Rare and little-known texts from Karl May's workshop are collected here. In the title story, which is presented in its original form for the first time, a delicate love story intertwines with quirky comedy. "Slaves of Ambition," which has a more criminalistic approach, is a fragment from May's period of popular literature. "Goat or Billy" showcases the humorous side of the author; numerous short stories and early drafts from his formative phase complete the volume. Informed commentary by Prof. Dr. Christoph Lorenz provides insights into the history of creation and publication.