The story takes place in the small town of São João, on the border between two states. The tax inspector has always hidden his innermost sorrows from his daughter, who is charmingly beautiful and youthful. These are the result of a mysterious decrease in income at the Post Office, caused by the criminal activity of a gang of smugglers led by an elegant, cunning and cowardly man. An engineer working for the State arrives in the town of São João. Unexpectedly, a brief romance begins between him and the inspector's daughter. The cunning smuggler leader also takes an interest in the young woman. He is not reciprocated. Jealousy and then hatred arise.