A Northern Irish girl called Enya Dunleavy moves in next door to Tas, and they quickly become friends.

However, when they find a box full of explosives near their house, Enya is scared for reasons unknown to Tas.

One day, Tas tries to play a prank on the school bully, Darren "Dreadlock", but his teacher, Mr. McKinlay "Mac", takes the bait and faints, causing everyone to be sent home early.

Tas is sent to the hospital, where he is nearly choked to death by Enya's uncle, Seamus, for spying on their argument, but is saved by Mr. Mac.

After a good performance at a play of Peter and the Wolf, Tas is invited to audition for admittance to a music school.