In 1922 orphaned Carl and Adam Matuski travel to Portland, Oregon to stay with their Uncle Pete. When Adam is accused of stealing jewelry from his girlfriend's house, sixteen-year-old Carl rises to his defense, intent on finding the real criminal. Although he's aided by a likable news reporter, Carl is hampered by virulent anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic sentiments swirling through Oregon that fall as voters are asked whether to outlaw Catholic schools altogether.