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The book tells the story of Pee-wee Harris, a young scout who visits his Aunt Jamsiah in the small town of Everdoze. Upon arrival, Pee-wee meets Pepsy, a plain but outspoken girl who is initially hesitant to open up to him. As they spend more time together, Pee-wee wins over Pepsy with his charming and adventurous personality, and they decide to start a refreshment shack together. Despite initial setbacks and disagreements, the two become close friends and partners in their business venture. However, their success is threatened when Pepsy's past and her fears of being sent back to the orphanage resurface. Meanwhile, Pee-wee becomes entangled in a mystery involving stolen motorcycles, a cryptic message, and a burned bridge. As the story unfolds, Pee-wee's kindness, generosity, and scout skills ultimately lead to the resolution of the mystery and the success of their refreshment shack. Along the way, Pee-wee and Pepsy learn valuable lessons about loyalty, kindness, and the importance of helping others. The book concludes with the refreshment shack thriving, and Pee-wee and Pepsy enjoying their newfound success as partners and friends.
The story begins with Pee-wee Harris, the mascot of the Raven Patrol, sitting on a tree limb in front of his home, eating a large banana. His balance is precarious, and he must hold onto the trunk with one hand while clutching the banana with the other. The postman arrives with a letter for Pee-wee, but Pee-wee is determined to finish his banana before taking the letter. A comedic battle of wills ensues, with the postman trying to get Pee-wee to drop the banana and take the letter, and Pee-wee refusing to give up his snack. In a clever move, Pee-wee suggests that the postman stick the letter into the banana, which the postman eventually does, declaring Pee-wee the winner of their standoff.
Pee-wee Harris is enjoying a large banana while sitting on a tree limb in front of his home. The postman arrives with a letter for him, but Pee-wee is determined to finish his banana before taking the letter. A comedic standoff ensues, with the postman trying to get Pee-wee to drop the banana and take the letter. Pee-wee comes up with a creative solution, suggesting that the postman stick the letter into the banana, which the postman eventually does, declaring Pee-wee the winner of their battle of wills.
After the encounter with the postman, Pee-wee Harris is still perched on the tree limb, trying to figure out how to remove the letter from the banana and dispose of it properly. He attempts various methods, including taking a bite of the banana, releasing his hold on the trunk, and extracting the letter with his teeth, but each approach presents a new challenge. Eventually, he manages to hold the banana between his teeth and take the letter in his hand, and as he bites into the banana, the remaining piece breaks off and falls into his hand. With both the letter and banana in his hand, Pee-wee enjoys devouring them, finding the letter particularly delightful as he can reread its contents multiple times, wishing that other treats like bananas and doughnuts could be savored in the same way.
Pee-wee Harris receives a letter from his Aunt Jamsiah, who lives in the small town of Everdoze in Long Valley. The letter invites Pee-wee to spend the summer with them, promising plenty of milk, fresh eggs, and exciting activities like a spelling match and an Uncle Tom's Cabin show. Aunt Jamsiah also mentions that there are boys in the town who are interested in becoming scout boys and that Pee-wee can teach them. The letter is full of charming details about life in Everdoze, including Pepsy and Wiggle going perch fishing and Licorice Stick's tales of the brook. Pee-wee is thrilled at the prospect of visiting his aunt and uncle, especially with the promise of homemade preserves and apples ripe for the picking. He becomes so enthusiastic that he nearly falls out of the tree and eventually lets himself down, feeling as though he is walking on air.
Pee-wee Harris sets out on a journey to visit his Aunt Jamsiah in the small town of Everdoze, accompanied by Charlie, the chauffeur, in a fine sedan car. He travels in full scout regalia, equipped with various scouting gear and supplies. As they leave the highway and turn onto a rough road, they enter a dense woodland area, where the sounds of nature and the occasional distant rumble of cars on a nearby bridge create a unique atmosphere. The road becomes increasingly rugged, and Charlie expresses concern about navigating it after dark. Pee-wee remains enthusiastic, and as they approach the village, they encounter a cow standing in the middle of the road, as if guarding the entrance to the secluded town.
