Die Försterbuben

When seminarian Martin Rufmann arrives in St Eustachen idyllically located in the Carinthian mountains the local choral society is celebrating a joyous festival Martin is the youngest son of the widowed head forester Thomas Rufmann Martins older brother Friedolin has inherited his fathers love of hunting and is one of the best hunters in the area He is also engaged to the pretty innkeepers daughter Helene Schwarzaug At the feast Friedolin and his cronies drink heavily to the black liquor of the charcoal burner Krauthaas Friedolin and the townspeople Günther have a loud argument in front of everyone When Günther is found murdered a short time later suspicion immediately falls on Friedolin To save his brother Martin accuses himself of the crime The two brothers are arrested The real culprit soon turns himself in but in the meantime Thomas Rufmann has disappeared without a trace