Prologue
Get some tea and biscuits, children, then come close to the fire and settle yourselves for an amazing tale. I will start at the beginning, and tell it all. This is a story Grandma wants you to understand and remember. Many tales have been told about Bampfylde Moore Carew, but most people know only part of the story. I will tell you the true story. I know, for I was there. The king of the gypsies was my father.
Papa was a man of many talents who could have chosen any profession and made a success at it, but his head was screwed on another way. He chose instead to become the most famous mumper and scamp in the English speaking world. You know what a mumper is? It means beggar and vagabond. My father was one of the greatest scalawags of all time, and he led a fascinating life full of adventures. Can you believe it? Your sweet grandma’s papa was a trickster and scamp.
Snuggle in here close, and share those blankets. Tonight I will tell you his story. It has ghosts, Indians, costumes, true love, and sailing ships. It even has a secret language! What more could any of us want to talk about on a cold, dark night like this one?
