Chapter 4 Sir Henry Baskerville

Our breakfast table was cleared early, and Holmes awaited the appointed call in his dressing-gown.Our client was very punctual to his appointments, and just after ten o'clock the clock struck Dr. Mortimer, followed by the young baronet.The baronet was a short, dark-eyed man of about thirty, a stocky man with heavy eyebrows and a face that seemed strong and combative.In his reddish Scottish attire, he had the appearance of a weather-beaten man who spent most of his time outdoors, but his quiet eyes and calm, confident demeanor belied a gentleman. "This is Sir Henry Baskerville," said Dr. Mortimer.

"Oh, yes," said Sir Henry, "the curious thing is, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, that I would have come to you this morning myself if this friend of mine had not suggested it. I know you are a good student It’s a problem. This morning, I encountered something that I really can’t figure out.” "Sit down, Sir Henry. Do you mean that something strange has happened to you since your arrival in London?" "Nothing of importance, Mr. Holmes. Mostly in jest. If you can call it a letter, this is the one I received this morning." He put the letter on the table, and we all leaned over to read it.The texture of the stationery is plain and gray.The letter was addressed to "Northumberland Hotel," in a very illegible handwriting, postmarked "Charing Cross Road," and sent on the evening of the previous day.

"Who knew you were going to the Northumberland Hotel?" asked Holmes, looking keenly at our visitor. "It's impossible for anyone to know. It was after Dr. Mortimer and I met that we decided." "But Dr. Mortimer has undoubtedly been there?" "No, I used to live with a friend," said the doctor, "and we didn't express our intention to go to this hotel." "Well, it seems that someone is very concerned about your actions." He took out a half-sheet of 13 x 17-inch letter paper folded in four from the envelope.He opened the letter paper and laid it flat on the table.In the middle there is a sentence pasted in typeface, which reads:

If you value your life or have reason, stay away from the swamp. Only the word "moor" is written in ink. "Now," said Sir Henry Baskerville, "perhaps you can tell me, Mr. Holmes, what this means, and who is so interested in my business?" "What do you think of the matter, Dr. Mortimer? At any rate, you must admit that there is absolutely nothing supernatural in this letter?" "Certainly, sir. But the sender may very well be someone who believes it to be a strange thing." "What's the matter?" asked Sir Henry hastily. "It seems to me that you two know far more about me than I do myself."

"Before you leave this room, you will know what we know, I assure you, Sir Henry," said Sherlock Holmes. Put together an interesting letter to send in the evening. Have yesterday's Times, Watson?" "It's in that corner." "Can you have it for me, please? Open the inside page, please, to the side with the main commentary." He quickly read it from top to bottom. Let me read you a part of it. "Perhaps you will again be persuaded by rhetoric that a protection tax would encourage your trade or industry; but rationally, in the long run, such legislation is bound to keep the country from being rich. , reducing the total value of imports, and lowering the general standard of living of the island nation."

"What do you think of the matter, Watson?" cried Holmes inexplicably joyfully, rubbing his hands together with satisfaction. "Don't you think that is an admirable emotion?" Dr. Mortimer looked at Holmes with professional interest, while Sir Henry Baskerville fixed his vacant eyes on me. "I don't know much about taxation and that sort of thing," said Sir Henry, "but it seems to me that we're getting a little off track as far as this note is concerned." "On the contrary, I think we are on the right track, Sir Henry. Watson knows more about my method than you do, but I am afraid that even he does not quite understand the importance of this long sentence. "

"Yes, I admit that I don't see any connection between the two." "But, my dear Watson, the connection between the two is so close that each word in the text message is extracted from this long sentence. For example: 'You', 'Your', 'Student' ', 'fate', 'rationality', 'value', 'stay away', etc., can't you see where these words come from?" "My God! You're so right! Oh, you're so clever!" cried Sir Henry. "If there was any doubt about it, the fact that the words 'remove' and 'value' were cut from the same place is enough to remove it."

