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    The Hound of the Baskervilles
    The Hound of the Baskervilles
    The Hound of the Baskervilles
    Ebook214 pages3 hours

    The Hound of the Baskervilles

    By Arthur Conan Doyle

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    At Baskerville Hall on the grim moors of Devonshire, a legendary curse has apparently claimed one more victim. Sir Charles Baskerville has been found dead. There are no signs of violence, but his face is hideously distorted with terror. Years earlier, a hound-like beast with blazing eyes and dripping jaws was reported having torn out Hugo Baskerville's throat. Is Sir Henry Baskerville, younger heir to the estate, now in danger? Enter Sherlock Holmes, summoned to protect Sir Henry from the fate that threatens the Baskerville family. As Holmes and Watson begin to investigate, a blood-chilling howl from the fog-shrouded edges of the great Grimpen Mire signals that the legendary hound of the Baskervilles is poised for yet another murderous attack.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDreamscape Media
    Release dateSep 4, 2018
    ISBN9781974997510
    Author

    Arthur Conan Doyle

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a Scottish writer and physician, most famous for his stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes and long-suffering sidekick Dr Watson. Conan Doyle was a prolific writer whose other works include fantasy and science fiction stories, plays, romances, poetry, non-fiction and historical novels.

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    Reviews for The Hound of the Baskervilles

    4/5

    40 ratings126 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Classic Sherlock Holmes at his finest. A great story with thrills along the way. I've read and seen the movie versions of this story multiple times, but I still enjoy reading this over and over again. The story never gets old.
    • 5/5
      A veritable classic, what more can you say! Despite the course of time this is still a great story. After all the collections of stories about Sherlock Holmes I really enjoyed the greater depth that a novel allowed with a very intriguing story and some great inventiveness in the writing! I wish he'd written more as extended novels. Definitely should be read by everyone.
    • 4/5
      A very, very enjoyable read: definitely the pinnacle (thus far) of the Holmes canon.

      Every element fits into its proper place: the isolated location is well described, with many fascinating features such as the Neolithic huts, fatal bogs and rows of yews. Each character is well-drawn, and each has their own mystery which interlocks perfectly with the overarching puzzle. By utilising different aspects of Watson's narrative voice - his diary, his letters, his reminiscences - Conan Doyle is able to shake up his writing formula somewhat, and present us with a mystery in which both Watson and Holmes are used to their respective strengths.

      Beyond this, the mystery is multi-faceted and - particularly noteworthy - the novel is about every aspect of the crime, not just the "whodunnit" or how. As a result, even though the revelations are really no more than typical Conan Doyle fare, they are in no way a letdown, because it is only part of a larger canvas.

