A fearless twelve-year old Willy Webster finds out just how deep into danger he can slide by being overly inquisitive. Dragging at least two of his close friends into multiple adventures that take them all into dangerous situations.

Best friends Willy Webster and Jimmy Swift set out to save an abandoned bear cub whose mother is killed by a local farmer protecting his dog. As two more of their school friends become involved, they are drawn into what turns out to be the discovery of 'buried treasure' according to Willy. This isn't treasure; this is stolen money from a bank robbery in Chicago.

A coming of age adventure set in the 1934 wilderness of northern Wisconsin. Willy and his somewhat reluctant followers find the stolen money and hide it on a haunted island. Running into one situation after another including rescuing a bear cub from starvation.

Willy also realizes his awkward attraction to his friend Darby Johnson, a pretty tomboy who is more than a match for both Willy and Jimmy, as she proves.

Willy deals with every danger that comes his way including a frightening encounter with a massive black bear. Coming to the rescue Bartholomew "Fatty" Froberg who is shunned at first but later becomes a hero. And through his own inititive, drives the menacing bear away from Willy and Jimmy. As for the bank robber, he follows the four who are unaware of his intentions.

"He stole the money and he ain't gettin' it back." Willy declares sticking to his guns. The relentless gangster pursues the four to the haunted island to take care of the young theives and retrieve his money. Willy takes his friends down a dangerous path that involves bank robbery, a relentless gangster and an avenging ghost. On the island is where Willy with his adventurous spirit and stubborn way, proves to be the saving grace to friends in need.