Book excerpt: This is a historical novel set in England during the reign of King George II. The novel focuses on the title character, who is similar to Robin Hood, and Philip James Gascoyne, the eleventh Earl of Stretton. Soldiers loyal to King George are searching for those alleged of high treason and are offering a twenty-guinea reward for the death of any traitor or rebel. Philip James Gascoyne has been a fugitive for months after being falsely accused of being a traitor to the King by Sir Humphrey Challoner. John Stitch, the local blacksmith, offers Philip shelter. John Stich also has a friendship with the infamous Beau Brocade, a hooded highwayman who roams the moors holding up coaches to steal from the rich and give to the poor. Beau Brocade is tasked with delivering a letter to Philip's sister, to clear him of being a traitor. Will Beau Brocade succeed in delivering the letter? Will Philip's sister succeed in clearing his name? What happens to Beau Brocade if he is caught?