"Well, now... indeed!" "Indeed, Mr. Holmes, this is quite unexpected," said Dr. Mortimer, gazing at my friend in amazement. "If anyone should say that these words were cut out of a newspaper, I would believe it. But you can point to the paper, and say it's from an important editorial, and that's the greatest thing I've ever heard. How do you know that?" "I suppose, doctor, you can tell the difference between a black skull and an Eskimo skull?" "Of course." "But how to tell the difference?" "Because that's my hobby, the differences are obvious. The brow ridge, the slope of the face, the line of the jaw, and . . . "

"That's my idiocy, too, and the difference is just as stark as the difference between Negroes and Eskimos to you. It seems to me that a small five in The Times and a halfpenny There is likewise a great difference between the poorly typed type used in an evening paper. Distinction between newspaper type is part of the basic knowledge of the criminologist. But, frankly, it is I also once confused the Leeds Mercury with the Western Morning Post when I was very young. But the typeface used in the comments section of The Times is so special that it cannot possibly be mistaken for Other papers. As this letter was posted yesterday, it is probable that the words will be found in yesterday's paper."

"I see, then, Mr. Holmes," said Sir Henry Baskerville, "that the man who cut this message did it with a pair of scissors..." "Nail scissors," said Holmes. "The scissors have very short blades, as you can see, because the user of the scissors had to make two cuts to get the word 'keep away.'" "Exactly. So someone cut out the words used in this note with a pair of short-bladed scissors, and pasted them with paste..." "Glue," said Holmes. "It's glued to the paper. But I wonder why the word 'Marsh' is written there?"

