It is becoming clear to Watson that unless Holmes is removed from Baker Street and the constant calls upon his time, which are inescapable as long as he he remains there, his health and strength are at the risk of failing. Watson takes Holmes to Kilbuie, Loch Echil, after reading Boswell's account of his journey there; he feels they should emulate the illustrious eighteenth- century man of letters. However, they arrive to find that all their Loch Echil acquaintances have experienced disaster or misfortune of late, and the owner of the castle atop Uffa Island just out to sea is missing his most precious family heirloom, the Macglevin buckle.