Lapitch, an orphaned mouse, works in a small town as the Scowlers' apprentice, who consist of a mean shoemaker and his kind-hearted wife with his dog, Brewster. Mr. Scowler awaits a visit from the pigs' Mayor and his son; Lapitch has to make sure the pigs' boots are the right size. Things do not go well when the Mayor's son tries on his boot. As a result, they leave. Lapitch tries to tell his master that it was not his fault, yet he still blames him for it. Mrs. Scowler apologises for her husband's bad behaviour. While he tidies up, she tells the Lapitch that she and her husband used to be happier ages ago. Lapitch curiously wants to know why, but Mrs. Scowler vows only to tell him when he is older.