Spring 1918. After the Russian Revolution, Prince Meshchersky' collection of paintings and sculptures was to be nationalized. However, Tarakanov, the Prince's former land steward steals it, enlisting the help of a fencing master nicknamed Marquis and an orphaned boy Keshka. They join a traveling circus in an attempt to transfer the stolen masterpieces abroad. A shrewd Soviet detective Makar Ovchinnikov follows their tracks.