 Autumn, 1943. Guy lives alone in a cottage in Lot-et-Garonne, a simpleton who draws in a primitive style, ekes out a living in the woods, is vague about his history (claiming he was raised by a cow), and has a girl-friend in the village, Jenine. In the woods he finds a wounded German soldier and takes him home. Rolf recovers, but Guy won t let him leave, trailing him, grabbing him, challenging him to feats of strength. Rolf stays, and a friendship develops between them. Guy tells Jenine about Rolf, but they must keep him hidden or risk punishment as collaborators. When the men s friendship becomes sexual, jealousy and possessiveness bring on tragedy and pathos.