Jim Peck is a graduate student at a local university. Peck believes that society is overly involved in individuals lives and that society has become too dependent on modern conveniences. Peck asks the Allstons to allow him to live on their property in a tent so that he might get in touch with the simpler aspects of life. Joe laughs, however, because Peck plans on using a motorcycle, a chemical toilet, and other modern conveniences during his break from society.