Nat Blake thinks the boys at Plumfield seem more like a big family than a group of school children. Nat is recently orphaned when he first arrives at the large house with its big, old-fashioned porch. He soon improves with good meals and kindness from everyone in the house. He joins the boys in their lessons, chores, fun, and, of course, mischief! But when two other newcomers enter Plumfield, life at the school changes...