The Thirsty Sword. By Robert Leighton. (Blackie and Son.) —The
Battle of Largs, in which Hakon of Norway was repulsed by Alexander of Scotland, figures in the tale of The Thirsty Sword, and the events which led up to it are woven into the history of the hero, Kenric of Bute. A stirring historical fiction intrinsi- cally, it is laid in stirring times, when the coast of Scotland was as much under Viking sway as Scottish, and the soul that delighted in battle was ever happy. Mr. Leighton treats these vigorous Northmen in appropriate manner, and we have plenty of action, chiefly fighting, all through the story. These Scandi- navian pirates always have a fascination for boys ; what virtues they had were solid, and especially appeal to young enthusiasm. There is a great deal of good work in The Thirsty Sword, which has some striking characters and descriptions in it. Boys will get a sound notion of the life led by the dwellers in the Western Isles of Scotland at this period of history ; and no one will put down Mr. Leighton's book without having felt a breath of the Viking spirit.
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