Sherlock Holmes is descending once more into a dark and fearful place through lack of a suitable case worthy of his talents. Holmes is saved when he is requested by his brother, Mycroft, to determine whether the death of a prominent figure, an aide to the British Government, is due to natural causes or has he been the victim of an assassination by the Boers? Suspicion falls upon a Dutch guest at the hotel where the death occurred and Holmes must determine whether the Dutchman is indeed the assassin. Seemingly, the Dutch gentleman has had some contact with the deceased through a common interest as keen amateur artists. Holmes follows the artist's trail by the River Wye and, whilst taking tea, discovers a dark family secret which leads, in turn, to a moral dilemma which leaves Watson somewhat disturbed.