Young doctor Vencl is going through a difficult beginning. In the small town and especially in the surrounding isolated villages, he must first overcome the distrust of the locals, who still prefer to be treated by incantations. He has to get used to being led to a stable at night in the secluded forest, because an animal is often worth more than a human being. He also fights victoriously with the councilors who do not want to give him anything from the municipal coffers. He endures the bullying of the mayor's wife and wins the trust of the poorest of the poor.
A detective story about Srdicko (heart) -- a double meaning in this case: it is a gold antique heart-shaped piece of jewelry that is the subject of the search, but also the heart failure of Mrs. Mari.