The Martyr of Menem. By Robert Somers. (Sampson Low and
Co.)—Mr. Somers deserves, wo think, some credit for his treatment of a theme so oft rehearsed ; but in spite of all efforts to be patient, we have been "sin this long while a'mnist weary o' Clavers an' his troopers." The story is not without its picturesque local colouring; there is occasionally a touch of humour, though but slight, and some good descriptive bits scattered through the volumes, till the tragic: close is reached,—perhaps not too soon for the reader, who may in- deed sup on horrors, if he will. Farmer Wilson, of Glonvernoch, is a fair example of Scotch shrewdness and caution. The dialogue between him and the hectoring Captain Strachan, who tries to make the farmer understand his duty as a loyal subjoot—namely, to burn all rebels houses---is well sustained :—" If 3ro understate," says the Captain, "the hoose-burning decree, I should like to pass on. Do ye understand it P" "Ii is a new revelation to me, Captain Straehan," said Glenvernoch "an' it's very entertaining, so far as it has gane ; but it's difficult to say what ane understan's fully. Yet as thing I am sure o',—there are nae rebels, as ye have defeened, on the farm of Glonvernoch; and the moist business-like way will be to send me a list what homes ye think shoed be burnt doon, an' I'll then send yo a perfittly ceevil answer, and toll ye whether I'll burn them doort,or no."
Previous page
