Lapitch, a small orphan mouse, works in a small town as the apprentice of the Scowlers—a mean-mannered shoemaker Master Scowler and his kind-hearted wife Mistress Scowler. His dog, Brewster keeps him company when he is alone. Master Scowler awaits a visit from the Mayor and his son (both pigs); Lapitch has to make sure the pigs' boots are the right size. When the piglet tries to put them on, things do not go well, and the two patrons leave for good. Lapitch tries to tell the Master it was not his fault, yet he still blames his young apprentice for the mistake.