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The Light in the Robber's Cave, by A.l.o.e.
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1862. Excerpt: ... it is of no avail! you will only turn your brain altogether!" exclaimed Marco, as Horace approached him, and to the no small alarm of the fugitive, the bandit actually laid a strong heavy hand on his shoulder. "Speranza!" muttered Horace, shaking himself loose from a grasp which seemed to him like that of death. The fugitive could scarcely believe the evidence of his own senses when he found himself actually striding onwards beyond the perilous spot. He expected every moment to be overtaken by a bullet, or to hear a sudden shout of recognition. He dared not look behind him, nor much quicken his steps, but instinctively he held his breath till he had gained the wood at the further end of the ledge. Then indeed a low fervent thanksgiving burst from the lips of Horace, and he felt himself really free. The sound of falling water had every minute become more and more distinct. Horace, with eager hope, hurried forward in the direction from "whence it came. Yet a little struggling through bramble and bush, trying the most direct way rather than the clearest, while still listening with painful anxiety for sound of pursuit, and the youth reached the bank of a stream which was rushing on as if eager to plunge madly down into the valley. The trunk of a tree lay over it, cutting with its dark rough outline the path of quivering silver which the moonbeams had thrown across the waters. Here must have been the scene of the fearful catastrophe which Marco had related. Horace shuddered at the sight of those dark rapid waters in which a fellow-creature so lately had perished. He had now, however, no time for reflecting on the untimely fate of the wretched Enrico; remembering the directions of Eaphael, Horace was about to track the upward course of the stream, when he was s...
42 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1887
2 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
A.L.O.E.
234 books37 followersCharlotte Maria Tucker, the English author, who wrote under the pseudonym A.L.O.E (a Lady of England), was the daughter of Henry St George Tucker (1771-1851), a distinguished official of the British East India Company. From 1852 till her death she wrote many stories for children, most of them allegories with an obvious moral, and devoted the proceeds to charity. In 1875 she left England for India to engage in missionary work, and died at Amritsar on the 2nd of December 1893.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 17, 2020
A high-tension Victorian novel with a young man kidnapped by European banditti and held for ransom. He knows they will kill him at any provocation, but one man in the group seems to be of a softer heart. He determines to do his best to share Jesus with the banditti before he is called to meet with his Maker...
April 11, 2019
Beautiful. Beautiful. 😢😢
This book is extremely deep . . . nevertheless it played with my emotional chords.
This book is extremely deep . . . nevertheless it played with my emotional chords.
December 2, 2021
I highly recommend this book. Not only does it have an excellent lesson about honoring our parents and living unselfishly, it is also action-packed. I love Raphael and his music. While Horace the reckless youth is the main character, there is a side story of the two brothers, Enrique and Raphael. The way Raphael sacrificed for his brother's soul is very touching. If you love a tense story with a great lesson, then this book is for you!
October 25, 2019
Beautiful. Just Beautiful.
And the music 😍 It owns a special place in my heart. . .
And the music 😍 It owns a special place in my heart. . .
April 25, 2023
Love, sacrifice, and grace shown to the undeserving. Lots of dangerous situations.
My children love the audio drama from Lamplighter but this was our first time reading the book.
Read to my children at lunch.
2017 A book recommended by a friend. (Calvin)
2023 Read to my children at lunch
G3 A book from last year’s Challenge
My children love the audio drama from Lamplighter but this was our first time reading the book.
Read to my children at lunch.
2017 A book recommended by a friend. (Calvin)
2023 Read to my children at lunch
G3 A book from last year’s Challenge
July 24, 2023
In the east,
A trembling light
Promises a brighter dawn
Woe endureth for a night
But joy comes in the morning
I doubt I would be the person I am today without this book.
I actually fell in love with the story years before finding the actual book thanks to Lamplighter's radio drama (found here: https://lamplighter.net/product/drama...). Both versions of the story complement each other incredibly well.
It's easy to review a book like this and say "despite the darker themes, I loved it", but I'm not going to do that here, because there's no "despite" about it. The depraved banditti and the agonizing wrestle Horace goes through with his own sin all serve a purpose in the hands of a master storyteller. She doesn't flinch away from the darkness of Raphael's post here in the robber's cave, yet she uses it to cast light on the peace and the courage that are far greater than any den of evil.
Lamplighter's stated mission is to "build Christ-like character one story at a time". Growing up with the radio drama and now reading the book for the first time (and then promptly re-reading it), I can say beyond the shadow of a doubt that this story did so. Even beyond capturing my imagination and making me fall in love with the characters, Raphael and Horace and everyone in between have shaped me in my courage, in my faithfulness, and in my hope of a trembling light in the east. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
A trembling light
Promises a brighter dawn
Woe endureth for a night
But joy comes in the morning
I doubt I would be the person I am today without this book.
