Archie Ledbetter heads off to Montana in search of a friend named France Wah, who helped him get out of a deadly situation when he was in Omaha trying to solve "the crime a the century." His best friend, Percy Larson, begins the journey with him, but leaves after a few days to go back home to his newfound girl friend. Archie then hooks up with an Indian named Oapsdofiad, who is on a quest to become a man. Together, they face the harsh journey from Nebraska to Montana, overcoming weather, mountains, Indians, prejudiced white people, and their own lack of experience and skills. It is Oapsdofiad's own wisdom, courage, and abilities which get them to their destination, along the way earning the name Woyer out of respect and admiration from Archie.