Pee-wee Harris arrives in the village of Everdoze, where he is greeted by his Aunt Jamsiah and meets a young girl named Pepsy, who is quite plain and outspoken. Despite their initial banter and fencing, Pee-wee and Pepsy seem to be developing a friendly understanding. With the help of Wiggle, a lively and energetic companion, they explore the farm and surrounding countryside, eventually settling at a summer house by a spring. As the evening falls, Pepsy shares her story of being a probator from an orphan home and her fear of being sent back, which is triggered by the sound of the loose flooring on the nearby bridge. Pee-wee reassures her that she won't have to go back and that he won't believe what the old planks say. As the sun sets, Pepsy's eyes sparkle with a mix of emotions, and Pee-wee decides not to press the issue, instead suggesting they go see the woodchuck hole she had mentioned earlier.
As Pee-wee spends more time with Pepsy and Wiggle, they begin to open up to him and share their stories. Pepsy's past is revealed, including her time at the County Home and her rescue by Aunt Jamsiah. Despite her tough exterior, Pepsy has a deep-seated fear of being sent back to the institution, which is triggered by the ominous sound of the old bridge. Pee-wee quickly wins over Pepsy and Wiggle with his charming and adventurous personality, sharing stories of his scouting experiences and teaching them about the organization's values. As they explore the countryside together, Pee-wee showcases his scouting skills, from tracking woodchucks to summoning locusts. He also begins to impart the scout's code of conduct, emphasizing the importance of loyalty, kindness, and helpfulness. However, when Pepsy asks about the nuances of loyalty and kindness, particularly in relation to her past experiences, Pee-wee must think creatively to provide guidance while staying true to the scout's principles.
Pepsy's perception of scouting and loyalty is shaped by her conversations with Pee-wee, and she becomes determined to be loyal to him and the scouts. She shares her past experiences and feelings about the son of Lawyer Gamely, who she dislikes. Pee-wee offers words of comfort and advice, and they bond over their shared dislike of the son of Lawyer Gamely. Pepsy is impressed by Pee-wee's knowledge and scouting skills, and she agrees to be his partner in a business venture to make money, with the goal of buying new tents for his troop. Pee-wee reveals that his idea for the venture started with a hot frankfurter, and he is excited to share his plan with Pepsy and work together to make it a success.
Pee-wee Harris shares his idea of starting a shack to sell lemonade, fruit, fudge, and other treats with Pepsy, and despite her initial reservations about the lack of customers on the road, she is swept away by his enthusiasm. Pee-wee's plan is to capitalize on the upcoming Uncle Tom's Cabin show and town fair in Berryville, and potentially cater to summer boarders. He convinces Pepsy to join him in the venture, with her making cookies and other edible items, and him handling the signs and marketing. With Pepsy's confidence in Pee-wee's abilities, they decide to ask Aunt Jamsiah for approval, with Pee-wee taking the lead in presenting their proposal.
Pee-wee Harris and Pepsy are making progress with their business venture, a refreshment shack, with Pee-wee building a counter and creating signs to advertise their offerings. Despite some skepticism from his aunt and uncle, Pee-wee's enthusiasm and energy are infectious, and Pepsy is soon caught up in his confidence. As they work on their signs and preparations, Pepsy washes the ink off Pee-wee's face, and they discuss the importance of not eating their own products, but rather using them to entice customers. Meanwhile, a young stranger appears in the road, watching them, but goes unnoticed by the trio in their busy moment.
Deadwood Gamely, the village sport, visits Pee-wee and Pepsy at their refreshment shack and attempts to intimidate them with his condescending banter. However, Pee-wee stands up to him, using his quick wit and clever retorts to defend himself and Pepsy. Despite initial hostility, Deadwood Gamely becomes interested in their business venture and offers to become a silent partner, providing the capital for the shack in exchange for a share of the profits. Pee-wee is initially hesitant but intrigued by the proposal, and the chapter ends with Deadwood Gamely asking Pee-wee if he can keep a secret, hinting at a potential partnership.
