Duncan, Norman. [Cruise of the “Shining Light.”] †$1.50. Harper.
7–15117.
The skipper of the Will-o’-the-Wisp steers his craft upon a reef in a furious gale, drowning seven men and surrendering his own life in order that the “pot o’ money” in the undertaking may “make a gentleman” of his little Dannie. He hastily bequeaths Dannie to Nick Top, a ship-mate, charging him to “fetch un up as his mother would have un grow.” True to his oath, Nick, the seamed and scarred survivor of many wrecks, assumes the education of Dannie, comes to love him and to abhor the rascality and the crime involved in securing the “pot o’ money.” “I’ll not be sorry—not even in hell—for I’ll think o’ the years when you was a wee little lad, an’ I’ll be content t’ remember.” “A story of mystery, of love, of quaint humor and vigorous action.”
“The characters are real, the action vigorous, the mystery really illusive, the love theme well handled, and all is touched with a quaint and delightful humor.”
| + | A. L. A. Bkl. 3: 134. My. ’07. ✠ |
“This is distinctly the most ambitious, and, we think the best, book that Mr. Duncan has written. The matter is original, and the whole is entertaining, despite the fact that the author overdoes such locutions as ‘the boy that was I’ to an extent which sometimes becomes irritating.”
| + + − | Ath. 1907, 2: 547. N. 2. 170w. |
“An achievement that marks a long forward stride in Mr. Duncan’s career.” Frederic Taber Cooper.
| + + | Forum. 39: 118. Jl. ’07. 440w. |