In 1881, Sherlock Holmes meets and befriends Dr. Watson. Years later, Holmes is viewed as a legendary detective. Both he and Watson are to view the trial of Professor James Moriarty, but are temporarily waylaid by a package sent by Moriarty and brought to them by their housekeeper, Mrs. hudson. Once at the trial, Holmes declares that the man on trial is not Moriarty and is instead someone named Jacob Musgraves, who is incapable of committing the murders due to tremors in his hand caused by excessive masturbation. Despite unsuccessful attempts by Inspector Lestrade to convince Holmes that his deduction is incorrect, Holmes is convinced that Moriarty is currently traveling to the United States.