The Curse of Carne's Hold. By G. A. lienty. (Spencer
Blackett.) —Mr. Hearty has given us in this volume a variation from his usual entertainment. The historical element exists, but it exists in an episode. A certain Ronald Mervyn is accused of a horrible murder, tried for the crime, and acquitted, but acquitted in such a way that he cannot look upon himself as cleared. This is the plot proper of the tale. It is skilfully contrived. That no reader will divine the end, we cannot affirm ; indeed, one or two hints are given which an observant person will notice, and which would, we think, be better away. Still, the denouement will, we do not doubt, be a genuine surprise to many. So far, then, the story is good. It is horrible, it is true ; but there is a strong public taste for horrors, and Mr. Henty does not go beyond proper limits. And the episodical part of the story is good. Ronald Mervyn enlists in the Cape Mounted Rifles, and in that corps goes through some very stirring adventures. The rescue of Mary Armstrong from the kraal of the Kaffir chief is admirably told. Altogether, The Curse of Carne's Hold is a success.
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