SAVAGE GENTLEMAN

High adventure and romance during the French and Indian wars, told with an enthusiasm and flair that almost salvages a hackneyed plot and thin characters from oblivion. Jeffrey Wyatt, gentleman victim of skullduggery at home, is sold as an indentured servant in the American colonies, and there falls in love with his master's daughter, Leah. By dint of hard work, a hair-raising year as a Seneca prisoner, and eventually a well-earned position of dignity in the colonial army. Jeff emerges as a full-fledged hero worthy of his lovely lady's hand and eager to stay in the new land for which he has fought, though the clearing of his name has made possible his return to England. Bits of frontier life, Indian customs (including an interlude with a savage princess), war with the scout troops against the French and Indians provide spice and glamor without the heavy hand of over-documentation. No strain on the imagination of the reader as most of it seems familiar terrain, but that may recommend it to some.