First published in the May 1892 issue of The Strand Magazine

First published in a collection in 1892 in The Adventure of the Sherlock Holmes

 

Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Watson, Alexander Holder, Arthur Holder, Sir George Burnwell, Mary Holder, Lucy Parr

Case Date: 23rd February 1866

 

Storyline:

The ‘madman’ observed by Watson making his eccentric progress towards 221B, Baker Street, turns out to be none other than Alexander Holder, one of London’s leading bankers. His agitation seems justified. The priceless Beryl Coronet, a treasure of national importance, has been stolen while in his possession as security against a large loan. The coronet has since been retrieved, albeit with a piece missing: it is the identity of the suspected thief that has brought one of the foremost of citizens to this pitiable pass. Holder had surprised his own son, Arthur, at dead of night, apparently in the act of breaking pieces off the coronet.
At the scene of the crime, Holmes tests his strength and the breaking-point of gold, contemplates the spoor of a one-legged greengrocer, beards a blackguard, and is at length able to deliver Mr. Holder a little homily upon filial relationship.