Merijntje Gijzen lives with his family in a small Brabant village. They are Catholic. He is rather naive and has unconditional faith in the authorities. In addition, however, he is loyal and solidarity to his friend Goort Perdams, nicknamed 'De Kruik', who as a poacher and vagabond is not popular among the good working population. With or without him, Merijntje experiences all kinds of adventures that often provide him with wise life lessons.