In a fit of rage, the main character Hendrik van Norden injures a man. His injuries are so severe, the man is no longer able to recognise Van Norden. There was a witness to the assault, named Van Oort, who blackmails Van Norden and his wife. If they pay him a large sum of money, he would not got to the police to give a statement. The Van Norden's decide to comply and give Van Oort the money. To obtain the money, they decide to rob someone. They hide in the ruins of a lighthouse before the robbery. However, the two feel guilty about their decision and commit suicide by jumping of the lighthouse.