The story consists of two sections: The Singular Experience of Mr. John Scott Eccles
Holmes is visited by a perturbed proper English gentleman, John Scott Eccles, who wishes to discuss something 'grotesque'. No sooner has he arrived at 221B Baker Street than Inspector Gregson also shows up, along with Inspector Baynes of the Surrey Constabulary. They wish a statement from Eccles about the murder near Esher last night. A note in the dead man's pocket indicates that Eccles said that he would be at the victim's house that night.
The Tiger of San Pedro
Holmes and Dr. Watson go to Esher to see Wisteria Lodge with Inspector Baynes. The constable guarding the house reports a hair-raising experience. A brutish-looking man - the devil himself, thought the constable - looked in the window. The constable gave chase, but the intruder got away. Holmes establishes by the footmarks that the constable did not imagine this.
