Adaptation of a novel by Andrejs Upīts. The beginning of the 20th century. Mārtiņš Robežnieks get arrested for revolutionary activities and his younger brother Jānis, a teacher, on account of revolutionary speeches is forced to leave his job in the city and go back to father's home on the country. Jānis initially continues with his speeches, drawing discontent from the local authorities, however the marriage with the daughter of local landlord's deputy seems to change the matters. When the echoes of 1905 revolution events reach the area, Mārtiņš arrives from Riga. Local peasants burn down the landlord manor, but punitive expeditions soon arrive. Jānis gets overcome with fear and, in order to save himself, turns a traitor.