The narrative follows four young friends who resolve to buy canoes and mount a wilderness cruise. After raising money through an unexpected windfall, they consult experienced canoeists, purchase craft, and set out on a river journey. Their trip combines practical lessons about canoeing and camping with episodic adventures — navigating rapids, improvising shelter and food, encountering wildlife, and solving equipment troubles — which test their teamwork, judgment, and seamanship while offering lively sketches of outdoor life and youth.