A kind and humble shoemaker called Simon goes out one day to purchase sheep-skins in order to sew a winter coat for his wife and himself to share. Usually the little money, which Simon earned would be spent to feed his wife and children. Simon decided that in order to afford the skins he must go on a collection to receive the five Rubels and twenty Kopeks owed to him by his customers. As he heads out to collect the money he also borrows a three Rubel note from his wife's money box. While going on his collection he only manages to receive twenty Kopeks rather than the full amount. Feeling disheartened by this Simon rashly spends the twenty Kopeks on Vodka and starts to head back home...