Matt Carlton wants to leave the dinner table, but his mother insists that he finish his peas first. Matt tells his father that tonight is the first official meeting of a club that Matt started with friends Tony, Q, and Hooter. They will read about one historical adventure at each meeting, using a series called Great Adventures in History. Tonight’s topic will be George Washington’s army’s crossing of the Delaware River.

Mr. Carlton concurs that Matt must eat his peas before leaving the table. This prompts Matt to fantasize about exciting challenges he would prefer to peas, like vampires and wild animals. Matt discards his peas in the sugar bowl when his parents aren’t looking, but Matt’s younger sister Katie sees. When his parents return to the table, she begins pointing to the bowl. In desperation, Matt invites Katie to the campout. She immediately agrees, and his parents comment on Matt’s kindness. Matt’s spirits sink at the prospect of bringing Katie, “a seven-year-old baby girl” (4), to the meeting.

In Tony’s yard, Matt tells Katie to stay in the tent. He reads a passage from Adventures in History: Volume Four aloud that describes the Continental Army’s low morale, loss of life, and harsh conditions; he adds that this is “why this adventure is so incredible” (6).