The Garret and the Garden

Ballantyne, R. M.

Aug 2015 · Delmarva Publications, Inc.

About this ebook

 To do him justice, Tommy never had any settled intention of being wicked. His training at the hands of chimney-pot Liz and the gentle Susy had so far affected his arab spirit that he had learned, on the whole, to prefer what he styled upright to dishonourable mischief. For instance, he would not steal, but he had no objection to screen a thief or laugh at his deeds. His natural tenderness of heart prevented his being cruel to dogs or cats, but it did not prevent his ruffling some of the former into furious rage, and terrifying many of the latter into cataleptic fits. 

Ratings and reviews

This is the charming story of David Laidlaw, a young Scotsman who 'comes to Bawbylon' (which is actually London) and becomes unwittingly imbroiled with criminals and blackguards of a mercenary sort. The other half of the story is of Sam and Susy Blake, long separated father and daughter, who meet David on his arrival in London. The character of Tommy Splint (“Splint, ’cause w’en I was picked up, a small babby, at the work’us door, my left leg was broke, an’ they ’ad to putt it up in splints; Tommy, ’cause they said I was like a he-cat; w’ich was a lie!”) is classic - he reminds me of my favorite literary character ever, Capitola from 'The Hidden Hand'. Add to this mix the Scotland Yard (made popular by Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes Series) and this book, though not made of 'classic' detective material, was thoroughly enjoyable!