2 NOVEMBER 1889, Page 42

Cast Away. By Esmb Stuart. (National Society.)—We suppose that there

must be authenticated cases of children cast ashore alive from wrecked ships. Anyhow, it is a convenient way of bringing in one of the elements of a future surprise. An author thus at a stroke gets rid of the child's belongings, whom it is always possible to bring again upon the scene when they are wanted. Miss Stuart has constructed a readable story out of this and other familiar ingredients,—a son who has quarrelled with a stern father, smugglers, honest sailors, and the like. The pursuit across Morecambe Sands, the escape of Tom

and his companions, and the fate of Toppin (who, by-the-way, must have been demented to act in the way that is represented), make a very exciting narrative.