      Seasoned crime readers like myself will probably pick up on the big clue planted very early in the book but, even then, it by no means allows you to solve the crime. The only aspect which might be seen by some as negative is that the book is always happy to pause and consider any minute clue (half a chapter is spent on exactly which newspaper a ransom-style note was cut from). To me, though, this is quintessential Holmes. The traces of romantic characterisation and storytelling linger, but are kept in check by the power of the work overall. As a result, I'm soldiering on with renewed vigour to the sixth of the nine Holmes books.
    • 4/5
      “The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” – Sherlock HolmesAfter having watched the movies and TV shows, I finally read my first Sherlock Holmes book. From various reviews and from the Foreword, I thought I had chosen one of the best, if not the best, Holmes book. Unfortunately, it felt --- ‘passive’. I’ll explain.The story surrounds a ghostly hound that haunts the Baskervilles family from several generations ago. After the untimely and unexplained death of Sir Charles Baskerville, the last Baskerville heir, Sir Henry, and his family friend, Dr. Mortimer, seek the help of the famous Sherlock Holmes to determine once and for all, the truth between the mystery hound and the legend that curses the Baskerville family members and estate. With a butler and wife at the estate, a number of inquisitive neighbors, an escaped convict, and the shadowy, foggy grounds of Grimpen Mire with moor and bog-hole that is the grassland version of quicksand, a delectable setting is laid for the whodunnit and how.Perhaps movies and televisions have ruined my perspective; I had expected to journey with Holmes and Watson in their fact-finding. Since Holmes is tied-up with his current cases, Watson accompanies Sir Henry to his newly inherited estate ahead of Holmes. The facts are then revealed via Watson’s reports and excerpts from his diary; this approach and associated writing-style yields a past-tense feeling and the reader is not on the same journey with them. When Holmes ‘arrives’ (I’ll let you interpret the reason for the air-quote marks), the action begins, but the culprit is already identified. Even the ta-da moment is rather flat, and a last chapter is written as a retrospection. I didn’t even have a chance to get excited. Having guessed a couple of things didn’t help either. The book simply didn’t generate the excitement I had wanted. I feel like such a traitor to literature for saying such blasphemy against the great Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Well, if it’ll make you feel better, when I was little, I thought these stories were based on a real detective. Anyway, it’s still a pretty good read, especially since its first release was 1901. I also valued the book having reinforced the Holmes’ and Watson’s behaviors and methods commonly depicted on the screen. One quote:On the love between siblings:“…But first I had the unpleasant duty of breaking the news to Barrymore and his wife. To him it may have been an unmitigated relief, but she wept bitterly in her apron. To all the world he was the man of violence, half animal and half demon; but to her he always remained the little willful boy of her own girlhood, the child who had clung to her hand. Evil indeed is the man who has not one woman to mourn him.”
    • 3/5
      The only Sherlock Holmes book I have ever read. This was a fairly straightforward read, with enough characters to treat as 'suspects' so it isn't obvious 'whodunnit'. In fact, given that the source of the deaths appears to be a supernatural being, it's always at the back of your mind that there may be some spooky solution, which adds an interesting dimension.
    • 4/5
      My favourite Sherlock Holmes story. Excellently crafted, with marvellous descriptions of the Grimpen Mire. Holmes is on top form despite playing an almost backseat role.Most enjoyable.
    • 4/5
      I've read a fair number of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, but this was the first novel-length one I've picked up. Holmes is called in to get to the bottom of the death of a man connected to a family legend of a hellhound. Holmes and Watson of course do not believe in the supernatural, and their methodical tying up of all the loose threads is fascinating, particularly considering this was written in a time before fingerprinting and DNA evidence. I suppose there are those who do not enjoy having every single minute detail explained, but to me that's what delights me most about Holmes stories: he loves to explain how he came to every single one of his seemingly random deductions. I especially like Holmes's childlike enthusiasm when faced with a challenge: the more difficult it is, the more he enjoys himself. Perhaps the most memorable aspect of this story, however, is how much of it is solved by Watson on his own. Evidently his many years as Holmes's companion have rubbed off on him. My husband has a huge tome o' Holmes on our bookshelf; I may have to read more of it.
    • 4/5
      Sherlock Holmes, detective extraordinare, was called on to investigate the death of Sir Charler Baskerville. Whilst no formal investigation is called for (no obvious signs of bodily injury), the local superstition of a demonic hound of the Baskervilles is believed to be behind his death.The Hound of Baskerville is known to haunt the Baskervilles and the safety the new heir, Sir Henry Baskerville, is questionable. Sherlock Holmes and his colleague, Dr Watson, are engaged to investigate and ensure the safety of Sir Henry.
    • 5/5
      Very good read. It was very fun to try to figure out the mystery throughout. And it was also very fun to marvel at his amazing skills. To be able to tell pretty much everything about Mortimer just based on his walking stick was pretty awesome to read, and then try to figure out the train of logic.I highly recommend The Hound of the Baskervilles. Definitely worth purchasing.
    • 4/5
      As a lover of mysteries and thrillers I felt this was required reading. The powers of deduction are simply amazing! Great full length story for Holmes with an added bonus of the short story, "The Adventure of the Dancing Men" at the end.
    • 3/5
      "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is quite the adventure for any mystery fans out there. The horrible howling of the hound is heard across the Moore, and all the while the family of Baskervilles falls off one by one, becoming victims of the superstitions of the the tale of the hound. The witty pair, Watson and Holmes, take the reader on a very investigative journey that leads them down many paths, all of which fall to great horrors and surprises. This book will astound you as you try to uncover the mystery of the hound of the Baskervilles.
