2 DECEMBER 1922, Page 22

THE SECRET OF THE SWORD. By Draycott M. Dell. (Jarrolds.

5s. net.)

We have here a superlative example of fine writing. "Good- bye, my blade—good-bye." This is the address of a dying man to his sword. The story might be vaguely described as one of foreign adventure. It is not particularly easy to follow and we confine ourselves to specimens of the composition. "Part of the Marquis's princely estate near Seville had just been lost in one throw. What cared he for the sea, that was a medium for the conquest of land rather than a thing to be conquered and won ? " "Dice on I " he cried. They diced," &c. &e. Later on the story degenerates into more ordinary English. That is excusable. Who could keep it up ?