Adam Krt, a contented village farmer and shoemaker, shares a happy life with his wife Eva, though he occasionally worries about his behavior when intoxicated. After a successful day selling his shoes at market, Adam buys a heifer from his neighbor Trnka. While celebrating their purchase at the pub, the heifer vanishes. The problem is that Adam paid for the heifer at the pub but hadn't yet taken possession, leaving the two neighbors at odds over who rightfully owns the missing animal. They both struggle to find the heifer and agree on ownership.