    • 4/5
      Can Holmes find the truth behind the legend of the murderous demon-dog which has haunted the moors for ages? Spooky, dramatic and exciting, this classic is as intriguing as it is memorable. A non-stop page-turner!
    • 4/5
      The story begins at Sherlock Holmes' place, where he's joined by his friend Dr. Watson. The two are naturally in the middle of investigating a stranger's walking stick, accidentally left at Holmes' house. The stick, it turns out, belongs to a Dr. Mortimer, who is asking the two for help with a manuscript documenting the Curse of the Baskervilles. And so it begins, in a 19th-century smoke-filled room, as Sherlock meditates on the strange, morbid occurrences that have plagued the Baskerville family for generations. And you, reader, if I still have your attention, will soon become another detective, unlocking the mysterious past of these sad characters trapped in the gloom of the moor.Needless to say, this story of Mr. Baskerville's eerie family legacy is a classic for a reason. I liked it just as I had expected to like it, knowing I'm not so crazy about detective novels, and yet that I love a good gothic atmosphere and interesting tale of death, evil and melancholy. Definitely worth a read for the beautiful language and atmosphere.
    • 5/5
      This mystery had me hooked from the very first page! It was exciting, unpredictable, funny, and chilling. I loved reading about the ingenious Holmes and the loyal Watson. It's fascinating to note how shades of these now archetypal characters appear in so many other works. As the first Holmes story I've ever read, this was an impressive, entertaining, thoroughly enjoyable novel and I'm looking forward to reading more of the famous detective's adventures.
    • 4/5
      Surprisingly fresh sleuthing romp through the eerie moors of Devon. Hounds of the Baskervilles may hail from a vastly different era but it reads true to the form we have all come to love. Thank you Conan Doyle for starting our addiction to mysteries.
    • 4/5
      This was the first Sherlock Holmes novel I've ever read, even though I have had The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes sitting on my bookshelf since middle school or earlier (I got it with a 2 for $1 deal at Walmart). I like to read a series in its entirety and in order, and it was frustrating to me to not know which came first and what else there was; but then I realized that I was going to have to let it go and just enjoy what was in front of me (especially if I was going to finish it in time for the book club next week).This, I believe, was a great introduction to the world of Sherlock Holmes. We all know of Holmes, through TV, movies, stories, etc. And really, he lived up to all of my expectations. I can't really say that his character surprised me in any way, because he's been so well-defined in other media. Which, in this case, is a good thing.The Hound of the Baskervilles is the only full-length Holmes novel, and it is definitely an adventure. From London to the moors of Devonshire, the reader is kept interested by Dr. Watson's account and interest in the neighbors of the haunted and cursed Baskervilles.Legend has it that Hugo Baskerville was a villainous man, and his evil deeds led to the creation of a very real demon from Hell, which hunted him down and killed him, with the threat/promise of killing the rest of his family for generations to come to atone for his misdeeds. And it seems that this curse is real, because many years later his descendant, Sir Charles Baskerville, is chased down and killed, the only evidence being a single footprint of a hound near the body. The last living relative, therefore, must come to live at Baskerville Hall, but not before enlisting the services of the one and only Sherlock Holmes.Will Holmes solve the mystery in time, or is there really a supernatural demon loose that cannot be stopped until vengeance is had? I was kept intrigued throughout the creepy and mysterious chapters, but not freaked out enough that I had to sleep with the lights on, which is a good combination for me. So, if you like a good mystery but don't like being scared silly, I highly recommend you read The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 4 out of 5 stars.
    • 4/5
      A Sherlock Holmes classic. Spooky things are happening on the moors surrouding and old estate. Is it a family curse, a ghost, or something a bit more earthly? Has the charm of a Victorian mystery novel.
    • 4/5
      I really don't remember much of the Sherlock Holmes stories I read back in elementary school save for two conclusions (the speckled band and I don't remember the name of the other one, just the unusual murder weapon) and the fact that I really did like them. I had always thought that I would read them again but never had. This interest was re-awakened when Robert Downey, Jr.'s version of Sherlock Holmes came out in theaters and again just a couple months ago when I discovered, and fell in love with, BBC's version. This particular story I apparently had no familiarity with because I had no idea of what was going on. I found the language a little difficult to catch on to and did find myself re-reading many paragraphs to try and understand what it all meant. However, there were a few things that I loved...mainly Holmes and Watson. I see now why these characters have indelibly made their mark on literature and other assorted media. When Watson made his discovery out on the moor, I sat there grinning like an idiot. It was so cool. I was also taken by Doyle's descriptions of the moor in the moonlight, it makes it sound both desolate and intriguing.I was surprised by the lack of Holmes throughout much of this particular book and think I would like to take a stab at reading some of the other classic Holmes tales wherein I assume he makes more of an appearance. Perhaps the original version of "A Study in Pink" will be my next foray into this classic series (probably where I should have started to begin with LOL), as they did such a fantastic job re-creating the modern version on BBC.Quite enjoyable and a story I'll probably hold on to for my sons.
    • 4/5
