THE YEAR 1400 opened with more than usual pea-cefulness in England. Only a few months before, Richard II-weak, wicked, and treacherous-had been dethroned, and Henry IV declared King in his stead. But it was only a seeming peacefulness, lasting but for a little while; for though King Henry proved himself a just and a merciful man-as justice and mercy went with the men of iron of those days-and though he did not care to shed blood needlessly, there were many noble families who had been benefited by King Richard during his reign, and who had lost somewhat of their power and prestige from the...

Yet, though the world's life then was so wicked and black, there yet remained a few good men and women here and there (mostly in peaceful and quiet monasteries, far from the thunder and the glare of the world's bloody battle), who knew the right and the truth and lived according to what they knew; who preserved and tenderly cared for the truths that the dear Christ taught, and lived and died for in Palestine so long ago. This tale that I am about to tell is of a little boy who lived and suffered in those dark middle ages; of how he saw both the good and the bad of men, and of how, by...

The Ruby of Kishmoor by Howard Pyle is an engaging work of adventure fiction that transports readers into the swashbuckling world of pirates and treasure hunts. Set in the 18th century, the story revolves around the quest for a legendary treasure, the titular ruby, drawing readers into a thrilling nautical journey filled with mystery and danger. As a master of historical fiction, Pyle vividly recreates the era's atmosphere, blending action with a strong moral undertone. The narrative is enriched by Pyle's own illustrations, which bring the characters and scenes to life, adding depth to the...