Pee-wee and Pepsy disagree on whether to let Deadwood Gamely join their business venture, with Pepsy opposed due to her dislike of him and superstitions about having three people involved. Pee-wee tries to convince her that having Deadwood as a partner could bring in more capital and help their business succeed, but Pepsy's emotions and stubbornness eventually win out. Pee-wee agrees not to let Deadwood join, and Pepsy promises to take their business venture seriously, crossing her heart and making a solemn promise to work towards their goal of making a lot of money. Despite her initial doubts, Pepsy becomes determined to succeed, fueled by her desire to help Pee-wee and make their business a reality.
Pee-wee Harris informs Deadwood Gamely that he and Pepsy have decided not to let him join their business venture. Gamely seems taken aback but accepts the decision. Pee-wee then notices a luxurious car with two city men, who appear to be connected to the Wallace Construction Co. After the encounter, Pee-wee meets a peculiar character named Licorice Stick, a tall and thin African American man who offers to help with their refreshment shack. Pee-wee hires Licorice Stick to post advertisements along the road, teaching him how to properly display the signs and arrows pointing to the shack. Licorice Stick is impressed by the signs and eager to help, despite being unable to read. As he sets out to post the advertisements, he becomes increasingly nervous and fearful, suggesting that he is not entirely comfortable with the task.
As the day of the grand opening of their refreshment shack arrives, Pepsy and Pee-wee are busy decorating and preparing for customers. Pepsy is feeling encouraged and cheerful, despite some initial skepticism from others, and is confident that their business will be a success. She mentions that she has a secret that she thinks will help them make lots of money, but refuses to share it with Pee-wee, even when he asks her as his partner. Pepsy's secret seems to be a source of motivation and determination for her, and she is eager to prove herself and make their business a success. Meanwhile, Pee-wee is enjoying the preparations and is optimistic about their chances of attracting customers, particularly with the grand carnival at Berryville passing by their location.
As the carnival procession passes by, Pee-wee and Pepsy wait anxiously for their first customers at the refreshment shack. A car full of giggling girls from the city gets lost and stumbles upon the shack, and Pee-wee sees an opportunity to make a sale. He confidently prepares to serve them, while Pepsy is nervous and intimidated by the girls' city manners. As the car approaches, Pee-wee calls out to advertise their offerings, but just as the moment of truth arrives, he trips on his apron and falls, causing a commotion. Despite the mishap, Pee-wee quickly recovers and continues to shout out his advertisements, hoping to entice the girls to stop and make a purchase.
Pee-wee Harris attempts to make a sale to a group of six merry maidens who stop at his refreshment shack, but they tease him mercilessly, making jokes about the food and drinks he offers. Despite his best efforts to defend himself, Pee-wee ends up falling on the ground, tripping on his apron, and getting his cap caught on a frying fork. The maidens' laughter and teasing continue until the driver of the car intervenes, ordering a round of lemonade and purchasing some doughnuts. As they leave, the maidens continue to tease Pee-wee, but one of them comments that it's a shame to tease him because he's "just too cute." The encounter leaves Pee-wee defeated and covered in dirt, but the driver's kindness and purchase help to soften the blow.
Pee-wee is still reeling from his encounter with the six merry maidens, but he's more concerned about investing the dollar and ten cents they earned. He plans to buy tire tape to make good on one of his advertisements, but his progress is interrupted by the discovery of his own signs posted in ridiculous and misleading ways. The signs, which were meant to advertise his refreshment shack, have been paired with other cards to create absurd and humorous messages. Pee-wee is dismayed and retraces his steps to confront Licorice Stick, who is responsible for posting the signs. Licorice Stick explains that he was frightened by a carnival clown and posted the signs in a state of panic, not realizing the ridiculous combinations he was creating. Pee-wee is angry but decides to forgive Licorice Stick, and even plans to get revenge by throwing baseballs at him at the carnival.
Pee-wee and Pepsy's refreshment shack is not attracting many customers, despite being near a carnival. The few people who do stop by are mostly locals who are not interested in buying much, and some even take things for free. Pepsy is becoming increasingly desperate and hopeless about their situation, while Pee-wee remains optimistic and determined. Pepsy's fears about being sent back to the orphan asylum are also resurfacing, and she is struggling to cope with the stress of their failing business venture. Meanwhile, Pee-wee's unwavering faith and resolution in the face of adversity are on full display, and Pepsy is about to witness another impressive scout quality that will leave her amazed.