      Reading Sherlock Holmes in an edited version as part of your fifth grade curriculum is probably not the best introduction to the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - however, my initiation into the world of Sherlock Holmes was through the story of the Hound of the Baskervilles. And once I got into this world, I could never extract myself. The story starts with the calling of Sherlock Holmes to investigate the death of a Charles Baskerville, whose fortune is being inherited by a Henry Baskervilles, whose life is also in danger, according to Holmes upon investigation. The twist in the story comes with the family history including the legend of a supernatural "Hound" that has haunted the moors, and the Baskervilles, due to an ancestors cruelty. Holmes and Watson work together to solve the mystery, as you well know, neither believes in the supernatural. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's genius lay not only in the forensics that he brought into play in his tales, or merely the mystery and the thrills his stories entail, but also in characterization. He had a knack of creating characters that you could visually, and then set them in scenarios and locations just as vivid as the characters themselves. That, therein, is what made The Hound of the Baskervilles such an interesting read for me.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles" far more as a story than as a mystery. Holmes investigates a family legend about a murderous hound in this case.I found the mystery fairly easy to figure out.... most of the plot twists and turns were not a surprise (perhaps I've just read too many Sherlock Holmes cases to be surprised any more.) That said, having a good idea of what was happening with the plot didn't really lessen my enjoyment of the book because the story is so engrossing. The plot moves along at a good clip making the book hard to put down. Not my favorite Holmes book, but a fun read nonetheless.
    • 4/5
      Having never read (or watched) a Sherlock Holmes story, I wasn't sure what to expect. The story starts on the Devonshire moors where the legend of the Hound is laid out. The story takes a swift turn to London where the creepiness starts and as Dr Watson returns with the new owner of Baskerville Hall to investigate whilst Holmes in busy with something else in London. Dr Watson then investigates all potential suspects uncovering many pieces of the puzzle but arriving at dead ends. Of course Holmes steps in near the end with some ideas of his own and manages to tie up Watson's dead & loose ends, solving the case. I found the story kept good steady pace and didn't feel at all dated, the plot twists & turns just keep coming.
    • 4/5
      Features Holmes of course, but a fair amount of the actual "screen time" belongs to Watson. Sent to Dartmoor to protect the heir, Henry Baskerville, Watson contributes to the solving of the case with regular reports and updates in his diary. There are some things that happen as part of the solution that should have been obvious to Watson. Hasn't he been hanging around with Holmes long enough to know what the man's like? And of course a seemingly innocent party is the guilty one of course. It would take a far less jaded eye than mine not to have spotted it, but of course no one in the story does except Holmes, which is par for the course. All in all a satisfying romp through Holmes's world.
    • 5/5
      The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of the best Holmes mysteries, and certainly the best novel. It's engaging and fast-paced (a far cry from A Study in Scarlet), and the mystery is genuinely chilling at points. It's short enough to be read in an afternoon, as well. This is the book I recommend to anyone who wants to start reading Sherlock stories, because it is such a solid and gripping read.
    • 5/5
      This is the most famous Sherlock Holmes novel, and certainly one of the best, the spookiest and most atmospheric, set in 1889 in the eerie moors of Devonshire. Right from the beginning we're given a demonstration of Holmes' gifts when, from a walking stick left behind by a visitor, Holmes is able to deduce a wealth of details about the man, down to the breed of his dog. Add a centuries old manor inherited by the young Sir Henry Baskerville along with a centuries old family curse involving a demon hound that has seemingly killed the previous squire, a butler and housekeeper of the manor with secrets, an escaped murderer loose upon the moor, and several suspicious neighbors: Franklin, a litigious crank with an estranged daughter, the mysterious Stapletons--and you have quite a delicious brew served up.One thing I noted, giving some of the bumbling depictions of Watson I've seen, is that Holmes himself commends Watson for his "zeal and intelligence" and Holmes tells Baskerville that "no man ... is better worth having at your side when you are in a tight place." If Watson seems dim, it's only because Holmes casts such a bright light. Not very long, this was a very enjoyable and quick read.
    • 4/5
      The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of Sir Arthur Conan's best detective novels. As he wrote this in the time period where Gothic novels were prominent, it is not the usual detective novel, but with a supernatural twist. When Sherlock Holmes is asked to investigate the mysterious curse which has plagued the Baskerville family for years, he finds himself in the midst of a dilemma. This novel is recommended for all fans of Sherlock Holmes and gothic fiction.
    • 3/5
      My least favorite (so far) of Doyle's works. It seems a bit more forced than the other stories. I believe it may have been padded to create something more significant than his short stories.
    • 3/5
      I have seen several movie versions of this story, but the actual written word surpasses the visual presentation. Doyle is a master of description of character and setting. He sets the mood for that great hound to come charging into the moor. The women are minor characters in the majority of the stories, but they hold a few trump cards. I like the way Dr Watson unfolds the story and summarizes the deeds. Watson stands like a celebrated barrister and presents the case.
    • 4/5
      A classic tale which never gets old, this short novel has something for everyone. It's classic Sherlock Holmes, so there is a compelling mystery, great characters and wonderful atmosphere. From the rooms of 221B Baker Street, to the streets of London, to the misty Moor, the sense of time and place is masterfully evoked. There are clues to be discovered and the resolution to be explained to Dr Watson (and thus the reader!) in Holmes' inimitable style. Small wonder that Conan Doyle has influenced generations of mystery writers and that his tales of the great detective still resonate today.

