Mystery story, without any horrors, but with its share of suspense. The period is fairly current -- dictators, unrest in Balkan states play their part. Four English children, with parents in India, go for the holidays to an unknown step-uncle in Cornwall, and stumble on a mysterious lodger in a forbidden spot on the place. They take their courage in hand and brave the unknown, and find the kidnapped young king of the imaginary Balkan kingdom. Readable tale, well told.