A rousing story with overtones of fantasy (though everything in real) harks back to the Robin Hood qualities of the England in which it is as it carries its modern adventure through from startling beginning to satisfying . It all begins on a post- measles visit of leremy, 12, to his Aunt Eleanor, a young painter who lives in a West Country village. When Jeremy arrives one of the first things he hears about is Castlecombe, until recently owned by the Palfrey family and now assiduously guarded by ""keepers"" who allow no one within the walls. Then one night Jeremy hears a faintly sounded trumpet call and receives an arrow with a note on it beseeching his help and friendship. Entering the grounds next day, he meets Sal and Clive, the old Earl of Castlecomb's grandchildren and they tell him their sad tale. The estate was sold from bankruptcy but now there is a hidden treasure which, if found before the new owner can lay his hands on it, will save Castlecombe for the Palfreys. Staying hidden and protected from an increasingly more vicious bunch of ""keepers"" forms an exciting prelude to the discovery of the treasure, which is increased by a new happiness for Aunt Eleanor as well.