An ordinary piece of clay helps Sherlock Holmes solve one of the most diabolical murders he and Dr Watson had ever encountered. Dr Watson calls it the Singular Affair Of The Babbling Butler. Jenkins is the butler to Sir Roderick Martin the theatrical producer and he comes to see Sherlock Holmes to tell him that Sir Roderick is in desperate trouble and in need of their help. When Holmes and Watson arrive at the home of Sir Roderick he tells them his butler is making it up and sends them away. Sherlock is not convinced and seeks out the butler, Jenkins who tells Holmes that he is in fear for his life and suspects that his master, Sir Roderick is trying to kill him.