The men of the Lee family help to launch Uncle Philo's steamboat, "Cricket." During the season's exciting first ride on the lake Danny is asked to pilot the large boat and is left alone in the pilothouse. Doubt at first overwhelms him but as he turns the steamboat away from the shore he knows he can do what is expected of him. This is a very thrilling and 'grownup" responsibility.
It seems that the thoughtless Mr. Overhouser will purchase Grandpa Scott's property at the tip of Bluff Point. Sister Mary and Danny are needlessly placed in a dangerous position when the careless Mr. Overhouser forces their wagon off the road while driving up the east side of the bluff.