Jubal Foster, one of the most bad-tempered, rudest, arrogant, and vindictive farmers in England, owned a farm on the outskirts of Hambleton, a small village nestled in the rolling countryside. When a fire destroyed his barn, he falsely accused local children of arson. Later, he is found severely beaten beyond recognition and barely clinging to life. Sherlock, visiting on Holiday due to a cold, is on the case.