15 NOVEMBER 1884, Page 22

The Pirate Island. By Harry Collingwood. (Blackie and Son.)— The

story opens with a very spirited account of a rescue by a life- boat. The young hero of this adventure (who swims with a rope to the wreck) then takes service in a collier. The end of the 'Betsy Jane' is told with much spirit. Then comes the main story. " Bob " joins the Galatea,' and passes through a set of most surprising adventures. No reader, however insatiable in respect of startling incideots, can complain of the provision made for his tastes in The Pirate Island. Mr. Collingwood's drama is provided with the usual characters, and these are moved with more than usual vigour and skill.