There is a beautiful windmill near Winkelbroek. The miller is Wannes Coppens, someone who knows all the ways, but especially the detours, to achieve his goal. He is particularly proud of his son Antoon. He is a teacher, conductor of the brass band, painter... and has the reputation of being the biggest joker in Winkelbroek. Through Antoon's marriage to Louisa from the brewery, the miller hopes to regain possession of a piece of land. But the old brewer is unyielding. Wannes then takes a detour via the mayor.