a divine gift. pr. King said 1t was "the voice of common sense" Dr. Lavendar said, reverently, that the two were one
 THE FORTUNE OF THE LANDRAYS" | By Vaughn Kester Illustrated by M Leone Cracker. The Bobbs, Merrill Company Indianapolis.
 A few years ago Vaughan Kester wrote a novel entitled 'rhe Fortunes of the Landrays." owing to series of unfor- tunate circumstances the book was inad- equately published and consequently it vas not given the circulation it so richly dtStiNtd. NoN IL ldS Dtet 1epuDHSupu in an edition which is uniform with 'The Prodigal Judge" and 'The Just and the Unjust" and, like these books. 1t is splendidly Illustrated by NJ. Leone Brack- CT It is representative of Mir. Kester's mature work, and those who learned to know and love this great American au- thor through "The Prodigal Judge and
 'The Just and the Unjust" will find 'tThe Fortunes of the Landrays' possessing the tl,t zl |, books.
 Beginning during those days when the discovery of gold in California drove men wild and thousands lost their lives in the mad scramble for the treasure of the Pa c'fic coast. the narration continues with out Interruption through the period of the civil war and down to a comparatively recent date. It's characters embrace three generations. all of whom by a queer twist of fate find themselves entangled in the drama begun with the western emigration of the first Landrays.
 With the same delicacy of touch and finesse of shading which made the Prod igal Judge and Bob Yancy unusual crea- tions, Mir. Kester treated the people who are the center of interest in The For tunes of the Landrays." and while there are many actors on the scene each and every one of them bears the stamp of
  alone that this is true, for the author has grasped the psychology of his people. and from old Pap Randall. who had ridden on the first stage coach that ever entered the Muskinaum valley of Ohio. down to
 'Reddy" Crittenden, the new-rich cattle king, all reflect the spirit of their times.
 Most of the scene is laid in that part of Ohio which Vaughan Hester knew as a boy, but at times the locale shifts to the great west and shows this country as it was during the California rush. when the plains were dotted with the caravans Of the gold seekers who encountered every danger and hardship and were the prey of contagion. hostile Indians and dangerous white men.
 It is vivid picture MT. Kester has drawn and for the present generation it serves a two-fold purpose. furnishing an entertaining story well as a glimpse oi life as it was lived in this country dur ing time which is fast becoming but a hazy memory. Carefulness of telling. g