Sherlock Holmes is asked for help by an old friend whose daughter has been kidnapped. The English detective travels to Hamburg and becomes embroiled in an adventure that apparently has its origins in an Indian legend and the cholera epidemic of 1892.

During the Second Afghan War, John Watson was shot and also contracted typhus. During this time, Dr. Clifford Smith cared for him. Many years later, Watson unexpectedly receives an invitation from Dr. Smith to Brixford, Devonshire. His colleague has inherited an old house: Rosie's Hall. Upon arriving in Brixford, Watson learns that three children have vanished without a trace. He informs his friend Sherlock Holmes about further mysterious incidents at Rosie's Hall. After extensive investig...