Pepsy and Pee-wee are sitting in their roadside pavilion at night when a speeding car triggers the loose planks of the old bridge to creak out a ominous message that terrifies Pepsy. Pee-wee tries to reassure her that the boards don't know what they're talking about. Later, two motorcycles pass by without headlights, and the first cyclist's tail-light flashes out a cryptic message that Pee-wee decodes as "Hide Kelly's barn". The second cyclist stops briefly to fix his machine before speeding off again, and Pee-wee is left wondering about the urgent and secretive nature of their flight, and the meaning of the mysterious message.
Pepsy and Pee-wee have a disagreement after he decodes a mysterious message from a cyclist's tail-light, which reads "Hide Kelly's barn". Pepsy is agitated and feels that Pee-wee doesn't trust her to keep a secret. She reveals that she has a secret of her own that she thinks will help their business venture make lots of money, but she refuses to share it with Pee-wee or anyone else. Pepsy storms off to the house, where Aunt Jamsiah and Uncle Eb try to comfort her, but she is too distraught to talk about her troubles. She goes to bed, still upset, and lies awake listening for the ominous sound of the loose planks on the old bridge, which terrifies her and makes her feel like she's back at the orphan home.
Pee-wee Harris's enthusiasm for his refreshment shack has started to wane, and he has become more interested in solving the mystery of the speeding cyclists who left a cryptic message. Meanwhile, Pepsy is still dedicated to their business venture and is determined to make it a success. The next morning, Pee-wee sees a reward notice for information about stolen motorcycles, which he believes may be connected to the cyclists he saw earlier. When he encounters Constable Beriah Bungel at the post office, their conversation turns heated, and Bungel strikes Pee-wee for speaking back to him. Pee-wee stands up for himself, calling Bungel a coward and a thief, and storms off, feeling humiliated and shamed by the encounter.
Pee-wee Harris is determined to get revenge on Constable Beriah Bungel after being struck by him. He shares his plan with Pepsy, which involves revealing the location of two stolen motorcycles hidden in Kelly's barn to the county prosecutor, Mr. Sawyer, in exchange for a $250 reward. However, after learning about Bungel's sick son, Whitie, Pee-wee decides to take a different approach. He claims that as a scout, he can fix Whitie's illness using his first aid knowledge. Pee-wee and Pepsy go to Bungel's house, where Pee-wee reveals the location of the stolen motorcycles to Bungel himself, on the condition that Bungel keeps his source a secret. This unexpected turn of events leaves Pepsy astonished and confused about Pee-wee's change of heart.
Constable Beriah Bungel achieves a great feat by arresting two young fugitives hiding in Kelly's barn, earning him a $250 reward and recognition as the Sherlock Holmes of Everdoze. However, his triumph is marred by a bruised nose, courtesy of one of the fugitives. Meanwhile, Pee-wee Harris reflects on the events, believing that his generosity and kindness ultimately led to Bungel's success and misfortune. As the town of Everdoze celebrates Bungel's achievement, Pee-wee and Pepsy try to capitalize on the crowd's presence by selling treats, but to no avail. The chapter also introduces a frail, lame boy, Whitie Bungel, who is unaware of the events unfolding outside his home and the role that Pee-wee played in his father's success.
Pepsy is amazed by Pee-wee's selfless act of giving up the $250 reward to help Constable Bungel's sick son, and she sees him as a saint. She is puzzled by his ability to translate secret messages and his willingness to sacrifice the reward. Pee-wee explains the concept of reciprocal good turns, using the example of exchanging apples, and assures Pepsy that everything will work out in the end. Pepsy is impressed by Pee-wee's optimism and decides to make a good turn of her own, vowing to think up a plan to attract customers to their refreshment shack and make lots of money. She asks Pee-wee to promise to stay and continue their partnership, and Pee-wee agrees, unaware of the determination and passion burning within Pepsy.
