When the Darrington children learn that their Uncle Lawrence must house a young prisoner of war from the American colonies, they imagine him to be an uncivilized rebel. They soon discover that Major Randall E. Baltimore is a clever, well-educated young man who brings many surprises to their dreary days.

Randall manages to endear himself to everyone in the household, except Uncle Lawrence who recently lost a good friend in the war. Randall's confidence and personality win him a position as the children's tutor, but Uncle Lawrence suspects that this young spy has not lost his determination to escape. Can Randall return to fight for the cause he holds so dear without losing the respect of his new found friends? Readers will find themselves sympathizing with both sides of this conflict in Constance Savery's unusual take on the American War for Independence.

Jennifer Minicus is a mother and teacher currently living in Ridgewood, NJ.