6 DECEMBER 1902, Page 10

The Story of the Sword. By T. S. Peppin. (j.

M. Dent and Co. 33. 6d. net.)—We presume that this is an allegory. Happily, however, it is allowable to read an allegory and not worry oneself about the interpretation. So young people—this is said to be a "story for boys "—may read what Jack did with the mysterious sword which his aunt gave him, and how Hubert, his companion, helped him, and leave alone all questions as to what is meant by Jack, and the aunt, and the sword, and, above all, by the wicked necromancer whom he slays. And if any one of a more inquiring temper is moved to take it up as an allegory, he will, we feel sure, get some good out of it.