Life — August 12, 1886 — page 6: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“KIDNAPPED.” HAT precious circle of appreciative readers who know skilful literary work independently of popular applause several years ago began to recognize the delightful quality of Robert Louis Stevenson's stories and verses: But when “ The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” was pub- lished he caught the ear of the multitude, and now he has a wide circle of readers, the majority of whom entirely miss what is finest in his work. Blessed is the writer who can please both factions ; for the first fills his heart with that sympathetic praise which is dear to every sensitive nature; the second fills his coffers with the gold which makes a man independent of either praise or censure. * * * ]* “Kidnapped ” (Scribner’s) the multitude who read for simple amusement will find it in rich, healthful abun- dance. Here is a story without a particle of love or senti- ment in it, but it warms the heart, stirs the pulses, and invigorates even a wearied reader. It is a tale of adventure as realistic as a book of exploration, and one is inclined to think more accurate and natural than most of them. Its hero is certainly more unconscious of his heroism. And then, to get back again to those days of Scotch romance, when Campbells and Stewarts were at swords’ points, and physical prowess was the greater part of nobility ! Why, it is as energizing as a boat race. * * * O small part of the story’s realism is due to the fine appreciation and careful portraiture of all those phases of physical exhaustion and suffering to which even heroes are liable when accomplishing great deeds or daring tasks. The real heroism of endurance, when there is no one near to ap- plaud or admire, has seldom been fully appreciated by writers. When the heart is elated and the ambition stirred, even great actions are made easy. * * * HE literary workmanship of this tale is thorough and finished. Honest strength of phrase; clear, definite expression and aggressive force carry the narrative forward at a winning pace. There is exhilaration in such downright Scotch frankness of word and deed. Droch. « NEW BOOKS - (7 IDNAPPED. Memoirs and Adventures of David Balfour. Set forth by Robert Louis Stevenson, New York: Chas. Scribner's Sons. Oblivion, By M. G. McClelland. New York : Henry Holt & Co. Miss Melinda's Opportunity. By Helen Campbell. Boston : Rob- erts Bros. Santa Barbara and Around There. By Edwards Roberts, Boston: Roberts Bros, A MAN OF PROMISE. HEN Jack protests he ’ll keep his word He says so very much about it, From his own warmth may be inferred That there ’s prodigious cause to doubt it. —F. F. Hamilton. NOOSE*PAPER—A death warrant. AT A CLUB NOT FAR FROM MADISON SQUARE. “cc SAY, Harry, lend me a twenty.” “ Certainly, old man. You lent me twenty thousand last winter when I was short, and I shall not forget it.” “My lending days are over. Now I borrow.” “ Why, how is that?” «T discovered the secret of Wall street last April, and —— well, my house belongs to my wife.” A REMARKABLE YOUTH. 6 HAve you any offspring ?” inquired the severe, long- haired passenger, through his nose, of a stranger by his side. “Oh, yes, sir,” was the polite reply, “a son.” “Ah, indeed! Does he use tobacco?” “Never touches it in any form.” “I’m glad to hear that. Tobacco is monstrously sinful. Does he indulge in spirituous liquors ?” “ Never tasted a drop in his life.” “Excellent. Stay out nights?” “No, sir. Never thinks of going out after supper.” “1’m very much pleased to know this, sir. Your son is a remarkable young man.” “Oh, he’s not a young man. baby.” He's a two months’ old F a cooper can go through the Niagara whirlpool in a barrel, and a barber's apprentice in a cork suit, why should not city politicians be obliged to test their fitness for weathering the troubled waters of public life in the same way? It is joyous to think how few would survive it. But Gladstone’s ill success with 47s Cork suit is likely to dis- courage the idea. Say, MICKyY, LET’S WAIT AN’ SEE THE BERLOON GO UP! comicbooks.com