10 AUGUST 1889, Page 26

More Sail than Ballast. By C. A. Montresor. (W. H.

Allen.)— This is the story of a "prodigal son," a Suabian pastor's son, who wrecks his life through want of sufficient ballast. It is a simple, well-told story, with a pathetic ending, well worked out. The return of the prodigal is very touching, and quite appropriate to the thoroughly consistent character of the thoughtless, aimless; and clever good-for-nothing. The country Snabian life on the one hand, and the dissolute Grand-Ducal Court on the other, are described with mach skill and care. More Sail than Ballast is a good novel with a good moral.