I actually fell in love with the story years before finding the actual book thanks to Lamplighter's radio drama (found here: https://lamplighter.net/product/drama...). Both versions of the story complement each other incredibly well.
It's easy to review a book like this and say "despite the darker themes, I loved it", but I'm not going to do that here, because there's no "despite" about it. The depraved banditti and the agonizing wrestle Horace goes through with his own sin all serve a purpose in the hands of a master storyteller. She doesn't flinch away from the darkness of Raphael's post here in the robber's cave, yet she uses it to cast light on the peace and the courage that are far greater than any den of evil.
Lamplighter's stated mission is to "build Christ-like character one story at a time". Growing up with the radio drama and now reading the book for the first time (and then promptly re-reading it), I can say beyond the shadow of a doubt that this story did so. Even beyond capturing my imagination and making me fall in love with the characters, Raphael and Horace and everyone in between have shaped me in my courage, in my faithfulness, and in my hope of a trembling light in the east. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
October 21, 2018
A sister in Christ sent me this book to read. It's a treasure! I read it in a few days during my work lunch breaks. It was captivating and a short story. I really enjoyed the purity and simplicity of the book. I love Raphael's character, you see the Spirit of a true disciple of Christ in him. He has the fruit of love and a calmness that comes from God even thru his rough circumstances he is a shining light for Jesus. I won't add quotes from the book but its a definite worthy and edifying read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to others.
August 29, 2022
A stirring tale of one boy's life among bandits, and how it made him grow in Christ. An oldie but good read for sure!
February 15, 2025
2025 Re-read:
Still absolutely amazing! I did a shortish blog post on this book (not a review, just a post)
I will put the link when it is published on the 20th.
2024 Review:
This was amazing! My absolute favorite book!
Horace is captured by a band of robbers and must survive as well as change his selfish lifestyle.
Overview:
Profanity/language: None—the robbers are said to curse a lot, but we don’t get any language spoken.
Romance/sex: None-- I may have missed something that the robbers implied but I don’t think so.
Adventure/Action: There is a mix... There is action and adventure; Horace gets kidnapped/captured and he and Raphael are living in a place where there are dangerous people...
Other: Horace is rude in the beginning to many people. There is a character death. Nothing else to warn about.
Synopsis:
Horace and his mother are travelling through Italy when their coach is way laid by robbers. They set Horace’s mother free so she can travel and get the gang’s son, who was taken prisoner by the law, free. Horace is led to the robber’s cave, where he meets a strong light in the midst of darkness.
The whole story was amazing! I love the idea in the story, and I loved how A.L.O.E wasn’t afraid to put what a true relationship with God was. As an adventure story, this was perfectly done; it wasn’t adventure at every turn, but there was plenty enough to keep me hooked on the story. For me, the story never dragged; I was completely invested in the story. As for inconsistencies, in the first description of Raphael, he had sun-burnt cheeks, and the other times he had pale cheeks, also in my Gutenberg Copy there were some spelling/word mistakes, but that didn’t bother me. I only wish I could hear the songs sung.
The Characters. They were amazing! I really liked Horace’s character arc, though it did seem a bit fast... but I liked how he changed. Can’t give too much more away on that. Raphael would have to be my favourite character though. First of all, he can make up songs and music, just
like that?! Then there is the fact that he is a Christian, the kind of Christian that lives his faith in a group of robbers. That would take an incredible amount of faith and strength to be able to live in such a dark place.
For me, they are real characters; I know what Horace was living is common, but what Raphael is living is what we are called to do. from God.
The style was a common 1880’s style, but I am finding books written in that time draw the readers in more. The authors know how to blend
‘Show not tell’ and descriptions perfectly. I have read some books where they have the description down pat, but they do it to the point of ‘Telling.’ But this book did not do that.
Favorites/Feelings:
My favourite part in this book is when Horace is reading the New Testament for Raphael. It convicted me. Here is this guy, living in a dangerous, dark situation who has a Bible in a language he can barely read, yet he struggles to do so because he recognizes it as a love letter
from God to us. But when I read one of my many Bibles in English, my native language, I don’t pay as much attention to it. Raphael’s hunger for the Word was amazing and convicting.
One of my favorite quotes, of the many that I have, is:
“But does it not damp your spirit,” asked Horace, “to find that your
labor and suffer in vain?” A thoughtful, pensive expression sat on the
brow of the young Italian as he replied, “is there not a promise that
such labor shall not be in vain?”
My favorite character is Raphael; he has such a strong faith and strength to him, he loves God fully and he treasures the Words of God. He also is a singer and healer, both things that are really cool.
