deeply regret his act when he too discovers the truth. The soldiers learn that they are in danger of being taken to America and disappear in the night. The children have some anxious moments before they discover that the soldiers have determined to return to their original home in Haworth, now a museum dedicated to the Brontës. Their march across the countryside is fraught with peril, but they finally reach safe haven with the protection of the Genii. Characters Max Morley, an 8-year-old boy Jane Morley, his 11-year-old sister Philip Morley, his 14-year-old brother Mr. and Mrs. Morley, their parents Mrs. Hodgson, Mrs. Morley's help in the house Bill, Mr. Morley's help on the farm Mr. Howson, a parson and Brontë fan Christopher Howson, his son Seneca D. Brewer, an American professor Mr. Kettlewell, a local farmer A reporter from the local paper Wooden soldiers Butter Crashey, the Patriarch of the Twelves Stumps, formerly Frederick Guelph, Duke of York – Max Morley's protégé Alexander Sneaky, formerly Buonaparte – Branwell Brontë's protégé The Duke of Wellington – Charlotte Brontë's protégé Parry – Emily Brontë's protégé Ross – Anne Brontë's protégé Gravey – Jane Morley's protégé Cheeky, the surgeon Bravey Crackey Monkey Tracky Animals Brutus, the Morleys' cat Rover, Mr. Kettlewell's dog A water rat Allusions to other works The source for the adventures recounted to Max by the Patriarch of the Twelves is The History of the Young Men by Branwell Brontë. Parson Howson mentions the book and Mrs. Morley finds a copy which she intends to read to Max. This book convinces older brother Philip that the Morley soldiers are the Brontë ones. Jane Morley has just finished reading Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, which she loves, and she christens the handsome Mr. Howson "Mr. Rochester" after the hero. See also Brontë family: Literary evolution Anne Brontë: Education Branwell Brontë: Youth, with map of Angria References External links —immediately, first US edition British children's novels Children's fantasy novels Carnegie Medal in Literature winning works Novels set in Yorkshire Sentient toys in fiction 1962 British novels Faber and Faber books 1962 children's books