AustLit

Criminal double-cross in England. A newly released prisoner is approached by an old classmate, a jeweller, to rob his premises and thus mask his bankruptcy. He does so only to find that the jewels are fake and for his revenge tracks the jeweller to his house and robs him of the gems he has hidden there. He is caught by the police and though he is sentenced to 14 years gaol, his 'friend's' bankruptcy case is ruined. Competent. (PB)

Domestic felicity. Women should be happy to have their husbands' company no matter what they wish to do for their comfort - smoking included. He pays for the house after all ... (PB)

Broken romance in an English coastal town. A youthful romance between childhood friends is interrupted when Walter goes to Yokohama for his uncle's tea business. The letters stop, but Philippa's faithful hope is not finally killed until she cares for a woman nearly drowned in a storm - and discovers she is Walter's wife ... Their betrayed engagement does not end her love - the love of a lifetime. Well-crafted, light. (PB)

Destruction of the last American buffalo. Pathos and man's indifference. (PB)

Tale of the California goldfields. An 'idiot' is given a claim at Lucky Gulch and cared for by the miners. When a stranger comes to the diggings 'kitten' helps rescue their gold from his raid - and reveals his true identity. Slgiht. (PB)

Romance and murder in an English village in the 1820s. A squire's jealousy and momentary anger kill a handsome farmer on the way to his wedding. Ten years later the squire marries the intended bride and they live 30 happy years together. A confession is found only after the squire's death. Slight substance; well-written. (PB)

Robert McPherson, a Scots chaplain to a Highland Regiment fighting in Quebec and incidents from his life. (PB)

A murder is eventually traved to a German carpenter and his wife through a workman's button, the arrival of a twin brother, and a loosened board on a water tank. The wife imposes on the family of a crude young farmer who wishes to marry her but leaves the district - abandoning his mother and sister when all is revealed ... (PB)

Aunt Pennifeather and Frances try to get rid of a mouse - that is finally revealed as an old kidglove. Domestic humour. (PB)

Pleasant romance begun idly on a train and furthered by an accidental mix-up of luggage. Then the artist discovers that the owner of the bag is a friend's sister. Slight. (PB)

A young English doctor assists unexpectedly during a duke's illness and - on the eve of emigrating to Australia to earn a living - so begins a very successful London practice. (PB)

Lively romance. Nellie Boulton meets Arthur Glynne, recently arrived in England from Australia, at a ball. She proceeds to promise to find a wife for him to take back to the colonies - but in the process they fall in love with each other ... Entertaining and sprightly. (PB)

A story of two London peers, a street-boy, and a policeman hit on the ear with a snowball. Humour. (PB)

A visitation from a white-robed figure to the Bishop of Chichester in 1794 is finally explained ... Brief. (PB)

Domestic humour - Mr Jenkins' determination to go to bed without answering questions and Mrs Jenkins repsonse. (PB)