The Hound of the Baskervilles: Summary
The Hound of the Baskervilles: Plot Summary
1. Mr. Holmes’s Deductions
Mr. Holmes examines a cane left behind by Dr. Mortimer, deducing that his friend’s initial statements were inaccurate. He correctly infers that Dr. Mortimer is a rural doctor, but many other details are off. After recovering his cane, the detectives realize that most of Holmes’s deductions were not very accurate.
2. The Legend of the Hound
Dr. Mortimer shares a manuscript detailing the legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles, a terrifying and picturesque tale. It speaks of Hugo Baskerville, who kidnapped a maiden and imprisoned her in the mansion’s tower. She escaped, and Hugo, in a fit of rage, pursued her onto the moor, where he was found dead, a giant hound standing over him.
3. Dr. Mortimer’s Supernatural Theories
Dr. Mortimer expresses his belief that the events surrounding Sir Charles Baskerville’s death are supernatural, citing the large footprints near the body and the testimonies of locals. He also notes that Sir Charles waited at the gate leading to the moor for some time, evidenced by the ash from his cigar.
4. Sir Henry’s Arrival and a Mysterious Letter
Sir Henry Baskerville, a robust man with tanned skin and bushy eyebrows, arrives with Dr. Mortimer. Holmes examines the *Times* newspaper and discovers that the words in a threatening letter sent to Sir Henry were cut from an article. They arrange to have lunch together. When the clients leave, Holmes and Watson discreetly follow them, noticing a cabriolet trailing them. They catch a glimpse of a thick beard in the cab, but the pursuer escapes.
5. The Missing Boot
They proceed to the hotel for lunch. Holmes inquires about the hotel guests, checking for anyone suspicious who might have sent the letter. During lunch, they discuss Sir Henry’s decision to live at Baskerville Hall. As they prepare to leave, Sir Henry discovers that one of his new boots is missing.
6. Journey to Baskerville Hall
Watson accompanies Sir Henry to Baskerville Hall. The driver mentions an escaped prisoner believed to be hiding on the moor. Upon arrival, the Barrymores, the house servants, announce their intention to leave once Sir Henry finds replacements.
7. Suspicious Activities and a Secret Meeting
The next day, Watson and Sir Henry suspect that Mrs. Barrymore was crying the previous night. Watson investigates by visiting the postmaster to confirm Barrymore received a telegram. He meets Stapleton, a naturalist, who shows him the Grimpen Mire, a dangerous bog that he claims to be able to navigate.
8. Watson’s First Report to Holmes
In his first report to Holmes, Watson writes that the escaped prisoner is believed to have left the moor, relieving the local farmers. He also mentions a growing relationship between Sir Henry and Stapleton’s sister, Beryl, which doesn’t seem to please Stapleton. Watson recounts hearing someone walking past his room at night and discovering it was Barrymore.
9. Barrymore’s Secret Revealed
The following morning, Watson investigates the window Barrymore had been looking out of. He later follows Stapleton and finds him with Beryl. Later, they surprise Barrymore, who reveals the truth: he was signaling to the escaped convict, Selden, who is Mrs. Barrymore’s brother. They provide Selden with food and supplies.