"Because he couldn't find the word in the paper. The other words are common words that can be found in any newspaper, but the word 'moor' is not very common." "Oh, of course, and that will explain everything. Is there anything else you see in this note, Mr. Holmes?" "There are one or two other signs to be studied. He has taken great pains to eliminate all traces. The address, you can see, is very scribbled. But the Times This newspaper is rarely read except by highly educated people. We may therefore assume that the letter was written by someone who was fairly educated, but pretending to be an uneducated person. And From the fact that he tried to hide his handwriting, it seems that his handwriting may be recognized or checked by you. Also, you can see that the words are not pasted in a straight line, some are pasted more than others It is much higher. For example, the word "life" is posted in a very wrong place. This may indicate that the person who pasted and pasted was careless, excited or flustered. Generally speaking, I am more inclined to the latter idea , since the matter is clearly important, the compiler of such a letter does not appear to be a careless man. If he was flustered, this raises a new question worth noting: why did he The panic? For any letter sent early in the morning will reach Sir Henry before he leaves the hotel. Is the writer afraid of being caught—but of whom?" "Now we're pretty much guessing," said Dr. Mortimer. "Well, it is better to say that we are comparing various possibilities and choosing the one that is closest to reality; this is the scientific use of imagination, and reliable material evidence is always the starting point for our thinking. Now, there is one more point, You will no doubt call it wild guessing again, but I am almost sure that the address on this letter was written in a hotel." "On what basis do you say that?" "If you examine it carefully, you will see that both the nib and the ink have given the writer a great deal of trouble. Twice while writing a word, the nib caught on the paper, The ink was spilled. The ink dried three times in the middle of writing such a short address, which showed that the bottle was very low. You think, private pens and ink bottles are rarely like this, and It is of course very rare for both of these things to occur at the same time, you know, hotel pens and inks are hardly the same. Really, I can say without hesitation that if we can get to Charing Check the wastebaskets at the hotels around Cross Street, and as soon as we find what's left of that copy of The Times where the comments have been cut, we'll find the sender of this strange letter. Ah! alas! what is this?" He took the 13-by-17-inch letter paper with the lettering on it and carefully examined it within an inch or two of his eyes. "what?" "Nothing," he said, throwing down the letter again. "It's a half-blank sheet of paper with no watermark on it. I think that's all we can get from this strange letter." That's it. Ah, Sir Henry, has anything notable happened since you came to London?" "Well, no, Mr. Holmes. I don't think so." "Haven't you ever seen someone watch your movements or follow you?" "It's as if I've stepped into a fantastic novel," said our guest. "What the hell are you following me for?" "We're about to talk about it. Have you nothing more to tell us before we do?" "Well, it depends on what you think is worth talking about." "I think anything out of the ordinary in everyday life is worth bringing up." Sir Henry smiled. "I don't know much about British life, as I spend almost all of my time in the US and Canada. But I hope losing a shoe isn't part of everyday life here?" "Have you lost a shoe?" "My dear sir," cried Dr. Mortimer, "it has only been misplaced. You will find it when you get back to the hotel. What's the use of bothering Mr. Holmes with such trifles?" "Well, he was the one who asked me what happened to me outside of my daily life." "Very true," said Holmes, "however absurd the matter may seem. Do you mean that you have lost a shoe?" "Oh, it's just misplaced. Last night I left two shoes outside the door, and this morning I have one left. I didn't ask the guy who polished these shoes. So here it is. The worst part is that I just bought these high-top shoes from Riverside Road last night, and I haven't worn them yet." "If you haven't worn it, why are you putting it out to be wiped?" "The light-brown high-tops haven't been oiled yet, so I left them outside." "So, did you go out and buy a pair of high leather shoes as soon as you arrived in London yesterday?" "I did a lot of shopping, and Dr. Mortimer was running around with me. You know, since we're going to be a squire there, I've got to dress in the local style, maybe I'm in the American West. I've got a bit of a bohemian way of life with the taint. I bought, among other things, these brown high leather shoes - paid six dollars - but had one stolen before I could put them on. .” "The thing that was stolen seemed to be a thing of no use unless it was paired," said Sherlock Holmes. "I confess that I shared Dr. Mortimer's thoughts that the lost shoe might soon be found. " "Well, gentlemen," said the Baronet, with firmness, "I feel as though I have said all I know. Now it is time for you to fulfill your promises and to share what we all have in common." Tell me in detail what you care about." "Your request is very reasonable," replied Holmes. "I think it best, Dr. Mortimer, that you should repeat all the facts you know, as you have told us yesterday." Having thus been encouraged, our scientific friend drew his manuscript from his pocket, and related the whole case as in the previous morning.Sir Henry Baskerville listened intently, and made occasional noises of surprise. "Well, it seems I have inherited a legacy with a grudge attached," he said at the end of his long narrative, "of course I've heard about this hound since I was little, and it It was a favorite story in our family, but I never believed it before. Speaking of which, my uncle's death--ah, it seems to disturb me very much, and I haven't been able to tell it yet. Find out. You don't seem to be quite sure whether this is a police case or a priest's business." "That's right." "And now there's this letter addressed to me at the hotel. I think it probably has something to do with it." "It seems to show that someone knows more about what happened on the moor than we do," said Dr. Mortimer. "One more thing," said Holmes, "that man meant no ill will to you, for he merely warned you of danger." "Maybe it was for their own personal purposes, they wanted to scare me away." "Oh, of course that is possible. I am very grateful to you, Dr. Mortimer, for introducing me to a problem which has several interesting possibilities. But, Sir Henry, there is a very real one which must be decided at present. The question is whether you should go to Baskerville Hall or not." "Why should I not go?" "There seems to be danger there." "Does the danger you speak of come from the devil in my house, or from people?" "Oh, that's exactly what we're trying to figure out." "Whatever it may be, my