7 JANUARY 1882, Page 34

Derval Hampton ; a Story of the Sea. By James

Grant. 2 vols. (W. H. Allen and Co.)—Mr. Grant likes, it would seem, to show his versatility. We all know that he is at home in the camp ; and now he invites us to accompany him on shipboard. The young hero is sent to sea by a stepmother, who is quite the saeva noverca of the Classical poets ; but, thanks to his own prudence and the folly of his enemies, escapes unharmed. The wit of his step-mother, indeed, was not equal to her malice, for she seta about her plot against Dervars life in an incredibly foolish fashion. The young hero, of course—as is the custom with these young gentlemen when they go to sea—saves the heroine's life, and after many obstacles—bat our readers may,. if they see fit, find out the ending for themselves. The story, if not- to be compared with Mr. Grant's beat efforts, is quite readable.