Bobby, Lord of Acton Waters

Do you secretly admire kids who talk back, who break the rules and defy their elders? Meet Bobby, age 11. He rules a castle and all the lands around it. No one tells him what to do. He refuses to go to school, eat spinach, or even take a bath. 

One thing eludes Bobby. He can't order people to like him. One day a wandering minstrel comes to town - Fahd, from faraway North Africa. He sings for small change and cures minor ailments. He has no possessions, but he quickly acquires a hundred fans and friends. What's his secret?

Bobby vows to find out. He hits the road, destination unknown, as Fahd's assistant. Travelers, as they walk along, tell about their lives, and Bobby starts to feel a new sympathy for his fellow humans. He and Fahd then quit the music business and launch a grand risky scheme to make the world a better place.

I. The Young Earl     9

II. The Tunisian Beggarman 14 

III. The Road            20

IV. The Man Who Turned Left 24

V. Alison, Countess of Acton Waters 27

VI. The Vicar of Beckham 29

VII. Gambrell 34

VIII. The Shepherdess 39

IX. A Great Deed 45

X. Alison in Love 49

XI. Rembert the Ruthless 56

XII. The Gallant Halberdier 63

XIII. The Mystery of the Ironbound Chest 68

XIV. The Plan Takes Shape 75

XV. The Story of Bruise 77

XVI. The Plan Set in Motion 81

XVII. The Assault 88

XVIII. A Future for Rembert 94

XIX. Settling Up 98

XX. Meetings and Partings102

XXI. The Hermit106

XXII. The Man with Fool Ideas111

XXIII. News from Home115

XXIV. Father Anselm119

XXV. Bobby!122

XXVI. The Royal Legate125

XXVII. Sir George Receives a Visitor129

XXVIII. Madam, with all my heart!133

XXIX. Long live Bobby!137

XXX. Day One142

XXXI. A Better Bobby146

XXXII. Learning the Hard Way150

XXXIII. The Fisherman Returns154

XXXIV. The Cutest Boy in England158

XXXV. "Are you a vegetarian?"163

XXXVI. The High Road169

XXXVII. Full Speed Ahead175

XXXVIII. Merry Christmas!179