      The audiobook was competently narrated by Simon Prebble. A small quibble I have is with his voice for Beryl Stapleton. Her "slight lisp" - as it is described in the text - came out as akin to the accent of Manuel in Fawlty Towers: somewhat distracting, but not fatal to enjoyment.

      This was a fun buddy read with my friend Jemidar. Highly recommended!
    • 5/5
      Arthur Conan Doyle wrote "Hound of the Baskervilles" eight years after he'd killed Holmes in an attempt to abandon what he thought of as bullshit pop writing and an escape to more serious historical fiction, none of which we give a shit about today. We're all familiar with the belated sequel (*cough* George Lucas). (And he did charge double his usual price for its publication, knowing Holmes' popularity.) Furthermore, he wrote it together with one Fletcher Robinson, whose name reminds me of the awful John Fletcher, Shakespeare's protege, with whom Will wrote such terrible plays as Henry VIII and The Two Noble Kinsmen.

      So how surprising is it to we sequel-weary people that Hound of the Baskervilles totally kicks ass?

      But it does. Of the two Holmes novellas, this and "Study in Scarlet," Hound is obviously superior. It's perfectly plotted, and its Gothic theme meshes surprisingly well with Holmes' invincible rationality. It's a terrific book.
    • 4/5
      This was my first Sherlock Holmes, and it very much lived up to my expectations. In this novel Holmes is called from London to consider the death of Charles Baskerville, apparantly by a crazed and superhuman dog. Reports have come from the manor of a ghostly, dog-like creature that haunts the hills. When Charles's heir arrives to take up residence at Baskerville Hall, Holmes is convinced that the young Baskerville's life is in danger. Watson takes up residence at Baskerville Hall to watch out for Henry Baskerville's safety. When Watson notices strange things happening in the moors, the reader starts to wonder if, in fact, there is something supernatural haunting the moors. The Hound of the Baskervilles is certainly an engaging read. I stayed up late to finish it, and I can imagine that reading it in serials would create great anticipation for the next installment. The one shortfall I found was in my ability to visualize the scenery. I'm not entirely familiar with Dartmoor, and it was difficult sometimes to understand the placement of Baskerville Hall and the surrounding terrain. That's not entirely Doyle's fault, and I certainly did get the sense that the countryside was hilly and desolate.

    Book preview

    The Hound of the Baskervilles - Arthur Conan Doyle

    Chapter I.

    Mr. Sherlock Holmes

    Mr. Sherlock Holmes, who was usually very late in the mornings, save upon those not infrequent occasions when he was up all night, was seated at the breakfast table. I stood upon the hearth-rug and picked up the stick which our visitor had left behind him the night before. It was a fine, thick piece of wood, bulbous-headed, of the sort which is known as a Penang lawyer. Just under the head was a broad silver band nearly an inch across. To James Mortimer, M.R.C.S., from his friends of the C.C.H., was engraved upon it, with the date 1884. It was just such a stick as the old-fashioned family practitioner used to carry—dignified, solid, and reassuring.