I did not want this book to end and I wanted more, but, like the Hobbit, it was a perfectly satisfying ending. What needed to be done was
done, and there was nothing else to say. It definitely encouraged me, and convicted me… is hard to explain exactly what the book made me feel as it was so good!
Another solid five star read that makes me wish Goodreads allowed a
higher rating! Going on my re-read shelf
Still absolutely amazing! I did a shortish blog post on this book (not a review, just a post)
I will put the link when it is published on the 20th.
2024 Review:
This was amazing! My absolute favorite book!
Horace is captured by a band of robbers and must survive as well as change his selfish lifestyle.
Overview:
Profanity/language: None—the robbers are said to curse a lot, but we don’t get any language spoken.
Romance/sex: None-- I may have missed something that the robbers implied but I don’t think so.
Adventure/Action: There is a mix... There is action and adventure; Horace gets kidnapped/captured and he and Raphael are living in a place where there are dangerous people...
Other: Horace is rude in the beginning to many people. There is a character death. Nothing else to warn about.
Synopsis:
Horace and his mother are travelling through Italy when their coach is way laid by robbers. They set Horace’s mother free so she can travel and get the gang’s son, who was taken prisoner by the law, free. Horace is led to the robber’s cave, where he meets a strong light in the midst of darkness.
The whole story was amazing! I love the idea in the story, and I loved how A.L.O.E wasn’t afraid to put what a true relationship with God was. As an adventure story, this was perfectly done; it wasn’t adventure at every turn, but there was plenty enough to keep me hooked on the story. For me, the story never dragged; I was completely invested in the story. As for inconsistencies, in the first description of Raphael, he had sun-burnt cheeks, and the other times he had pale cheeks, also in my Gutenberg Copy there were some spelling/word mistakes, but that didn’t bother me. I only wish I could hear the songs sung.
The Characters. They were amazing! I really liked Horace’s character arc, though it did seem a bit fast... but I liked how he changed. Can’t give too much more away on that. Raphael would have to be my favourite character though. First of all, he can make up songs and music, just
like that?! Then there is the fact that he is a Christian, the kind of Christian that lives his faith in a group of robbers. That would take an incredible amount of faith and strength to be able to live in such a dark place.
For me, they are real characters; I know what Horace was living is common, but what Raphael is living is what we are called to do. from God.
The style was a common 1880’s style, but I am finding books written in that time draw the readers in more. The authors know how to blend
‘Show not tell’ and descriptions perfectly. I have read some books where they have the description down pat, but they do it to the point of ‘Telling.’ But this book did not do that.
Favorites/Feelings:
My favourite part in this book is when Horace is reading the New Testament for Raphael. It convicted me. Here is this guy, living in a dangerous, dark situation who has a Bible in a language he can barely read, yet he struggles to do so because he recognizes it as a love letter
from God to us. But when I read one of my many Bibles in English, my native language, I don’t pay as much attention to it. Raphael’s hunger for the Word was amazing and convicting.
One of my favorite quotes, of the many that I have, is:
“But does it not damp your spirit,” asked Horace, “to find that your
labor and suffer in vain?” A thoughtful, pensive expression sat on the
brow of the young Italian as he replied, “is there not a promise that
such labor shall not be in vain?”
My favorite character is Raphael; he has such a strong faith and strength to him, he loves God fully and he treasures the Words of God. He also is a singer and healer, both things that are really cool.
I did not want this book to end and I wanted more, but, like the Hobbit, it was a perfectly satisfying ending. What needed to be done was
done, and there was nothing else to say. It definitely encouraged me, and convicted me… is hard to explain exactly what the book made me feel as it was so good!
Another solid five star read that makes me wish Goodreads allowed a
higher rating! Going on my re-read shelf
February 15, 2015
[Note: I did not read the Lamplighter edition, so if there are any differences, I missed them.]
This is a beautiful, spiritually uplifting, inspiring, and convicting story. The characters are real, the action intense, and the culture well portrayed, but the real beauty in this is in the portrayal of a believer's utter dependence on God. While I would not wish anyone to be forced into Horace's position, many in the church could grow by his lesson. Through the character Raphael, Tucker paints a vivid picture of a life completely given to God, to the complete loss of itself, that can be an inspiration to all of us. In Horace, many readers may see themselves, and so learn with him. Some may have minor theological differences with the book (such as its vague soteriology), but the main themes and values are true to God's Word, and so relevant to our lives.
The writing style is fitting to the age in which it was written, so the long paragraphs, extensive description, and high vocabulary may make it difficult for young readers. For an easier alternative, the Robber's Cave Dramatic Audio is excellent, though it cuts some of the spiritual reflections for the sake of space.
