Plot Summary

The vagabond Cocl and his companion observe Mr. Burkett and his family leaving their house for summer vacation in Ostend. As the house will be uninhabited for three months the two companions see their chance, and climb into it through a window. They find some elegant clothes. Cocl dresses himself up as a gentleman, and his companion as his servant. They put up a handwritten poster outside the house, announcing that apartments are to be let at a cheap rate. Soon five lodgers turn up: a lady who wants a room with a piano, a nervous man who needs the greatest quietness, an athlete who wants a room with thick walls, a fancy rifle shot who wants a large room, and an animal fancier. All of them pay the rent in advance. Already the first evening the five lodgers disturb each other. They rush out from their rooms, and start a fight. Mr. Burkett returns earlier than expected, and is confronted by the mess, but Cocl and his companion succeed to sneak away with the money.