Bookish Ralph Hartsook will soon become schoolmaster in a rough and tumble school district. Jack Means, head school trustee, and the rest of the Means family doubt whether Ralph has the fortitude to last. Befriending Bud Means, the biggest and meanest of the schoolyard lot, is key to the schoolmaster's plan to tame the schoolhouse ruffians. Ralph hunts, climbs up a tree to fight a raccoon, and channels a bridle bulldog to impress the Means family. However, its Ralph's quick wit in the face of a school prank that gains his students' respect, including the hard-to-impress Bud Means.
Ralph overcomes the doubts of the parents and students of Flat Creek and does fine as schoolmaster until the spelling-school, the 'national game' of Hoopole County. Young and old alike participate in the spelling-school, where how to spell words is far more important than knowing their meanings. Some, such as Mirandy Means, come more for the social experience than the competition. The week before the spelling-school Ralph begins to suffer from two problems - the first is that he is loved and the second is that he is hated.
Schoolmaster Ralph Hartsook suffers both the love of Mirandy and the hate of Hank Banta. Mirandy falls in love with the tough bulldog in Ralph. Old Mrs. Means hints at riches if Ralph marries Mirandy, but Ralph is not interested for any amount of money or lands. Shocky warns Ralph that Hank Banta has loosened a schoolhouse floorboard to plunge Ralph into the icy cold pond under the school. Ralph tricks Hank into falling in the cold water. Ralph presses his advantage by showing great sympathy to Hank and condemning the supposedly unknown villain who boobytrapped the floorboard. Bud greatly admires Ralph's deft handling of the situation, and Ralph gains a little more ground in his battle for control of the schoolhouse.
One night, everyone gathers at the schoolhouse for spelling-school. People are excited and socializing, except for the mysterious Dr. Small, who sits silently in a shadow and unsettles schoolmaster, Ralph Hartsook. When Jeems Phillips, the current spelling champion, becomes overconfident, Ralph surprises the audience by spelling Jeems down. Even more shocking, the Means' bound girl, Hannah, spells down the schoolmaster. Rather than being upset by his loss, Ralph finds himself intrigued by Hannah. Spelling-school will continue the next night, to see whether Hannah is crowned the new champion.
Schoolmaster Ralph Hartsook escorts the Means' bound girl, Hannah, home after spelling-school. Although they discuss mundane topics, an undercurrent of love flows between them. When it starts to rain, they tarry under a box-elder tree to prolong their time together. Ralph and Hannah encounter the mysterious Dr. Small as he leaves the Means' house. When Hannah enters the house, old Mrs. Means berates her, but Bud intervenes and allows Hannah to escape to her room. As Hannah gazes out her garret window and ponders the evening's events, she spots a figure heading toward Pete Jones' place.
Schoolmaster Ralph Hartsook is boarding with Pete Jones. Unable to sleep and thinking of Hannah, he walks back to the Means' house and sees three galloping horsemen. The horseman riding a white-nosed sorrel horse looks familiar, but in the dark, Ralph cannot discern the person's identity. The horsemen see Ralph and slow before galloping on, and he's seized with dread. Next, Ralph sees Dr. Small riding a horse. Like the horsemen, Dr. Small scrutinizes Ralph before continuing. Frightened, Ralph returns to Pete Jones' and goes to bed. Thirty minutes later he hears the door latch and footsteps. The next morning, Ralph spots the white-nosed sorrel horse in Pete Jones' stable. As Ralph walks to school, Mirandy claims Hannah is too sick for spelling-school and that Hannah and Bud are courting. Shocky relays news of the Dutchman's house being robbed the night before.
Schoolmaster Ralph Hartsook can't decide whether to report seeing the three horsemen and Dr. Small on the night of the robbery. Ralph also worries over what to do about Hannah and Bud. At the spelling-school, Pete Jones claims the burglars are from another town, but the Dutchman doubts outsiders would know he'd had a large amount of money on him that night. Pete Jones hypothesizes a local person tipped off some out-of-towners. Pete Jones then makes a veiled threat about pointing a finger at Ralph. Ralph vows that if Pete Jones points his way, Ralph will point right back.
Ralph Hartsook can't sleep. He lies in Pete Jones' loft, torn over the robbery and Hannah. He's terrified Pete Jones will creep up and kill him. Bulldogish conceit convinces Ralph that Hannah is far better off with him than Bud. But his mother's wisdom and his religious teachings counter the bulldog, telling him if he takes Hannah he will no longer be worthy of her. He reaches out to God and finds help in the form of strength and sleep.
