ABSTRACT
The Master of Ballantrae, accordingly, is, in at least its general characteristics, quite as unlike Treasure Island as that is unlike Kidnapped, and as all three are unlike Prince Otto, and as all four are unlike the Black Arrow. Almost the only expression of dislike that authors have for The Master of Ballantrae connects itself with this style, and concerns that characteristic which Mr. Stevenson's most incompetent admirers admire most—its excessive, and sometimes intrusive, elaboration. He has imposed an additional hamper upon himself and has unnecessarily constrained his story by putting it all in the mouth of the steward Ephraim Mackellar. The detached and detachable passages are more brilliant, and the evolution of the story is better managed, and especially more complete. Mr. Stevenson may pish and pshaw at occasional conceits of style, he may note reminiscences of Barry Lyndon and other things, he may sometimes wish to be rid of him for a time.
