17 NOVEMBER 1888, Page 39

Starwood Hall. By the Author of "A Greek Idyl." (National

Society.)—This will not be a very popular story with boys. There is not sufficient incident of a striking or original character. Still, there is something to praise in it. The dramatic element in the book, such as there is, is certainly good. A young boy living in a quiet country hamlet is fired by a desire to make his fortune in London. He is at length allowed to go to a relative of his living in that city. By a set of mischances, he falls into the hands of a highwayman, whom he takes to be a secret agent of the King. Unconsciously he becomes involved in some of his master's evil

deeds. But, fortunately, he is warned in time, and makes his escape just before the gang are captured. They are hanged at Tyburn, and he is content to seek again his quiet country home. The story is prettily told.