In the Queen's Navee. By Commander C. N. Robinson, R.N.,
and John Leyland. (Griffith, Farran, and Co.)-1 story of adventure for boys, this book is notable for containing not too little but too much in the way of such adventure. The exciting incidents related here are to be regarded as but preliminaries to events of much greater importance, for although Philip Chancellor, of North Queensland, cadet, on his way to join H.M.S. 'Britannia,' has all sorts of experiences of the kind that can possibly be conjured up by such dread names as kangaroos, crocodiles, icebergs, pirates, and mutineers, we are asked to believe that these are "but a flea-bite" in comparison with what must have fallen to his lot when he figured as a full-blown British officer. They will seem exciting enough, however, to satisfy the ordinary boy-reader, if not Philip Chancellor himself. His hairbreadth escapes are full of go, and yet have a lifelike look, owing doubtless to their obvious accuracy in such matters as local colouring. There is not much of sentiment in the story, at all events in the weaker or more feminine sense. But we have an abundance of the bravery and loyalty of sailors, and the practical gratitude of the unfortunate native whom Philip helps to save from a crocodile is well brought out.
Previous page
