During a particularly bad storm in September 1887, a young man, John Openshaw, comes seeking help from Holmes as there seems to be a curse on his family. A few years earlier, his eccentric uncle who spent most of his life in America before returning to England dies soon after receiving a letter containing five orange seeds, or pips. Before his death, he burns some old papers kept in a box with the inscription K.K.K. on its lid. Only one page escaped destruction.

John’s father inherits the estate, be he too succumbs to a fatal accident after receiving a similar letter. Now, the young man has gotten the same missive with five pips and the message, “Put the papers on the sundial,” signed “K.K.K.” (96). He is afraid for his life, but the local authorities do not believe anything is amiss. Holmes, however, is convinced that there is great danger and tells John to immediately comply with the letter’s request. The detective plans to begin inquiries the following day.

Unfortunately, the next morning, there is a report in the newspaper that John Openshaw fell into the river and drowned on his way to the train station. The detective feels guilty for not being able to prevent the young man’s death.