 Harvey Winthrop comes to see Sherlock Holmes out of concern for his older brother John. There is an old family legend that foretells the death of any Winthrop who unexpectedly finds silver coins in his possession, and in fact his brother has recently found several such coins. Holmes does not believe the legend, but he agrees to come to Winthrop Manor to investigate. John Winthrop also scoffs at the legend, but that same night he is found dead at the foot of the staircase. Holmes is certain that someone has murdered him, using the legend to cover up the truth.