Pepsy is inspired by Pee-wee's selfless act and decides to make a good turn of her own to help their refreshment shack succeed. She recalls a good turn she did in the past and believes that it will now be repaid to her, according to the principle of reciprocal kindness. Pepsy plans to approach Mr. Ira Jensen, a wealthy and influential man, to ask for his help, using the good turn she has standing to her credit. She hopes that Mr. Jensen's assistance will bring success and fortune to their enterprise, enabling Pee-wee to buy new tents for his troop. With newfound determination, Pepsy is ready to face Mr. Jensen and make her request, driven by her admiration for Pee-wee and the scouts, and her desire to repay his kindness.
Pepsy is driven to desperation by the failing refreshment shack and Pee-wee's waning enthusiasm. She decides to take matters into her own hands and plans to approach the influential Mr. Ira Jensen for help. However, she chooses to sneak out at night to do so, fearing that if she fails, no one will know about her attempt. As she prepares to leave, she encounters obstacles, including a dark and empty kitchen, a creepy pantry, and a lantern that needs to be filled with kerosene from the cellar. In the cellar, she has a terrifying experience when she accidentally knocks over the kerosene can, spilling its contents all over the floor and herself. Just as she is paralyzed with fear, she realizes that the mysterious presence she felt was Wiggle, her loyal companion, who is ready to accompany her on her adventure. With Wiggle by her side, Pepsy musters up the courage to continue with her plan, despite the ominous start to the night.
Pepsy, determined to help Pee-wee's refreshment shack succeed, decides to approach Mr. Ira Jensen for assistance. She sneaks out at night, despite initial obstacles, and makes her way to his house with Wiggle by her side. After a minor accident with a kerosene can, she arrives at Mr. Jensen's porch, where she musters up the courage to ask for his help. She reminds him of a past favor she did for him and requests that he use his influence to have the County Fair held in Berryville, which would bring more customers to their refreshment shack. Mr. Jensen is taken aback by her request but is impressed by her bravery and determination. He invites her to sit with him and explains that he will listen to her proposal and offer his guidance.
Pepsy's meeting with Mr. Ira Jensen ends in disappointment as he informs her that the County Fair will be held in Northvale, not Berryville, and he is powerless to change the plans. Despite his kind words and promise to visit her refreshment shack, Pepsy is heartbroken and feels that her attempt to help Pee-wee has failed. As she walks back home in the dark, she becomes exhausted and disheartened, and the ominous sound of the loose planks on the old bridge seems to mock her, repeating the phrase "You have to go back." Pepsy's emotions overwhelm her, and she falls asleep on a rock, only to be haunted by a disturbing dream in which the villagers are pointing fingers at her, telling her she has to go back to the orphanage. When she wakes up, she is feverish and disoriented, and in a state of delirium, she stumbles through the woods, determined to stop the voice of the bridge. She eventually collapses on the ground near the bridge, where she sees a mysterious black figure crawling away, and she loses consciousness.
Pepsy is carried back to the farm by Joey Burnside after being found near the burning bridge, and she spends the night sleeping off a fever. Meanwhile, Pee-wee tends to their refreshment shack, which has been depleted of stock, and works on a willow whistle. Just as it seems like the business is going into liquidation, a group of cars appears on the horizon, having been detoured due to the bridge's destruction. The motorists are hungry and eager for food, but Pee-wee's shack has hardly anything to offer. In a desperate attempt to capitalize on the situation, Pee-wee grabs the last remaining items - two peppermint sticks - and tries to sell them to the passing cars, making outlandish claims about their benefits.
Pee-wee Harris is faced with a new challenge as a group of hungry scouts arrives at his refreshment shack, expecting to find plenty of food. However, due to a shortage, Pee-wee has nothing to offer but a few peppermint sticks and a consolidated gumdrop. The scouts are amused by Pee-wee's desperate attempts to explain the situation, using terms like "industrial conditions" and "reconstruction period." Despite the initial disappointment, the scouts show goodwill and encouragement, promising to return in a couple of weeks and expecting Pee-wee to have plenty of food ready. As they depart, Pee-wee shouts out a list of food items he plans to offer, including waffles, honey, clam chowder, and hot corn with butter and pepper, leaving the scouts with a lasting impression of his optimism and determination.
