The narrative follows pupils at a public school whose lives revolve around athletic contests, camaraderie, rivalry, and mischief. After scenes of boxing and interschool competition, a daring theft of the school silver sets off amateur investigations by schoolmates, including secret inquiries, mistaken leads, and dramatic searches. Sporting contests and personal loyalties are tested as friends pursue the truth, leading to revelations, confrontations, and eventual explanations that settle mysteries and wind up various personal affairs.