After World War II Dresden is completely destroyed - the cigarette factory as well. To rebuild it one needs carbide to weld. The protagonist Kalle, who formerly has worked here, makes his way to Wittemberg, where he actually gets seven barrels of carbide, which he now wants to take to Dresden. As he does not have a vehicle he has to rely on others. At first it is Karla with her carriage with whom Kalle would have liked to travel a little further, but time is running. So he accompanies a truck driver, whom he pays with cigarettes. On his way from Wittenberg to Dresden he comes into several strange situations: American soldiers, Russian soldiers and problems with the different vehicles hinder his journey. For example he is arrested by Russian patrols, because he doesn't have the necessary legitimation papers for transporting the barrels from one allied zone to another. Finally he manages to get two barrels to Dresden, where he can start again. Moreover financial security is more important now, as he and Karla are getting parents.