João da Matta, a hillbilly, is dispossessed of his land by a dishonest colonel. Accused of theft, he flees. Some time later, having discovered the dark past of his tormentor, João returns to rectify his situation. To do so, he demands a declaration absolving him from the colonel – in reality, a fugitive murderer from Bahia. The villain tries to resist and offers João money, but João, incorruptible, insists on the declaration. The colonel writes it, but threatens to accuse him again. However, the hero reveals the colonel's past, who, indignant, draws a revolver. But João skillfully takes the weapon from him. Cornered, the colonel attacks him, and while disabling the revolver, João receives a blow to the head. Out of his mind, João strangles the colonel to death. But the police arrive and pardon him, as he had killed a very dangerous thief. And peace returns.