    Well, Watson, what do you make of it?

    Holmes was sitting with his back to me, and I had given him no sign of my occupation.

    How did you know what I was doing? I believe you have eyes in the back of your head.

    I have, at least, a well-polished, silver-plated coffee-pot in front of me, said he. But, tell me, Watson, what do you make of our visitor’s stick? Since we have been so unfortunate as to miss him and have no notion of his errand, this accidental souvenir becomes of importance. Let me hear you reconstruct the man by an examination of it.

    I think, said I, following as far as I could the methods of my companion, that Dr. Mortimer is a successful, elderly medical man, well-esteemed since those who know him give him this mark of their appreciation.

    Good! said Holmes. Excellent!

    I think also that the probability is in favour of his being a country practitioner who does a great deal of his visiting on foot.

    Why so?

    Because this stick, though originally a very handsome one has been so knocked about that I can hardly imagine a town practitioner carrying it. The thick-iron ferrule is worn down, so it is evident that he has done a great amount of walking with it.

    Perfectly sound! said Holmes.

    And then again, there is the ‘friends of the C.C.H.’ I should guess that to be the Something Hunt, the local hunt to whose members he has possibly given some surgical assistance, and which has made him a small presentation in return.

    Really, Watson, you excel yourself, said Holmes, pushing back his chair and lighting a cigarette. I am bound to say that in all the accounts which you have been so good as to give of my own small achievements you have habitually underrated your own abilities. It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but you are a conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it. I confess, my dear fellow, that I am very much in your debt.

    He had never said as much before, and I must admit that his words gave me keen pleasure, for I had often been piqued by his indifference to my admiration and to the attempts which I had made to give publicity to his methods. I was proud, too, to think that I had so far mastered his system as to apply it in a way which earned his approval. He now took the stick from my hands and examined it for a few minutes with his naked eyes. Then with an expression of interest he laid down his cigarette, and carrying the cane to the window, he looked over it again with a convex lens.

    Interesting, though elementary, said he as he returned to his favourite corner of the settee. There are certainly one or two indications upon the stick. It gives us the basis for several deductions.

    Has anything escaped me? I asked with some self-importance. I trust that there is nothing of consequence which I have overlooked?

    I am afraid, my dear Watson, that most of your conclusions were erroneous. When I said that you stimulated me I meant, to be frank, that in noting your fallacies I was occasionally guided towards the truth. Not that you are entirely wrong in this instance. The man is certainly a country practitioner. And he walks a good deal.

    Then I was right.

    To that extent.

    But that was all.

    No, no, my dear Watson, not all—by no means all. I would suggest, for example, that a presentation to a doctor is more likely to come from a hospital than from a hunt, and that when the initials ‘C.C.’ are placed before that hospital the words ‘Charing Cross’ very naturally suggest themselves.

    You may be right.

    The probability lies in that direction. And if we take this as a working hypothesis we have a fresh basis from which to start our construction of this unknown visitor.

    Well, then, supposing that ‘C.C.H.’ does stand for ‘Charing Cross Hospital,’ what further inferences may we draw?

    Do none suggest themselves? You know my methods. Apply them!

    I can only think of the obvious conclusion that the man has practised in town before going to the country.

    I think that we might venture a little farther than this. Look at it in this light. On what occasion would it be most probable that such a presentation would be made? When would his friends unite to give him a pledge of their good will? Obviously at the moment when Dr. Mortimer withdrew from the service of the hospital in order to start a practice for himself. We know there has been a presentation. We believe there has been a change from a town hospital to a country practice. Is it, then, stretching our inference too far to say that the presentation was on the occasion of the change?

    It certainly seems probable.

    Now, you will observe that he could not have been on the staff of the hospital, since only a man well-established in a London practice could hold such a position, and such a one would not drift into the country. What was he, then? If he was in the hospital and yet not on the staff he could only have been a house-surgeon or a house-physician—little more than a senior student. And he left five years ago—the date is on the stick. So your grave, middle-aged family practitioner vanishes into thin air, my dear Watson, and there emerges a young fellow under thirty, amiable, unambitious, absent-minded, and the possessor of a favourite dog, which I should describe roughly as being larger than a terrier and smaller than a mastiff.

    I laughed incredulously as Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his settee and blew little wavering rings of smoke up to the ceiling.

