21 NOVEMBER 1908, Page 9

The Goldsmith of Chepe. By Tom Bevan. (R.T.S. 3s. 6d.)—

This a "Tale of the Plague Year." Elias Hodgson conies to seek his fortune in London, and at a most unlucky time. Not only are the "wells of charity dried up" by the prevailing trouble, but the very ties of kinship are broken. But he does not stay in London. He seeks and finds adventures elsewhere. Ho breaks out of the prison into which his wicked uncle has contrived that he should be cast by the help of some more than doubtful allies. We must not anticipate Mr. Bevan's tale. It is full of changes and surprises, somewhat conventional, it may be, in themselves, but skilfully put together.