The Little Man lives happily in the Hollow Hill house with his beloved Majolenka. One day, the peaceful atmosphere of the neighborhood is disturbed by posters, warning of the overpopulation of the Deerers. The Robots install special “zetkoscopes” in the houses that show the horrors committed by the Deerers; they promise the inhabitants protection if they pay a fee to the Chief Protector, Dr Zetek. Those who don’t yield to his rules are interned in a labour camp “for their own good.” The Little Man starts to succumb to the growing fear, which can only be overcome jointly.