The first part of the book recounts the attempts of the hero, David Balfour, to gain justice for James Stewart (James of the Glens), who has been arrested and charged with complicity in the Appin Murder. David makes a statement to a lawyer and goes on to meet William Grant of Prestongrange, the Lord Advocate of Scotland, to press the case for James' innocence.
The initial section of the book describes David Balfour's pursuit of justice for James Stewart (James of the Glens), who has been arrested and accused of involvement in the Appin Murder. David communicates with a lawyer and subsequently interacts with William Grant of Prestongrange, the Lord Advocate of Scotland, to defend James' innocence.