: At the end of the service, the sailor is sent to serve as a batman to the captain. He has to watch the son of the captain, for whom the sailor will forever become his best friend.

Fedos Chizhik got into recruits because of the whim of an old landowner, and was taken to the fleet because of his small stature. Over the years of his long service, Chizhik was beaten and praised, but respected and loved for honesty, kind nature and modesty. The last three years, Fedos served under the command of Captain Vasily Mikhailovich Luzgin. Under Luzgin, the sailors lived well, there was no vice and drill. Fedos hoped to end the service and return to his native village, then two fingers were torn off him, and Luzgin took Fedos to him as his second batman.

The batman makes an unfavorable impression on the lady, the captain’s wife, but she instructs him to look after his son, punishing him not to drink and not to swear with the child. Little Shurka immediately becomes attached to Chizhik. Chizhik tells him tales, repairs broken toys. Shurka trusts him with his secret: how his mother carved him for a broken cup.

Although the lady believes that Shurka has become coarser, he admits that Chizhik performs his duties in good faith. She is outraged that Chizhik does not please her, like another servant. Chizhik also does not like the mistress, is indignant that she obscures and sprinkles the maid Anyutka, and encourages the girl as best she can. Batman and cook Ivan Chizhik does not like it.Under Anyutka, whom Ivan is in love with, the sailor chastises him for scalding the dog and protects the girl from his harassment. Ivan, at every opportunity, complains to the lady about Chizhik, and she becomes more severe and picky about the sailor.

Once the Luzgins leave with the whole family, and Fedos, taking advantage of the lack of owners, is asked to visit his friend the boatswain. Upon returning home, the lady accused Chizhik of having come drunk and driving tricks with Anyutka. Despite Shurka’s protests and tears, she writes a note to the adjutant demanding to carve Chizhik and sends him back to the crew. For disobedience, she beats her son.

Midshipman of the crew office is surprised that Luzgina orders to carve Chizhik for drunkenness and rudeness. In order not to go against the will of the captain’s wife, he orders to carve it easily.

Shurka is waiting for his friend and worries if he was hurt. Luzgina breaks her anger on Anyutka and interrogates her about her relationship with Chizhik. Annie admits that Chizhik only protected her from Ivan. The lady summoned Chizhik, who returned, punished him not to behave anymore and return to his duties. Chizhik suggests to Shurke that all the same the mother needs to be read and respected.

After a few months, Shurka becomes ill, and Chizhik is on duty near the patient day and night. Returning from the voyage, Luzgin learns that Chizhik was leaving his son.

Three years later, serfdom is abolished, and Chizhik leaves his resignation.

Shurka, having finished the Marine Corps, becomes an officer and takes Chizhik to himself. Until his death, Chizhik lives in his family, nurses the Shurkin children.

The memory of Chizhik is sacredly kept in the family of Alexander Vasilyevich, and he always says that Chizhik was the best teacher for him.