Schoolmaster Ralph Hartsook meets Shocky on the road and learns Shocky is Hannah's brother. Shocky and Hannah's father died, plunging them into poverty and forcing their mother to the poorhouse. Hannah was bound out to work for the Means'. Being only seven, Shocky was sent to live with Mr. Pearson. Shocky is lonely and depressed, and wonders whether God has forsaken the poor. Ralph and Shocky pass the cabin of Granny Sanders, a gossip and a quack, and see Dr. Small's horse outside.
Ralph and Dr. Small come from the same village of Lewisburg. Ralph fears Dr. Small's genius and villainy. Dr. Small is not an overly loud, showy, and boastful villain. Instead, Dr. Small uses subtle actions to cleverly manipulate others. Ralph suspects small shrugs from Dr. Small cost him two teaching jobs before being hired at Flat Creek. Now, Dr. Small uses non-verbal cues, such as shrugs and head movements, to manipulate the town gossip, Granny Sanders, into considering Ralph a prime robbery suspect.
The day after Dr. Small visits Granny Sanders, schoolmaster Ralph Hartsook visits with Miss Martha Hawkins, the Squire's niece, in the Squire's garden. Ralph likes Miss Martha because she is smart and amusing, even if she is a bit fanciful. Bud passes by, seems angry, and does not greet them beyond a surly nod. Later that evening, Ralph wanders into the woods and stumbles across the house of the folks who took in Shocky, basket-maker John Pearson and his rheumatic wife. John Pearson reveals he saw Pete Jones and the other horsemen the night of the robbery and accuses them of robbing the Dutchman. He also spotted a figure walking toward the Jones', although he doesn't know it was Ralph.
Almost the whole town of Flat Creek gathers for a Hardshell Baptist church meeting. Even Squire Hawkins attends, despite having been expelled from the Hardshell Baptists for joining a temperance society. Ralph rides double with Miss Martha Hawkins to the meeting. Bud is there, still scowling and sullen. Ralph notices some excitement among the townsfolk, but every time he approaches a group of people they become embarrassed and disperse. Ralph overhears Pete Jones blaming John Pearson for the robbery. When Ralph sees Hannah, he feels great love for her but stays away to avoid interfering in her relationship with Bud. Ralph endures a long sermon by Mr. Bosaw that includes meditations on Mr. Bosaw's oxen. After church, Ralph overhears Pete Jones saying, 'We'll tend to his case on Christmas.' Christmas is only two days away.
Ralph Hartsook doesn't know why he's lost popularity with the community. His students do not ask for Christmas day off, which Ralph would have granted had they asked. Instead, as is common custom, the students barricade themselves in the schoolhouse. Locked outside his schoolhouse, Ralph climbs on the roof and pours a sulfur-smelling compound down the chimney. A burning smoke fills the schoolhouse, and the students rush out. Ralph airs out the schoolhouse, calls the students in, and cancels classes for the day.
After canceling school on Christmas day, Ralph sits as his desk. Shocky lingers at the schoolhouse to talk to Ralph. Shocky is still worried that God has forgotten him and perhaps Ralph as well. Ralph assures Shocky that God remembers both of them, but inside Ralph is not so sure. After Shocky leaves, Ralph struggles with his thoughts, but in the end, decides to trust in God. Ralph calls Bud into the schoolhouse for a talk. Believing Ralph is stealing his girl, Bud threatens to thrash Ralph unless Ralph leaves town. Ralph refuses to leave, shocking and impressing Bud. When Ralph insists he is not pursuing Hannah, a bewildered Bud reveals Hannah is not his girl. Realizing their conflict is only a misunderstanding, Bud and Ralph shake hands. After Bud leaves, Ralph wonders whether the vindictive Dr. Small will try to romance Hannah only to throw her away.
Bud returns to the schoolhouse to speak with Ralph and relates his struggles with church and God. Bud asks Ralph to help him, and Ralph eventually agrees. Shocky bursts into the schoolhouse and tells Ralph and Bud that a crowd is on its way to tar and feather Mr. Pearson. Mr. Pearson has a gun and refuses to flee the mob.
