A number of the mine workers have gone on strike. Ebraam, who is the workers’ representative, is forced—under the employer’s threats—to sign a contract that makes conditions even tighter for the workers. Overcome with shame and guilt, Ebraam hangs himself, and the townspeople force his wife and his sons, Aslaan and Salim, to leave their home. They move south, and years later Aslaan, by working at the Port Authority, manages to provide Salim with the means to study. Salim goes to the capital to continue his education, and Aslaan enters the service of Farrokh in order to steal the property of Teymour, the port’s contractor.