The father of Pavel Holub and his sister Milada was executed for robbery and murder, while their mother is serving a long prison sentence. The unwilling community must provide for the livelihood of the two children. To reduce costs, Milada is sent to a convent. Pavel himself seems to be slipping into crime with petty thefts, seemingly confirming the citizens' prejudice that the inclination towards crime is inherited. However, Pavel does not give up and eventually achieves modest prosperity. Yet, the community members refuse to accept this; their rejection of the unwanted child of the community grows increasingly intense.