Peter Brownrigg, the narrator and protagonist in the book, is about to go on an adventure at night to Sir Philip Morton's wall, with his father and brother; Peter and his family are meeting the other men and boys from every farmstead to take down the wall by hand. Then his father requests for Peter to be their scout侦查 for them. As Peter goes out, he notices that Sir Philip Morton is approaching the wall with his armed men, so he warns his fellow farm mates that they're coming. As Sir Philip passes by, Peter dumbly throws a rock at Sir Philip, which leads to Sir Philip trying to blow Peter's head off with his pistol. Sir Philip misses his head, but hits Peter's cap. Then Peter runs back home, thinking mainly of breakfast.
The beginning of this chapter talks about Peter's school day. Peter decides to go swimming during midday break, which lasts for 2 hours, but then one of his schoolmates, George Bell, rushes towards him and tells him that there are two men looking for Peter, and says that the men are in possession of Peter's green cap. Peter panics, then decides to go home. His parents sadly informs him that Peter cannot remain in the district while it is under Sir Philip's rule, as Sir Philip has found out he was the one who threw the rock at him, and would then hunt him down and punish him (jail, torture, etc..) Peter decides to travel on foot and explore the outside world.
Peter started on the journey. He arrived in Penrith and runs into Tom Burney, a family friend. He tells Peter that Sir Philip is looking everywhere for him. Peter decides to attend a play to get his mind off of things. He is sighted by Sir Philip, and hides in a trunk.
In Chapter 4 Peter is hiding in a trunk. He feels safe for the time being as he is taken out on stage. He is not sure the actors will trust him. He decides to stay in the trunk until he gets out of the city, then pop out and make a run for it.
The players discovered Peter in the wagon. They accepted him and were very kind. Mr. Desmond asked him to join the troupe as they were short handed for a young boy. (Girls were not allowed to act.) Peter was sleeping in the wagon the night after his first performance in Kendal. He was awoken by someone with a knife!
Peter was threatened by a young boy who wanted to join the players. He impressed Mr. Desmond with his acting, and was accepted. He played the parts of girls very well. Mrs. Desmond asked if they wanted to write letters home, Peter discovered Kit’s was addressed to Sir Philip Morton!
Kit never wanted to play games or swim with the other boys in the troupe. The group continued to move toward London, but it was becoming difficult to put on plays. They decided to “share out” and go their separate ways. Kit told Peter he was asked to go on with the Desmonds. Peter was jealous and when they fought, Peter discovered who Kit was.
Peter and Kit decided to stick together. They left with the Desmonds, but were in an accident and Mr. Desmond broke his leg. Peter and Kit continued on to London, but couldn’t get work, even with Mrs. Desmond’s letter. They met Shakespeare.
Shakespeare took Peter and Kit under his wings. He gave them a place to sleep and something to eat. They got parts in his plays, and Peter received a letter from his mother telling him not to return anytime soon.
Kit ran away before the play began. Peter had to play Juliet. Kit thought Sir Philip would recognize her, and ran away so she wouldn’t have to marry him. Sir Philip wanted to marry her to get her estate. Peter had to act well so Sir Philip wouldn’t recognize him. He did such a great job, Sir Philip gave him a gift.
The company is preparing to perform for the Queen. They are going to do a comedy which the Queen loves, Merry Wives of Windsor. The Queen rewards the crew with lots of food, but more importantly with the advertising they receive...