Bud defends John Pearson, basket-maker and Shocky's caretaker, for two reasons. First, he knows the thieves are scapegoating the truthful, but unpopular John Pearson to divert suspicion from themselves. Second, Bud's lady love, Miss Martha Hawkins, supports John Pearson. Bud advises Ralph to avoid helping John Pearson, since Ralph is also a suspect in the robbery. However, Ralph's reluctance to be a coward propels him to help. When Bud sends Shocky to relay a message to John Pearson, Pete Jones accosts Shocky and cuts the little boy with a whip. Bud rushes to defend Shocky and fight Pete Jones. Pete Jones doesn't fight fair, using a club and a knife against Bud's fists. Bud's arm is injured in the fight, but in the end, Pete Jones is soundly defeated.
Ralph, Bud, and Shocky warn the Pearsons and Martha Hawkins of the mob coming to tar and feather Mr. Pearson. Hannah also arrives to warn the Pearsons. Ralph engages in military-style planning to convince Mr. Pearson to retreat. Ralph takes stock of Mr. Pearson's limited personnel and weapons and points out General Winfield Scott would retreat given such circumstances. Finally persuaded, Mr. Pearson agrees leave town and stay with his brother in another county.
Hannah and Ralph meet on the lane near the Means' house. Hannah reveals there are two reasons she's struggling with trusting Ralph. The first is that she saw him on the blue-grass pasture on the night of the robbery. The second is that she's heard he's trifled with many other women. Ralph tells Hannah he's never trifled with another woman and loves only her. Hannah fears making a mistake with Ralph due to her responsibilities for her blind mother and Shocky. Mrs. Means calls Hannah inside, interrupting their conversation. Dr. Small exits the barn after eavesdropping on Hannah and Ralph. In despair over Hannah, Ralph calls on his bulldog, but it is his belief in God that ultimately bolsters him.
Bud provides a roan colt so that Ralph can transport Shocky to safety in Lewisburg. Shocky remarks that God hasn't forgotten him when Ralph collects him from the Pearsons. On the way to Lewisburg, Ralph and Shocky pass the poorhouse housing Shocky's blind mother. Shocky wants to stop, but Ralph is afraid Shocky will be captured. Shocky is extremely weak, his illness made worse by the snowy ride. The loyal roan speeds on to Lewisburg through the cold, and Ralph worries Shocky may never be warm again.
Schoolmaster Ralph Hartsook and Shocky arrive at an old cottage in Lewisburg, home to Ralph's Sunday-school teacher, Miss Nancy Sawyer, and her sister Semantha. Ralph asks Miss Nancy Sawyer to take care of Shocky.
Ralph visits his Aunt Matilda and Uncle Robert at their immaculate home in Lewisburg. As Ralph enjoys a hot stack of pancakes, he tells the story of Shocky. Aunt Matilda is relieved Miss Nancy Sawyer is caring for Shocky instead of being burdened herself. Ralph asks his aunt to host Shocky's mother. Aunt Matilda reacts with horror at the idea of a pauper dirtying her pristine house and attacks Ralph by asking him about his troubles. Ralph realizes Dr. Henry Small has gotten to Aunt Matilda. Dr. Small is so clever, he's besmirched Ralph's reputation while hoodwinking Aunt Matilda into believing Dr. Small is Ralph's good friend. Aunt Matilda reveals that her son, Walter, has gone to study medicine with Dr. Small. Aunt Matilda mentions Ralph's 'poor dead mother.' Ralph becomes so upset at the mention of his mother, he abruptly leaves the house. Uncle Robert follows Ralph, asking that Ralph not cause trouble with the poorhouse as the Joneses might defeat his judgeship nomination.
At Miss Nancy's direction, Ralph ventures to the poorhouse to rescue Mrs. Thompson, Shocky's mother. The poorhouse is a horrible place, filled with desperate souls, sane, insane, and profane. At the poorhouse, Ralph meets a man who believes he is General Andrew Jackson. This man tells Ralph that Bill Jones sells the corpses of the poor and then sells their empty coffins back to the county. Ralph finds Shocky's mother, takes her to Miss Nancy's, and reunites her with Shocky.
Miss Nancy Sawyer and Mrs. Matilda White belong to the same Methodist Church. While Miss Sawyer is a Samaritan in thought and deed, Mrs. White is not. Miss Nancy is the richest woman in town, although no one knows it, including herself. Miss Sawyer gives generously of her time and money to those in need and conspires with the Methodist preacher to ensure Mrs. Thompson and Shocky will not return to the poorhouse. Mrs. White, in contrast, thinks it a shame when the Methodist church takes up a collection for Mrs. Thompson, as she is a member of the Church of England.
