Charlotte, a young British girl, befriends an American rebel prisoner during the Revolutionary War. Charlotte Darrington is a British girl living in England during the Revolutionary War. She is thoughtful and kind, and although Americans are the enemy, she feels bad sharing the spoils of a raided house. Nevertheless she accepts a doll, Patty, that is given to her as a present, liking the mischievous sparkle in its eye.
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Following the sudden appearance of an escaped American rebel at her family's house, Charlotte and her 3 siblings travel to Uncle Lawrence's mansion where she sees the same rebel, bound and guarded, but still defiant. She finds out from Uncle Lawrence that Randal Everard Baltimore, or ‘the reb' as he is nicknamed, is in fact notorious for his ingenious escapes, but Uncle assures her that this time he is safely imprisoned. Intrigued, Charlotte keeps questioning Uncle Lawrence but he brushes her off irritably.
Charlotte feels bad for the reb; since he will not give his parole he is confined to the dark, dungeon-like penance cell in the bowels of the house. She and her siblings buy him a gift, and unwittingly provide him with with tools to escape. However, he is caught once again while trying to help his clumsy friend escape.
Charlotte visits the reb after his capture and finds that he is deathly ill, having caught pneumonia from the wet weather and dank, sordid conditions of his cell. Due mainly to Charlotte's persistence, the reb is moved to a nicer room and a doctor is summoned. He slowly recovers and the children develop a cautious friendship with him. However, Charlotte sends a (metaphorical) dagger through his heart when she shows him her doll. Randall recognizes it as his sister's doll and realizes that it was Charlotte's family who raided his house.
After his recovery, the reb gives his parole, resolved not to escape until the said clumsy friend recovers from a back injury. The children are glad of any event that keeps the reb with them a little while longer, finding him a most pleasing companion.
The whole family likes the reb. The children continue to bond with him, as his sunny disposition wins their hearts, and he is allowed more freedom around the house and grounds. The children's mother appreciates his patience and intelligence, and employs him as a tutor. Even Uncle Lawrence's parents admire his polite manners and maturity. However, Uncle Lawrence is constantly rude around Randal, and one day we find out why. The reb was stationed at the same camp where Uncle Lawrence's best friend, Major Andre, was hanged. Uncle Lawrence blames the reb for the death of his friend. Much later Uncle Lawrence has a change of heart when he finds out that the reb in fact tried to save Andre from the humiliation. His and the reb's friendship blossoms, but no one can forget that the reb is still a prisoner and they are his guards.
The reb and Uncle Lawrence devise an odd but foolproof system, using the doll as the daily signal of parole, but one day, although the doll is in the appointed place at the appointed hour, the reb is gone. Everyone feels less anger at his deceptiveness than sadness that he betrayed their trust. But upon further investigation, they find that as part of his wildly clever plan he substituted the old doll with a similar one, so technically he did not break his parole. Although he is once again fighting against their side, they harbor no ill will towards him and hope only for his safety.
Best part of story, including ending:
The reb's politeness, determination, loyalty, and cheerfulness made him a likable character.
Best scene in story:
Charlotte's mama is making the Reb outfits from Uncle Lawrence's old clothes. The Reb picks out all the components of an American soldier's uniform and tricks the mom. Uncle Lawrence is disgusted when he sees it.
Opinion about the main character:
Charlotte does not see only black and white. Although the Reb is one of the enemy she sees him as another human being. Her openminded thinking and friendly disposition make her a good friend.
