Three Scottish noblemen escape from Gripsholm Castle and break into the home of Lord Arne. They kill everyone except for Lord Arne's adopted daughter Elsalill.
Young drifter tells his story in flashback from prison.
The farm workers at Näs Farm, lead by Hellman, go on strike, demanding that their employer recognize their labor union. But he calls on strike-breakers to perform the farm work. Hellman's son Gunnar is a hothead who easily gets in trouble.
