Roy Blakeley's roundabout hike

In Short

This book is a lighthearted, episodic adventure following a group of Boy Scouts at Temple Camp. Led by the irrepressible Roy Blakeley and his frequent foil, the diminutive and loud Pee-wee Harris, the boys stumble through attempts at hiking, searching for lost wills, and uncovering supposed bandits, only to find themselves mostly in pursuit of ice cream. It is a quintessential artifact of its time, capturing a specific mid-century vision of American boyhood—one defined by loyalty, rule-breaking, and a persistent, good-natured refusal to take life’s "serious" responsibilities too seriously.

The Story

The narrative opens at Temple Camp, where Roy Blakeley, a scout known for his rambling, self-deprecating wit, organizes a hike. He is joined by his usual cohort: the hyperactive Pee-wee Harris, and two newcomers, Dub Smedley and Egbert "Egg Sandwich" Sanderson. The group’s dynamic is established quickly through petty squabbles, water-bound mishaps, and a shared inability to focus on the serious business of scouting.

The plot takes a turn when they meet Mr. Bagley, an old man mourning the loss of a family will that could save his land from being sold. The boys, caught up in the thrill of the hunt, decide to search for the document in the treacherous Beaver Chasm. Their search leads them to a series of misadventures, including a run-in with a group of film production workers whom Pee-wee insists are dangerous bandits. This encounter serves as a catalyst for the group to prove their mettle, though they often do so by accident.

As the summer progresses, the group faces a personal crisis: Dub Smedley, who has become a beloved member of their inner circle, is scheduled to leave camp early due to financial constraints. The boys are desperate to help him stay. Complications arise when Will Dawson, another scout, breaks a camp rule by taking a boat out after dark and nearly drowns. Dub, showing hidden depths of character, rescues Will. However, out of modesty and a desire to avoid the scrutiny of camp officials, Dub refuses to let the boys report the heroism that would have earned him a gold medal and the financial support to remain at camp.

The tension between the boys' desire to do the "right thing" (reporting the rescue) and their loyalty to Dub’s wishes creates a moral quandary. Roy and Will are torn, feeling guilty that their silence keeps Dub from the recognition he deserves. Eventually, the situation is resolved through a series of coincidences involving Will's parents, who visit the camp. They learn of the situation and, impressed by the boys' integrity and the friendship shown to their son, provide the means for Dub to stay the rest of the season. The book ends with the group intact, having learned that while medals and awards are fine, the true reward is the bond formed through shared secrets and the "safe and insane" memories they’ve created together.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins Roy Blakeley announces a new, "crazy" hike to his fellow scouts at Temple Camp, pulling in unsuspecting new recruits to join his usual prank-filled circle. The initial formation of this group sets the tone for a summer defined more by nonsense and snacks than by disciplined trekking.

A quest is born The boys encounter Mr. Bagley, who tells them of a missing will in Beaver Chasm. This provides the boys with a "serious" mission that challenges their maturity and test their ability to work together without constant joking.

The mock investigation Pee-wee discovers a "bandit's den" that turns out to be a film location, highlighting the boys' tendency to romanticize their surroundings. This arc shifts the group's focus from the lost will to the excitement of local intrigue and the pursuit of rewards.

The rescue and the secret Dub saves Will Dawson from drowning, a moment of genuine heroism that contrasts sharply with the boys' usual antics. The group then enters a period of internal conflict as they debate whether to honor Dub’s request for secrecy or reveal his deed to save his place at camp.

The resolution Will’s parents arrive and intervene, allowing Dub to stay for the remainder of the summer. The story concludes with the boys reflecting on their friendship, their broken rules, and the enduring value of the messy, unscripted summer they shared.

The People

Roy Blakeley is the narrator and self-appointed leader, characterized by his love for wordplay and his "crazy" outlook on life; he values fun over rigid adherence to camp rules. Pee-wee Harris is his constant companion, a boy whose small stature is eclipsed by his massive appetite and his tendency to shout his way into trouble. Dub Smedley is the quiet, unassuming backbone of the group; he is the most capable scout of the bunch, a hidden hero who seeks no recognition for his actions. Will Dawson is the emotional center of the latter half of the book, whose brush with danger forces the group to move beyond their joking exterior and grapple with real-world consequences and the weight of their promises to one another.

In Its Own Voice

"If you don’t believe it, you can do it by long division only I like short division better--the shorter it is the better I like it."

Roy explains his philosophy on life and storytelling in the opening chapter.

"A will is no good just if you steal it or happen to find it."

Sandy displays his sensible nature during the group's early discussions about the mystery of the missing document.

"If you don’t like it, you can go my way and I’ll go yours."

Roy offers his typical, flippant, yet affectionate response to the group’s chaotic dynamics near the end of the summer.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book explores the tension between the formal, structured expectations of the Boy Scouts of America and the spontaneous, chaotic reality of boyhood. It argues that character is not built solely through the acquisition of merit badges or formal discipline, but through the informal, often messy, alliances formed in the woods. The story poses the question of what truly constitutes a "good turn"—is it the public, medal-winning act, or the quiet, private sacrifice made to protect a friend's secret? It suggests that the most profound lessons of youth are those learned in the gaps between the official rules, where boys must navigate their own morality.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy a nostalgic, episodic look at early 20th-century American life will find this book charming. The reading experience is like listening to a rambling, witty friend who cannot help but exaggerate his own exploits; it is light, fast-paced, and consistently humorous. However, modern readers should be prepared for the distinctively dated, breathless style of 1920s juvenile fiction, which favors frequent exclamation points and a rapid, stream-of-consciousness delivery.

The dialogue is thick with slang of the era, and the book reflects the period's specific, sometimes rigid, attitudes toward social order and "manliness." There are no complex villains or deep psychological traumas here; rather, the difficulties lie in the lack of a traditional narrative arc and the occasional repetition of the characters' banter. If you are looking for a gentle, rhythmic, and uncomplicated story that celebrates the enduring, sometimes maddening, power of adolescent friendship, this will feel like a comfortable—if slightly eccentric—companion. It stays with you as a portrait of a simpler, more unsupervised time, reminding you that sometimes the most important part of an adventure is simply showing up with your friends, regardless of whether you ever reach the destination.