    As to the latter part, I have no means of checking you, said I, but at least it is not difficult to find out a few particulars about the man’s age and professional career. From my small medical shelf I took down the Medical Directory and turned up the name. There were several Mortimers, but only one who could be our visitor. I read his record aloud.

    Mortimer, James, M.R.C.S., 1882, Grimpen, Dartmoor, Devon. House-surgeon, from 1882 to 1884, at Charing Cross Hospital. Winner of the Jackson prize for Comparative Pathology, with essay entitled ‘Is Disease a Reversion?’ Corresponding member of the Swedish Pathological Society. Author of ‘Some Freaks of Atavism’ (Lancet 1882). ‘Do We Progress?’ (Journal of Psychology, March, 1883). Medical Officer for the parishes of Grimpen, Thorsley, and High Barrow.

    No mention of that local hunt, Watson, said Holmes with a mischievous smile, but a country doctor, as you very astutely observed. I think that I am fairly justified in my inferences. As to the adjectives, I said, if I remember right, amiable, unambitious, and absent-minded. It is my experience that it is only an amiable man in this world who receives testimonials, only an unambitious one who abandons a London career for the country, and only an absent-minded one who leaves his stick and not his visiting-card after waiting an hour in your room.

    And the dog?

    Has been in the habit of carrying this stick behind his master. Being a heavy stick the dog has held it tightly by the middle, and the marks of his teeth are very plainly visible. The dog’s jaw, as shown in the space between these marks, is too broad in my opinion for a terrier and not broad enough for a mastiff. It may have been—yes, by Jove, it is a curly-haired spaniel.

    He had risen and paced the room as he spoke. Now he halted in the recess of the window. There was such a ring of conviction in his voice that I glanced up in surprise.

    My dear fellow, how can you possibly be so sure of that?

    For the very simple reason that I see the dog himself on our very door-step, and there is the ring of its owner. Don’t move, I beg you, Watson. He is a professional brother of yours, and your presence may be of assistance to me. Now is the dramatic moment of fate, Watson, when you hear a step upon the stair which is walking into your life, and you know not whether for good or ill. What does Dr. James Mortimer, the man of science, ask of Sherlock Holmes, the specialist in crime? Come in!

    The appearance of our visitor was a surprise to me, since I had expected a typical country practitioner. He was a very tall, thin man, with a long nose like a beak, which jutted out between two keen, gray eyes, set closely together and sparkling brightly from behind a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. He was clad in a professional but rather slovenly fashion, for his frock-coat was dingy and his trousers frayed. Though young, his long back was already bowed, and he walked with a forward thrust of his head and a general air of peering benevolence. As he entered his eyes fell upon the stick in Holmes’s hand, and he ran towards it with an exclamation of joy. I am so very glad, said he. I was not sure whether I had left it here or in the Shipping Office. I would not lose that stick for the world.

    A presentation, I see, said Holmes.

    Yes, sir.

    From Charing Cross Hospital?

    From one or two friends there on the occasion of my marriage.

    Dear, dear, that’s bad! said Holmes, shaking his head.

    Dr. Mortimer blinked through his glasses in mild astonishment. Why was it bad?

    Only that you have disarranged our little deductions. Your marriage, you say?

    Yes, sir. I married, and so left the hospital, and with it all hopes of a consulting practice. It was necessary to make a home of my own.

    Come, come, we are not so far wrong, after all, said Holmes. And now, Dr. James Mortimer—

    Mister, sir, Mister—a humble M.R.C.S.

    And a man of precise mind, evidently.

    A dabbler in science, Mr. Holmes, a picker up of shells on the shores of the great unknown ocean. I presume that it is Mr. Sherlock Holmes whom I am addressing and not—

    No, this is my friend Dr. Watson.

    Glad to meet you, sir. I have heard your name mentioned in connection with that of your friend. You interest me very much, Mr. Holmes. I had hardly expected so dolichocephalic a skull or such well-marked supra-orbital development. Would you have any objection to my running my finger along your parietal fissure? A cast of your skull, sir, until the original is available, would be an ornament to any anthropological museum. It is not my intention to be fulsome, but I confess that I covet your skull.

    Sherlock Holmes waved our strange visitor into a chair. You are an enthusiast in your line of thought, I perceive, sir, as I am in mine, said he. I observe from your forefinger that you make your own cigarettes. Have no hesitation in lighting one.

