13 NOVEMBER 1897, Page 25

The Homeward Voyage. By Harry Collingwood. (S.P.C.K.)— A fast Australian

clipper, just before leaving port for England, has a consignment of two millions-worth of gold. Not, however, before an audacious Yankee gets wind of the affair and ships with his pals as passengers. Amos P. Smith soon declares himself in his true colours, and then the fun begins. The narrative is told by a retired naval Lieutenant, who eventually is compelled to navigate the ship, with what success it is not for us to say. The American is a capital character, and the sparring which goes on between him and the Lieutenant is excellent reading. The most surprising incident is Frunel's behaviour ; indeed, no reader will be prepared for it. The Homeward Voyage is in some respects rather beyond a boy's book, yet it is a very good story and safe to be liked by boys.