Holmes decodes a warning from Porlock, an informant against
arch-criminal Moriarty, for "Douglas" resident five years at
"Birlstone". Scotland Yard's MacDonald asks them to investigate a corpse
with the same look and circle-in-triangle brand on the forearm as
Birlstone owner Douglas.
Young McMurdo gains reputation as tough counterfeiter, Freemen Lodge member fleeing murder charges in Chicago. In the Vermissa coal mine area, McGinty rules Scowrers branded by a circle in square, the local Lodge 341 who extort, murder, and exchange vicious deeds with nearby Lodges.
PART I.The Tragedy of Birlstone