A black and white animated scene unfolds with a curious, round-bodied mouse observing a tethered, cow-like character in a rural landscape. The cow's distress sparks no reaction from the mouse, who remains stationary. The scene shifts to the mouse's dynamic run across a bridge, showcasing exaggerated gestures and expressions. Joined by a human holding a bottle, they approach a bustling steamboat docked at a riverside location, surrounded by other figures, setting the stage for a more complex adventure.