The disabled ex-soldier Andreas Pum lost a leg for emperor and fatherland. After leaving the army he receives a license and a drehorgel. One day he gets into a controversy with a well-dressed gentleman, disturbs the public order, and hits a policeman. Andreas Pum goes to jail, loses his license, and becomes toilet guard in the Cafe Halali after his release. Only at the moment of death does he recognise that he was always too decent and too obedient.
