This is another of Buchan's early historical novels; this one is set in the Border country at the time of the Covenanting period in Scotch history. As in his other historical romances, it is replete with descriptions of the countryside and name dropping of places and towns that will send you screaming for a map. While the basic narrative is in plain English, several characters speak only in the Scotch brogue. Where's that dictionary when I need it? J.B. is our typical hero of the times. Heir to landed property in love with our landed heroine, he nonetheless seeks his fortune on the continent. Oh yes, and early in his young life, he manages easily to become the lifelong nemesis of a military cousin who also has designs on the young heiress. Ah, the eternal triangle! Along his way he encounters and defeats not only his cousin, but also several bad guys: all of whom he graciously allows go their merry way. The interaction among several of the supporting characters J.B. and his cousin will bring out a rather strange sense of loyalty to kith and kin in our hero. Once again, Buchan has picked up where Scott left off in the chronicle of their homeland.

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