On his deathbed, miller Hinze, fallen victim to the cruel sorcerer Abbadon who terrorizes the whole region, bequeaths his goods to his sons. Hermann and Hubert get half of the mill each, only last-born Hans gets just the tomcat Minkus. However the feline speaks, transforms into a dashing knight and promises, if fitted with new boots, to turn Hans's fate for the better. Once attired, he sets out to the court of idle king Otto and his daughter Frieda. Fowl gifts win heir favor, and soon an invitation for his master, under the name of marques of Carabass. Hans, clearly more interested in the princess then in gold, is coached to fit the part, while the cat takes o the sorcerer in his castle by crafty magical dare.