A story about a train switchman, his cat Velja and friends at work. Once tidy and upright after the death of his wife, he became unfit even at his job, which he did diligently. Soft-hearted, sociable, he began to associate with a glass and a bottle.

Zagorka is young and beautiful peasant woman, abused by her ignorant husband because of her alleged infertility. One morning, a handsome neighbour offers her a lift into town.