In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb," Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate a case involving Victor Hatherley, an engineer who narrowly escapes a murderous plot and loses his thumb in the process. The story unravels a criminal scheme centered around a hydraulic press used for counterfeiting. Holmes' deductive prowess and attention to detail lead to the capture of the perpetrators, showcasing his ability to solve even the most bizarre and dangerous cases.