    The man drew out paper and tobacco and twirled the one up in the other with surprising dexterity. He had long, quivering fingers as agile and restless as the antennae of an insect.

    Holmes was silent, but his little darting glances showed me the interest which he took in our curious companion. I presume, sir, said he at last, that it was not merely for the purpose of examining my skull that you have done me the honour to call here last night and again today?

    No, sir, no; though I am happy to have had the opportunity of doing that as well. I came to you, Mr. Holmes, because I recognized that I am myself an unpractical man and because I am suddenly confronted with a most serious and extraordinary problem. Recognizing, as I do, that you are the second highest expert in Europe—

    Indeed, sir! May I inquire who has the honour to be the first? asked Holmes with some asperity.

    To the man of precisely scientific mind the work of Monsieur Bertillon must always appeal strongly.

    Then had you not better consult him?

    I said, sir, to the precisely scientific mind. But as a practical man of affairs it is acknowledged that you stand alone. I trust, sir, that I have not inadvertently—

    Just a little, said Holmes. I think, Dr. Mortimer, you would do wisely if without more ado you would kindly tell me plainly what the exact nature of the problem is in which you demand my assistance.

    Chapter II.

    The Curse of the Baskervilles

    I have in my pocket a manuscript, said Dr. James Mortimer.

    I observed it as you entered the room, said Holmes.

    It is an old manuscript.

    Early eighteenth century, unless it is a forgery.

    How can you say that, sir?

    You have presented an inch or two of it to my examination all the time that you have been talking. It would be a poor expert who could not give the date of a document within a decade or so. You may possibly have read my little monograph upon the subject. I put that at 1730.

    The exact date is 1742. Dr. Mortimer drew it from his breast-pocket. This family paper was committed to my care by Sir Charles Baskerville, whose sudden and tragic death some three months ago created so much excitement in Devonshire. I may say that I was his personal friend as well as his medical attendant. He was a strong-minded man, sir, shrewd, practical, and as unimaginative as I am myself. Yet he took this document very seriously, and his mind was prepared for just such an end as did eventually overtake him.

    Holmes stretched out his hand for the manuscript and flattened it upon his knee. You will observe, Watson, the alternative use of the long s and the short. It is one of several indications which enabled me to fix the date.

    I looked over his shoulder at the yellow paper and the faded script. At the head was written: Baskerville Hall, and below in large, scrawling figures: 1742.

    It appears to be a statement of some sort.

    Yes, it is a statement of a certain legend which runs in the Baskerville family.

    But I understand that it is something more modern and practical upon which you wish to consult me?

    Most modern. A most practical, pressing matter, which must be decided within twenty-four hours. But the manuscript is short and is intimately connected with the affair. With your permission I will read it to you.

    Holmes leaned back in his chair, placed his finger-tips together, and closed his eyes, with an air of resignation. Dr. Mortimer turned the manuscript to the light and read in a high, cracking voice the following curious, old-world narrative:

    "Of the origin of the Hound of the Baskervilles there have been many statements, yet as I come in a direct line from Hugo Baskerville, and as I had the story from my father, who also had it from his, I have set it down with all belief that it occurred even as is here set forth. And I would have you believe, my sons, that the same Justice which punishes sin may also most graciously forgive it, and that no ban is so heavy but that by prayer and repentance it may be removed. Learn then from this story not to fear the fruits of the past, but rather to be circumspect in the future, that those foul passions whereby our family has suffered so grievously may not again be loosed to our undoing.

    "Know then that in the time of the Great Rebellion (the history of which by the learned Lord Clarendon I most earnestly commend to your attention) this Manor of Baskerville was held by Hugo of that name, nor can it be gainsaid that he was a most wild, profane, and godless man. This, in truth, his neighbours might have pardoned, seeing that saints have never flourished in those parts, but there was in him a certain wanton and cruel humour which made his name a by-word through the West. It chanced that this Hugo came to love (if, indeed, so dark a passion may be known under so bright a name) the daughter of a yeoman who held lands near the Baskerville estate. But the young maiden, being discreet and of good repute, would ever avoid him, for she feared his evil name. So it came to pass that one Michaelmas this Hugo, with five or six of his idle and wicked companions, stole down upon the farm and carried off the maiden, her father and brothers being from home, as he well knew. When they had brought her to the Hall the maiden was placed in an upper chamber, while Hugo and his friends sat down to a long

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