The post office in Liderice is attacked by robbers who kill the clerk Klecka, wound Munk and force Jirí Valta to hand over the cash. Munk, with his light injuries, is hailed as a hero whereas Valta is generally considered a coward. At the insistence of her parents, Valta's fiancee Helena leaves him. Valta moves away, and looks after Klecka's wife and small daughter, however, he is still plagued by the question as to whether he acted correctly.