Condition - Acceptable - Ex library
Hardback 
 
The story, illustrated by the author, is set in England during the Middle Ages, as the Black Death (bubonic plague) is sweeping across the country. 
 
Young Robin is to be sent away to become a knight like his father, but his dreams are endangered when he loses the use of his legs. A doctor reassures Robin that the weakness in his legs is not caused by the plague. His parents are away, serving the king and queen during war, and the servants abandon the house, fearing the plague. Robin is saved by Brother Luke, a friar, who finds him and takes him to St. Mark's, the monastery where Brother Luke lives, and cares for him.
 
Brother Luke teaches Robin how to read using the Bible, how to swim as exercise, whittling and wood carving and how to use crutches he assists in crafting, to be independent and build self-confidence, but Robin also learns patience and strength from the friar. The friar tells him that before overcoming a challenge you must first find "the door in the wall".