It's Louisville or bust! Tom-Tom, Vern, and Howie are headed for Louisville on vacation with Mr. Stott as the captain of the houseboat ""the elephant"". Mr. Stott burdens the boys with numerous 'abandon ship' exercises and lessons in river tides. All useful but absolutely no fun! The boys eventually trick Mr. Stott into leaving the boat while they take off for a few hours of fun; but the fun is short lived.