This book is the second novel by Allingham who came late to the lists with his great romantic story of Arthur Thomas's Quest. Tristan's quest is an epic story despite spanning only one year in present time. Unknown to Tristan, King Arthur has sent Merlin to inspire him to put aside old age and infirmity and to seek, find and follow an honourable quest to keep alive the spirit of Camelot, until he returns to put to right all that has gone amiss. At the start, Tristan is acerbic and difficult. Not knowing how he might find an appropriate quest, he comes to up to London to be banker or bookmaker never the clerk or punter. Events beyond his control beat him down to abject penury. However despite everything he makes friends and meets with Harry Evans a remarkable man who is Master of Retreads, a shelter for tired old soles. Comedy and adventure follow, leading Tristan to agree to take on a challenge that he did not expect.