Chapter 6 Summary

Professor Mortimer Cropper is in the bathroom on the outskirts of Preston secretly photographing letters that are thought to be written by Randolph Henry Ash. The next morning, Cropper is treated to a lavish breakfast by Daisy Wapshott, the owner of the documents. Cropper tells Mrs. Wapshott that he is willing to pay a very good price for the documents, and they will be well-preserved.

Prof. Cropper leaves the house in his black Mercedes and travels the highway daydreaming about writing his own biography. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were collectors of rare items, and he has followed in their footsteps. Cropper's great-grandparents built a beautiful home in the style of a southern mansion in New Mexico, and Cropper lives there with his mother.

Cropper arrives at Barrett's Hotel. He has mail waiting for him, so he sits by a fire in a...