5 DECEMBER 1908, Page 9

The Bravest Gentleman in Prance. By Herbert Hayens. (T. Nelson

and Sons. 2s. 6d.)—It is almost inevitable that an author who writes of old-world France should challenge comparison with -a well-known novelist who has made this field of fiction particu- larly his own. But it must be acknowledged that Mr. Hayens comes well out of the ordeal, though he has still further compli- eatod the situation by his choice of a title. The hero, who goes by the name of Louis Greville, recounts his adventures in the stirring times when Cardinal Richelieu ruled France in the name of Louis KM. And these, with the additional interest of a mysterious origin, make a well-worked-out tale. The illustrations are above the average and not too numerous.