The action takes place in 1884. Bulgaria is still divided into the legally autonomous Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Roumelia which, in spite of its administrative autonomy, remains under the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire. A new judge arrives in a small town in an outlying region of the Principality. A gang supported by a wealthy landlord is roaming the area. The judge has to deal with gang all by himself because the people are too scared to help him.