The Young Cavalier: A Story of the Civil Wars

"The Young Cavalier: A Story of the Civil Wars" by Percy F. Westerman is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, the story focuses on young Humphrey Markham, who grapples with his desire to fight for his royalist father's cause while navigating the turmoil surrounding him. The beginning hints at themes of bravery, loyalty, and the challenges of youth amidst war’s chaos. The opening of the story introduces readers to Humphrey Markham, a fifteen-year-old boy stuck at school during the summer holidays due to the outbreak of civil war in 1642. Frustrated by being away from his family and home, Humphrey dreams of joining his father, who has gone to serve the King. Alongside his friend Ralph Granville, he experiences a series of events that reveal the looming conflict, including a public speech by a rebellious mayor inciting the townsfolk against the King. After witnessing increasing tensions and military movement, the boys make a pivotal decision to leave school and join the royalist cause, thanks to an encounter with a colonel bearing urgent royal dispatches. This sets the stage for their forthcoming adventures and the trials they must face. (This is an automatically generated summary.)