When Mrs. Bean’s long-lost brother, Aaron Doty, appears, he and his storytelling are warmly received.

Evidence mounts, including a conversation overheard between Doty and the Bean animals’ old enemy Mr. Garble.

Since it is not possible for Freddy to attend school regularly, his cousin Weedly doubles for him, causing them both to be “half-educated”.

At first the money is hidden in the forest, but when Freddy is jailed it winds up being baked in a pie made accidentally of plaster of paris.

Afterwards, an agreement is made, and all the animals quit the teams for good, so that next year regular football can be played.

With the exception of "Aaron Doty" the characters are largely animals and humans from earlier books.

Rich Mrs. Church, Old Whibley and Solomon the owls, and the Webb spiders have major roles, as does the villainous Mr. Garble.

"One misses the spontaneity of some of Freddy's earlier escapades, but children will read the book with enjoyment."