This is a beautiful, spiritually uplifting, inspiring, and convicting story. The characters are real, the action intense, and the culture well portrayed, but the real beauty in this is in the portrayal of a believer's utter dependence on God. While I would not wish anyone to be forced into Horace's position, many in the church could grow by his lesson. Through the character Raphael, Tucker paints a vivid picture of a life completely given to God, to the complete loss of itself, that can be an inspiration to all of us. In Horace, many readers may see themselves, and so learn with him. Some may have minor theological differences with the book (such as its vague soteriology), but the main themes and values are true to God's Word, and so relevant to our lives.
The writing style is fitting to the age in which it was written, so the long paragraphs, extensive description, and high vocabulary may make it difficult for young readers. For an easier alternative, the Robber's Cave Dramatic Audio is excellent, though it cuts some of the spiritual reflections for the sake of space.
July 28, 2016
This short novel is the work of A.L.O.E., the acronym stands for "A Lady of England." She was Charlotte Maria Tucker (1821 – 1893) and she wrote tales of moral allegory and fiction imbued with Christian character. The Robber's Cave is certainly filled with perseverance, Godly optimism, and a strong reliance upon God's providence. It is a fast-paced story, I read the whole book in the course of a night. Tucker paints a scene well, I am appreciative of authors who can bring my mind's eye to a setting in few words and leave me thinking I've been there. Traveling the world through books is a bonus of good writing.
The story follow Horace and his mother as they travel by carriage through a portion of Italy known for bandits. Sure enough, they are waylaid and Horace is kidnapped and taken away with the band of thieves. Here his trial begins, but he gains encouragement from an unlikely source - one of the robbers himself secretly provides a mercy ministry. In the end, the story leaves the reader encouraged, and hopeful. It is not a complex mystery and not a swashbuckling adventure tale, but it is a satisfying read.
The story follow Horace and his mother as they travel by carriage through a portion of Italy known for bandits. Sure enough, they are waylaid and Horace is kidnapped and taken away with the band of thieves. Here his trial begins, but he gains encouragement from an unlikely source - one of the robbers himself secretly provides a mercy ministry. In the end, the story leaves the reader encouraged, and hopeful. It is not a complex mystery and not a swashbuckling adventure tale, but it is a satisfying read.
July 3, 2014
Listened to this for the second time while working on a graduation present. It was just as good as I remembered.
Though quite intense in parts, the story is a true gem, beautifully brought to life by Lamplighter Theatre. I can't tell you much more without blubbering and spoiling the whole thing for you all, but the five-star rating should tell you enough. This is one of my favorite productions by Lamplighter Theatre, topped only by Sir Malcolm and the Missing Prince, which I also listened to while working on the gift mentioned above and highly recommend. Happy listening!
Though quite intense in parts, the story is a true gem, beautifully brought to life by Lamplighter Theatre. I can't tell you much more without blubbering and spoiling the whole thing for you all, but the five-star rating should tell you enough. This is one of my favorite productions by Lamplighter Theatre, topped only by Sir Malcolm and the Missing Prince, which I also listened to while working on the gift mentioned above and highly recommend. Happy listening!
January 28, 2012
An amazing book!!! This story takes place in Italy. In the story, a young man and his mother are traveling in Italy when they are robbed. Horace(the young man) is taken, and will not be let free alive until the mother beggs for the life of a robber in jail. While in captivity, Horace is encouraged in the faith by a godly man in the group.
It has a sad ending but, is still a must read.
It has a sad ending but, is still a must read.
January 19, 2012
I Really liked this book.
It was about a lady and her son that travled to Italy and they where stopped by robbers, who took the son and made his mother beg for the leader of the robbers son who was in jail in order to get her son back. It was very suspensful yet teaches a lesson and those are the kind of books I like!
I would say this is a must read!
It was about a lady and her son that travled to Italy and they where stopped by robbers, who took the son and made his mother beg for the leader of the robbers son who was in jail in order to get her son back. It was very suspensful yet teaches a lesson and those are the kind of books I like!
I would say this is a must read!
December 24, 2008
A good story, set in Italy in the 1800s. A selfish young man learns (the hard way) about Christianity, and another young man, a steadfast Christian, perseveres in his difficult mission field. My siblings think this one would make a good movie.
July 7, 2011
I heard the audio version. It was quite exciting and funny.
June 5, 2012
Great book for the whole family!!!
May 26, 2014
An excellent short book! A great story of service for God while in the enemies camp. Lives are changed because of one man's dedicated service to God.
December 3, 2014
I actually didn't read this. I listened to the dramatized edition put out by the Lamplighter Theatre.
May 25, 2015
I listened to the dramatized edition by the Lamplighter Theatre. I enjoyed the story, but I have liked other ones more. Still a great message either way.
April 10, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
July 13, 2025
Another great story! Deep and thought-provoking. Tense, but hopeful. Mysterious, yet plain. Worth every minute!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews