12 DECEMBER 1891, Page 27

King's Ferry, by the Author of "Stanwood Hall" (National Society's

Depository), is a very good story of the days of the press- gang. Master Marrable, who is the central figure of the plot, and who styles himself a ship's doctor, but is really " wanted " for crimes, is an almost Stevensonian sketch of a shifty scoundrel ; while the Lydgates, father and son, are good examples of the human amphibia to be found in such a town as Weymouth. In addition to treachery and adventure, superstition, in the shape of "the Luck of the Lydgates," is introduced very skilfully into King's Ferry. Altogether, this is a very readable as well as skilfully designed story.