Paul Spurrier is given a magical stone and unknowingly wishes to be his father to skip school duties. His wish comes true and he and his father swap bodies.
Since Dick changed bodies with his father, Paul's schooldays have been going badly for Dick, while the new Paul makes a lot of changes at home and at the office.
Paul Bultitude, having been changed by magic into his son, Dick, angers the headmaster with his adult behavior, while Dick, who has been changed into his father, befriends the office boy.
"Dick's" problems at school have been made worse by his rejection of the affections of Dulcie Grimstone. "Paul," in London finds that the middle-aged body he's inhabiting won't stand his pace of life and is taken ill.
"Paul" has given Marmaduke Paradine power of attorney to run the business, and has recovered from his illness by using Barbara's wish on the Garuda stone. "Dick" Bultitude at Crichton House School is awaiting a caning.