The town of Everdoze is suddenly thrust into the spotlight as a detour sign is placed on the highway, directing traffic through the town due to a closed highway. The town is flooded with cars, and Constable Bungel sees an opportunity to make money by enforcing traffic regulations. Meanwhile, a sign is posted in front of the town hall, announcing that the property on both sides of the road is privately owned and warning against any attempts to sell or vend on the property. The sign is revealed to be the work of Mr. Ira Jensen, who is repaying a debt of kindness to Pepsy. As a result, Pee-wee and Pepsy's refreshment shack is now the only game in town, giving them a monopoly on the business. Pee-wee is thrilled by the turn of events, unaware of the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to their good fortune.
Pee-wee Harris rushes into the kitchen, excitedly sharing the news that their refreshment shack now has a monopoly due to a detour on the highway. However, his enthusiasm is short-lived as he is summoned into the sitting room by his Aunt Jamsiah, who reveals that Pepsy is in trouble. It is discovered that Pepsy had attempted to burn down the bridge, and as a result, the authorities may take her away. Aunt Jamsiah and Uncle Eb decide that it would be best to send Pepsy back to the state home for her own good. Pee-wee is devastated by the news and rushes to Pepsy's room, where he finds her sitting up and smiling. He reassures her that their business venture will be a success and that they will continue to be partners, renaming their shack "Pepsy Rest." Pepsy is overjoyed and decides not to reveal her secret, choosing instead to focus on their future success.
Pee-wee Harris is worried about Pepsy being taken away and is determined to save her. He visits Whitie Bungel, a peculiar and stern little boy, who claims to have seen a man "getting dead" near the burned bridge. Despite Whitie's odd behavior and tendency to see things, Pee-wee is intrigued by his story and gives him his compass as a gift. As Pee-wee leaves, he is still preoccupied with thoughts of saving Pepsy and is unaware of the significance of Whitie's claim. Meanwhile, Whitie's father, Constable Bungel, is busy enforcing traffic regulations and enjoying his newfound wealth, oblivious to the potential mystery surrounding the burned bridge.
Pee-wee Harris visits Whitie Bungel, who shares a cryptic story about seeing a man "getting dead" near the burned bridge. Although Pee-wee is skeptical, he decides to investigate the scene of the fire, where he discovers a trampled trail in the bushes, a torn fragment of clothing, and brown, sticky substances on the leaves. As he examines the trail, he realizes that it was made by a prone, dead weight being dragged through the area, with evidence of a groping hand pulling on the grass to move the weight. Pee-wee's scout training allows him to interpret these signs, leaving him feeling uneasy and apprehensive about what he has discovered.
Pee-wee Harris investigates the scene of the burned bridge and discovers a trampled trail that leads him to a small, abandoned shack. Despite feeling apprehensive, he enters the shack and finds the body of Deadwood Gamely, who had been wanted for embezzlement and had apparently set fire to the bridge in a desperate attempt to acquire money quickly. The coroner is called, and the body is taken away. It is revealed that Gamely had been offered money by contractors to commit the arson, but it is unclear if he had willingly participated in the crime. Meanwhile, the Pepsy Roadside Rest, Pee-wee's refreshment shack, is thriving as the only business in the area, thanks to the detour caused by the burned bridge.
The Pepsy Roadside Rest, now renamed The Home of Fresh Doughnuts, is thriving due to the detour caused by the burned bridge. The partners, Pee-wee and Pepsy, are doing a booming business, and their financial rating is extremely high. They have even hired two employees, Licorice Stick and Wiggle, to help with advertising. One evening, as they are closing up the shack, Mr. Jensen visits and buys up the remainder of their stock. After he leaves, Pee-wee tries to get the last drops of lemonade out of the cooler and ends up getting his head stuck in it. The story ends with Pee-wee in this predicament, marking the conclusion of his adventures in Everdoze.