While his friend works hard to earn the train fare to Fitchburg, a bear, modeled on a young Henry Thoreau, walks the thirty miles through woods and fields, enjoying nature and the time to think great thoughts. Includes biographical information about Thoreau.

Although he loves his freedom, Henry, a bear modeled on Henry Thoreau, goes to jail rather than go against his principles. Based on an incident in the life of Henry David Thoreau.

When Henry cannot sleep, he takes the night jar and tries to capture the song of the night bird.