Chapter I: Preface

AMONGST the books to which I am indebted for my material in my endeavour to draw various phases of life and character in England at the beginning of the century, I would particularly mention Ashton’s “Dawn of the Nineteenth Century;” Gronow’s “Reminiscences;” Fitzgerald’s “Life and Times of George IV.;” Jesse’s “Life of Brummell;” “Boxiana;” “Pugilistica;” Harper’s “Brighton Road;” Robinson’s “Last Earl of Barrymore” and “Old Q.;” Rice’s “History of the Turf;” Tristram’s “Coaching Days;” James’s “Naval History;” Clark Russell’s “Collingwood” and “Nelson.”

I am also much indebted to my friends Mr. J. C. Parkinson and Robert Barr for information upon the subject of the ring.

A. CONAN DOYLE.

HASLEMERE,
_September_ 1, 1896.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER PAGE
I. FRIAR’S OAK 1
II. THE WALKER OF CLIFFE ROYAL 18
III. THE PLAY-ACTRESS OF ANSTEY CROSS 33
IV. THE PEACE OF AMIENS 50
V. BUCK TREGELLIS 65
VI. ON THE THRESHOLD 86
VII. THE HOPE OF ENGLAND 98
VIII. THE BRIGHTON ROAD 121
IX. WATIER’S 136
X. THE MEN OF THE RING 153
XI. THE FIGHT IN THE COACH-HOUSE 179
XII. THE COFFEE-ROOM OF FLADONG’S 201
XIII. LORD NELSON 221
XIV. ON THE ROAD 234
XV. FOUL PLAY 253
XVI. CRAWLEY DOWNS 261
XVII. THE RING-SIDE 277
XVIII. THE SMITH’S LAST BATTLE 294
XIX. CLIFFE ROYAL 314
XX. LORD AVON 326
XXI. THE VALET’S STORY 340
XXII. THE END 355