5 DECEMBER 1908, Page 10

The Dawn at Shanty Bay. By Robert E. Knowles. (Oliphant,

Anderson, and Ferrier. 3s. 6d.)—In this pretty Christmas idyll we are presented with a faithful and loving portrait of a stern old Scotchman, who, having been sundered from his son, the result of a fatal quarrel, is made to commit all sorts of enormities on Christmas Eve to please the daughter of a dying stranger. Ephraim Raynor, the Episcopal friend who tempts him to peril his soul by personating Santa Claus, makes an admirable flint for the old fellow out of which to strike sparks of his dour religion. It is a beautiful study, with the true delicacy of art and the power of a deep insight into Scotch character.