Sir Edward Mauley is The Black Dwarf, a character based on a very real man of Scott's acquaintance. Mauley becomes involved in the quarrel of a friend -- and, when imprisoned for his actions in that quarrel, finds himself betrayed by the very man in whose cause he lost his liberty. When free, he goes to Mucklestane Moor, where his extraordinary strength, knowledge of medicine, and ready wealth lead the local people to regard him as a supernatural being -- a servant of the Devil. . . .