Oscar, a young lieutenant of the German army, is stopping in a French town getting information. He is passing as a young musician and lodging with Pierre Lenoir. He cultivates a great friendship with Francois Vian, an old 'cellist, firstly because it helps carry out his disguise and secondly, because he really is fond of music. He learns to like the old man very much. Rumors of a spy being in the town get about and Lenoir's suspicions are aroused. He confides his suspicions to his sister and shows her an offer of reward for the capture of the spy, which he hopes to gain. Oscar overhears him and flies the house. Lenoir gives the alarm and Oscar is pursued by the gendarmes and people. He takes refuge with Francois and prays to him to save him, confessing who he is. At first Francois is going to give him up, then their bond of musical fellowship is too strong for him. He hides the young German and assists him to escape. A year after the town is taken by the Germans. They invade Francois' cottage and find him playing his 'cello. They try to turn him out of his house in order to set it on fire. In doing so, they break his beloved 'cello. He seizes a gun and shoots and wounds one of the men. He is arrested as a non-combatant bearing arms and condemned to be shot. Oscar hears of his old friend's sentence and saves him just as the soldiers are about to shoot. The old musician thanks him, but sits mourning over his shattered 'cello, which nothing can restore.