The Doings of Raffles Haw

About the book

Raffles Haw, a mysterious millionaire, comes to reside in the town of Tamfield in Staffordshire.

Prior to his arrival, the locals gossip about him. When his lavish house is being constructed, people are amazed by the speed and cost of the project. Raffles acquaints himself with the McIntyre family, Robert, his sister Laura, and their father, who has gone bankrupt and lost his sanity. Laura is engaged to Hector, the son of the local vicar.

Disregarding the McIntyre family's financial troubles, Raffles uses his vast wealth to help the people of Tamfield, saving many families and businesses. He has discovered a process to turn lead into gold, giving him unlimited funds. However, Raffles becomes disillusioned as his philanthropic efforts don't actually improve the recipients, who instead become reliant on his handouts. Seeking counsel from Laura, he is heartbroken to discover she is still engaged to Hector. Devastated, Raffles destroys his equipment and fortune, and is later found dead. The secret process he used to create his wealth is lost.