Jake is a story about a friendly snake. He lives in a hole in the ground on the Mack farm. He is a very nosy snake. He likes to spy on the farm animals. He really wants to be their friend, but they don't like him. Jake gets blamed for most everything that goes wrong on the farm.

Mae Hennie, the chicken, leaves the barnyard and runs away from home. Jake follows her. He finds her secret place. Mae Hennie gets very angry with Jake and accuses him of stealing from her. He shouts at Mae Hennie, "I didn't do it!"

Jake is innocent. How can he prove he is not guilty? Will he ever be a friend to the barnyard animals? Somehow, he must help Mae Hennie. She is in danger, and he must warn her. Maybe then, she will be his friend.