12 DECEMBER 1896, Page 24

Young Lochinvar. By J. E. Muddock. (Chatto and Windus.) —There

is plenty of spirit in this tale of the Border, and such chieftains as Johnstone, Lochinvar, Musgrave, and Grierne have quite the fiery Border temperament about them. Mr. Muddock gives us a very good idea of the somewhat peculiar notions with regard to chivalry cf the Border. Young Lochinvar, who is represented as a rather fickle gallant, does not perform his famous elopement till the last few pages ; but the story is readable, and the incident of the Johnstone-Musgrave feud is vigorously told. Alex. Johnstone is a somewhat lurid presentment of the Border Scot minus any notions of honour whatsoever. This is one of Mr. Muddock's best stories and will delight a great many boys.