THE BLACK LOCH

by Patricia Leitch ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 26, 1968

The beauty and strength of the Water Horse and the long years of service given by your family atone very slightly for some of the evil of the world."" That's how black-haired Uncle Vincent explains to black-haired Kay and cousin Edgar the contemporary calling forth of the creature from the black loch by servant Fergus' piping. Uncle Vincent rightly suspects some centuries-old bond between the black-haired beauty and the beast, realizes she will replace him as guardian when he dies--all this as Fergus' Gray Ones (pet wolves that the uninitiated call dogs) wail accordingly. But naughty nasty Edgar crossed his fingers when he promised not to tell, and in return for a wad of bills (which falls out of his pocket as he blows his nose) he tips off the visiting animal collector about the fantastic animal's whereabouts. Kay and another cousin rescue the kidnapped, drugged Horse and she rides ""as the Valkyries ride, free of the earth"" back to the loch where Fergus waits to take the animal to a new secret home. Forced urgency in tartan dress, an overwrought tableau.

Pub Date: April 26, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Funk & Wagnalls

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1968

Categories: FICTION