End of 1911. Stolypin was killed, a new minister Makarov appeared in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He immediately disliked State Councilor Lykov. Makarov is a strict lawyer, and the detective often breaks the laws in the interests of the case. Here again Lykov got involved in something other than his own business, he wants to open the government’s eyes to the British intrigues to strangle the Maikop oil fields. During the arrest of Mokhov's gang, the state councilor pretty much crushed the leader. Makarov gave him a severe reprimand. A few days later, the detective summoned Mokhov for interrogation, after which he died in prison. The cellmates unanimously claim that Lykov severely beat the criminal and he died from the beatings... And before the detective had time to come to his senses, he himself found himself behind bars. Deprived of ranks, orders and nobility for something he did not do. Friends are hastily trying to rescue the former state councilor. Meanwhile, in prison there are many who want to settle scores with him...