A man commits a robbery and start a new life in the northern parts of Sweden where he establishes himself as a farmer.

A story about poverty, unrequited love and manslaughter.

Axel wants to marry his childhood friend Anna, but her father does not approve and kicks her out and sends Axel abroad on business.

Young Jörgen Steenfeld is the heir of it over the chimney-indebted estate Steensgaard and unable to clear up its finances. He is being looked after by his old friend, "Mästerkatten", ie the enterprising, charming but somewhat irreplaceable Karl Konstantin Kattrup, who has been relegated from the university. Kattrup, involved as a manager at Steensgaard. Steenfeld receives visits by county governor Markdanner and her daughter Rose. The Countess is planning a marriage between Rose and Jörgen, but Jörgen is secretly in love with the orphan Helga Anthon, called Pips. The conditions are further complicated by the appearance of Kattrup and Rose.

Åke Hjelm and Wilhelm Holt run a business together. Hjelm is honest and fair, but Holt takes every opportunity to gain some easy money – legal or not.