Zhilin, a Cossack is riding back home, leading to his mother's letter stating about her illness. On the way he is being captured by a red bearded Tartar, named Kazi-mohammed, who sells Zhilin to Abdul Murat for 200 rubles. Abdul orders 3000 rubles in order to set Zhilin free. And story revolves around how Zhilin escapes from the Taratars.