In the story, the brilliant consulting detective Sherlock Holmes is persuaded to take a vacation for his health. He and his friend Dr. John Watson stay at the home of an old friend of Watson's in the Surrey countryside. Shortly after he arrives there, Holmes hears that there has been an unusual burglary in the area recently. The following day, Holmes hears that there has been a murder. The most important clue in the murder case appears to be a scrap of paper with some writing on it that was found in the dead man's hand.