Nikolai Yemelyanov

The artist-restorer Alexey, going to birthday to the beloved Maria, even could not assume, in what cover it will get. And the culprit will be a young thief-daredevil named Shurochka.

For many years the great Emir of Bukhara has not known happiness - he has lost the taste to delightful khalva, and now life is as sour as a lemon for him. The house of poor pot-maker Shir-Mamed, however, is full of happiness - his little son Hodzha Nasreddin has been born. Rumours have spread about his unusual abilities - maybe he will be able to make the Emir happy again?

Spring of 1918. Tarakanov, managing the estate of Prince Tikhvinsky, with the help of a former court fencing teacher Marquess and a street kid Keshka, is stealing a collection of paintings and sculptures from the abandoned estate owners. Hoping to transport her abroad, criminals wander with a circus troupe, and in their wake goes a tireless criminal investigator — Makar Ovchinnikov.