During his investigation into the thief Sukejiro, Juzo Ono, a constable of the Fire Brigade Patrol and Thief-Catcher Unit, encounters his wife, Ofuji, at the scene where Sukejiro was killed. Feeling sympathy for the pregnant Ofuji, Juzo hides Sukejiro's body and shelters her. Meanwhile, the Fire Brigade Patrol and Thief-Catcher Unit, who were pursuing Yabe, the leader of the thieves that Sukejiro was involved with, capture Kumehachi, one of the gang members. Soon after, other members of the gang, Ogawa and Umekichi, summon Juzo and inform him that they have abducted Ofuji. They threaten to harm Ofuji unless Kumehachi is released from prison.