Chapter 10: The Packman's Visit

The Child of the Moat

by Ian Bernard Stoughton HOLBORN (1872 - 1935)

Ian Holborn (professor of archaeology and a writer) was on board the RMS Lusitania when it was torpedoed, and as it sank he rescued a 12 year old girl named Avis Dolphin. She later complained that books for girls were not very interesting, so he decided to write one for her "as thrilling as any book written for boys!" This book is dedicated to her. From the Preface: This story is not written for grown-ups, and if they want to know why it begins with such a gruesome first chapter, let them ask the children. Children like the horrors first and the end all bright. Many grown-ups like the tragedy at the end. But perhaps the children are right and the grown-ups are standing on their heads. - Summary by Beth Thomas

Listen next episodes of The Child of the Moat:
Chapter 11: Swords and Questionings , Chapter 12: ''Moll O'the Graves'' , Chapter 13: Coming Events Cast Shadows , Chapter 14: Goodbye , Chapter 15: The Terror of the Mist , Chapter 16: A Desperate Task , Chapter 17: Carlisle , Chapter 18: A Diplomatic Victory , Chapter 19: The Loss , Chapter 20: Persecution , Chapter 21: Torture , Chapter 22: To the Rescue , Chapter 23: A Duel to the Death , Chapter 24: A Ride in Vain , Chapter 25: Amazing Discoveries , Chapter 26: The Battle of Liddisdale , Chapter 27: The Birthday Party , Chapter 28: The Last Adventure , Chapter 29: A Tale of a Tub , Chapter 30: The Great Iron Chest and Afterword