Theo, a fugitive from the law, becomes embroiled in adventures with a roguish doctor and in incendiary plots of revolutionaries in Westmark, a land ruled by villainous Chief Minister Cabbarus. Episodic chapters with cliff hanging endings and plenty of action make this exciting as a read-aloud. (9-13 years)

A boy fleeing from criminal charges falls in with a charlatan, his dwarf attendant, and an urchin girl, travels with them about the kingdom of Westmark, and ultimately arrives at the palace where the king is grieving over the loss of his daughter.