Bud is shy in the presence of the woman he loves, Miss Martha Hawkins. Bud visits Miss Martha one Sunday but is too scared to tell her how he feels, despite her subtle encouragements.
Squire Hawkins receives a letter threatening to burn his haystacks and barn if his niece, Miss Martha Hawkins, does not give Bud up. Squire Hawkins misleads Miss Martha into believing the threat is personally against himself. Scared for her uncle's life, Martha turns down Bud's offer to walk her home after spelling-school. Bud feels hopeless and embarrassed as he walks home alone.
Dr. Small flatters Bud into being friends. Dr. Small's student and Mrs. Matilda White's son, Walter Johnson, also befriends Bud. Perhaps due to Dr. Small's machinations, Pete Jones and his group turn their hatred from Bud to Ralph. Bud avoids Ralph and quits school. One day, Bud seeks Ralph out and hands him a letter from Hannah. Hannah relates that she believes Ralph is innocent, but that they cannot see each other again. Ralph feels elated that Hannah believes in his innocence.
On the way home from school, Hannah hands Ralph a note from Bud. Bud writes that Pete Jones and his mob plan to tar and feather Ralph that night and that Ralph should flee. Ralph decides to trust Bud and hides at Spring-in-rock. When the mob arrives at Spring-in-rock, Bud calls out to warn Ralph, and Ralph hides on a ledge above the spring. When the mob departs, Ralph travels to Clifty. He decides to fight instead of fleeing and turns himself in to Squire Hawkins. Ralph asks to be arrested and put on trial in Clifty.
At the trial, Ralph represents himself. His Aunt Matilda writes a letter, telling him she will not allow his uncle to represent him. Bronson, the newly elected prosecutor, does not care whether Ralph is innocent or guilty. Bronson only cares about winning and his own glorification. Luckily for Ralph, Squire Hawkins is overseeing the proceedings and cares about fairness and justice. Pete Jones and his wife falsely testify that on the night of the robbery Ralph left their house and did not return until two in the morning. Pearson testifies that he saw first Pete and Bill Jones and a slim man riding horses, and then Dr. Small that night. Hannah testifies that she thinks she saw Ralph crossing the pasture that night. Hank Banta falsely testifies that he saw Ralph and Pearson leaving robbery victim Peter Schroeder's house and meeting a man standing at the gate. Ralph accuses Pete Jones, Mrs. Jones, Bill Jones, and Hank Banta of perjuring themselves. He tells the truth of what happened that night, although he refuses to reveal why he was in the pasture to spare Hannah. Dr. Small inserts himself into the proceedings, claiming Ralph and Pearson are lying about seeing him. Dr. Small says that he was in his office all night and that his student, Walter Johnson, would testify to that fact. Trusting Dr. Small is telling the truth, Squire Hawkins orders Pearson arrested.
Dr. Small's student, Walter Johnson, knows some of Dr. Small's secrets, and he is very afraid of Dr. Small. One night, Walter reveals more than he should about Dr. Small to Bud Means. Bud brings Walter to hear Brother Sodom preach. Brother Sodom's talk of evil deeds leading to hellfire and torture spooks Walter into revealing everything he knows about Dr. Small to Bud.
Under the fierce gazes of Bud Means and Brother Sodom and the threats of prison and eternal damnation, Walter Johnson confesses that he and Dr. Small robbed Peter Schroeder with Peter and William Jones. Tom Bifield, the General Andrew Jackson impersonator from the poorhouse, tells the court some of the stolen loot is buried at the poorhouse. Ralph Hartsook and John Pearson are cleared of all charges. Before dismissing court, Squire Hawkins tells Hannah she can no longer be bound as she has reached the age of eighteen.
Citizens gather in a mob to lynch Dr. Small, but Ralph intervenes and saves him twice. Dr. Small later skips bail and flees the county. Pete Jones and Bill go to prison for the robbery. Hannah, finally free of the Means, travels to Lewisburg and reunites with her mother and Shocky. Hannah becomes a teacher and rents a little house for herself, her mother, and Shocky.
Even though he's now considered a hero, Ralph is happy when the Flat Creek school money runs out. He leaves for Lewisburg, where Hannah has settled. Miss Nancy Sawyer facilitates a private meeting between Ralph and Hannah. They discuss the future and sit close together.
In the end, happiness prevails for our characters in Lewisburg. Ralph and Hannah are married. Bud musters up the courage to propose to Martha, and she accepts. We also find out Ralph becomes a principal, Bud becomes a sheriff, and Shocky becomes a published professor.
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