Nat brings Dan, a 14-year-old boy he used to know from his days as a street performer, to Plumfield. The Bhaers decide to let Dan stay on a trial basis, though Mrs. Jo is skeptical that he will fit in as he seems tough and confrontational. Nat takes Dan to meet the other boys in the barn, where he impresses them with backflips, but then tricks Tommy into giving him his jackknife. Despite Dan’s gruffness, the boys come to admire his daring and strong nature, and Mr. Bhaer and Mrs. Jo notice that he is kind to animals and to the baby Teddy.

One day, Mr. Bhaer finds Dan and Emil fighting each other, which is against the school rules. Later, Dan convinces Tommy to play matador by riding the donkey Toby and hitting Mr. Bhaer’s cow Buttercup with a stick. In the fray, Tommy is thrown from the donkey and Buttercup strains her shoulder jumping over a fence to run away. Mr. Bhaer is disappointed in Dan’s cruel treatment of the animals but gives him one more chance.

Dan wants to stay at Plumfield but can’t keep himself out of trouble.