Going through rubbish bins of neighbours for scrap metal to sell, putting food on the table for a dependent grandfather and no school, there's not much of a life for an orphaned boy. Finders, keeps so when he makes a treasure find, he keeps it until its sentimental value is known and its rightful owner, a neighbour girl, located, whereupon stories of similar misfortunes are told, bonds are forged and pledges are made. Yet life can be cruel, even to a little soul who has borne witness to too much death.