For many years, Ulrich, the hereditary forester, and Steinbach, the landowner, were the best of friends. But one day, this friendship is put to a severe test: Driven by financial need, Steinbach wants to have the forest cleared, which Ulrich condemns as brutal exploitation of nature – and therefore refuses to grant permission for the project. To clear the way for his plan, Steinbach ensures that Ulrich is dismissed as forester. When, a few days later, the dam built by Steinbach is blown up and the floodwaters inundate Steinbach's sawmill, suspicion immediately falls on Ulrich. The hereditary forester is ostracized, threatened, and even fears for his life.