An old peasant from Chodský, Záhor, claims to the young Podestát that he returned three hundred gold pieces to his father before the old Podestát died. Out of greed, Záhor even decides to perjure himself in court. The indignant creditor warns him of God's wrath. Záhor's sons, Matěj and Vondra, are vying for the same girl - the daughter of a blacksmith, Nana.