THE PICTS AND THE MARTYRS

Either you are or you aren't a Ransome-Swallows-Amazons fan. I am. And I rejoice when a new Arthur Ransome picks up those long-loved characters. This is a story of two of the Swallows, Nancy and Peggy, and Dorothea and Dick whom we met in at least one other book, find themselves in for it when, instead of a delightful two weeks of sailing and picnicking and a certain amount of the laboratory work dear to Dick's heart, minus all adults but Cookie and the elusive Timothy, they find that Great Aunt is descending upon them as chaperon -- and Nancy and Peggy take on the role of Martyrs, while the visiting Dick and Dorothea hide out in a woods hut, as ""Picts"". They have some close calls, and plenty of excitement (customary with Nancy in charge) but all turns out well, and the G A departs in innocent belief that her nieces are reformed characters. There's a good deal of sailing -- and a good story.