answer is affirmative. There is no devil in hell, Mr. Holmes, and no one in the world can prevent me from going back to my native land. You may take this as my Last answer." When he was speaking, his thick eyebrows were frowned, and his face became dark red.Evidently the irascibility of the Baskervilles had not quite disappeared in their last surviving descendant. "At the same time," he went on, "I haven't had time to think about all the facts you've told me. It's a big deal, and it's impossible for any one of us to understand it all and make a decision. Make up your mind after quiet contemplation. Now, Mr. Holmes, it is half-past eleven, and I must go back to my hotel at once. If you and your friend Dr. Watson can come and meet at two o'clock, If we have lunch, then I will be able to tell you more clearly how much this has shocked me." "Watson, is this convenient for you?" "no problem." "Then you wait for us. Shall I call you a carriage?" "I'd like to go for a walk, it does excite me quite a bit." "I am glad to walk with you," said his companion. "I'll see you at two o'clock, then. Good-bye, and good morning!" We heard the footsteps of two guests coming down the stairs and the slamming of the front door. Holmes suddenly changed from a lazy and half-awake person to a man who did what he said. "Put on your shoes and hats, Watson, quick! There is no time to waste!" He rushed into the room in his pajamas, and came out in a few seconds with his jacket on.Together we hurried down the stairs into the street.Ahead of us, about two hundred yards in the direction of Oxford Street, were Dr. Mortimer and Sir Baskerville in sight. "Shall I run and stop them?" "My God! But please, my dear Watson. I am perfectly content with your company, if you will. Our friend is indeed clever, and this morning is a very good one." for a walk." He picked up his pace and cut the distance between us and them in half.Then just behind them, keeping a distance of a hundred yards, we followed them up Oxford Street, which turned into Regent Street.Once our two friends stopped and looked into a shop-window, while Holmes was looking in the same way.After a while, he let out a soft cry of joy, and following his eager eyes, I saw a two-wheeled carriage parked across the street with a man inside now slowly moving forward . "That's the man, Watson. Come! If nothing can be done, at least we should see him clearly." For a moment I saw the face, with its bushy black beard and piercing eyes, turned towards us through the side window of the carriage.Suddenly he threw open the sliding roof windows, shouted something to the coachman, and the carriage galloped madly down Regent Street.Holmes looked anxiously about for a carriage, but there was no empty one in sight.He rushed out after him, chasing frantically in the torrent of carriages and horses, but the carriage was too fast to be seen. "Well," said Holmes, panting and pale, annoyed as he emerged from the tide of carriages and horses, "have we ever had such bad luck and done so badly? Watson, Watson! Sir, if you are an honest person, you should also record this matter as counter-evidence that I am invincible." "Who is that man?" "I do not know yet." "Is it stalking?" "Well, judging from what we've heard, it's obvious that Baskerville has been closely watched since he came to the city. Otherwise, how could it have been known so quickly that he was going to live in Northumber What about the Lan Hotel? If they got him on the first day, I dare say they'll be on the second day. You may have seen that when Dr. Mortimer was talking about that legend, I Went up to the window twice." "Yes, I do remember." "I was looking for people pretending to be loitering in the streets, but I saw none. We were dealing with a shrewd man, Watson. It is a delicate matter, though I am not yet sure of the good intentions. Still malicious, but I think he is a capable and resourceful man. Immediately after our friends said goodbye, I followed them in order to find their shadow followers. He is so cunning that he can't even walk. Feeling unreliable, he got himself a carriage so that he could follow them around or dash past them without attracting their attention. The good thing is that if they got into a carriage, he would be able to follow them right away. However, there is obviously a disadvantage." "Then he will be at the mercy of the coachman." "Completely correct." "It's a pity we didn't write down the car number." "My dear Watson, although I look so clumsy, you must not really imagine that I have forgotten to write down the number? No. 2704 is the car number we are looking for. However, it is right now. We are of no use." "I don't see what else you could have done in that situation." "When I saw the carriage, I should have turned right away and started back. I should have taken another carriage without haste, and followed it at a considerable distance, or had better driven Wait at the Northumberland Inn. When the man we don't know comes home with Baskerville, we'll be able to treat him in his own way, and see where he goes. But Because of my negligence and impatience, our opponents acted with great cunning, and we exposed ourselves and lost our target." As we walked down Regent Street as we talked, Dr. Mortimer and his companions ahead of us had long since disappeared. "There is no point in following them now," said Holmes. "The follower is gone, and he will never return. We must consider which cards we have left in our hands and use them to our advantage." Decisive. Can you recognize the face of the person in the car?" "I only recognize his beard." "I could--but I reckon it might be a false beard. A beard is of no use to a wise man in such a delicate business but to conceal his features. Come in, Watson!" He walked into a local helper agency and was greeted warmly by the manager. "Oh, Wilson, I suppose you haven't forgotten that little case I had the honor of helping you with?" "No, sir, I really haven't. You saved my reputation, and perhaps even my life." "My dear companion, you are exaggerating. Wilson, I recall that there was a boy named Cartley among your men who, during that investigation, showed some talent." "Yes, sir, he's still with us." "Can you call him out? Thank you! And I wish you would give me this five-pound note for change." A radiant and quick-looking boy of fourteen came at the manager's summons.He stood looking at the famous detective with great respect. "Give me the Guide to Hotels in the Capital," said Holmes. "Thank you! Ah, Cartley, here are the names of twenty-three hotels, all near Charing Cross Road. Do you see that?" "Yes, sir." "You're going to these hotels from house to house." "Yes, sir." "You give the porter a shilling every time you come to a house, and here is twenty-three shillings." "Yes, sir." "You tell them you want to look at yesterday's waste papers. You say you're looking for an important telegram that was misdelivered. Do you understand?" "Understood, sir." "But what you're really looking for is a copy of The Times with scissors making little holes in it. Here's a copy of The Times, this one. You'll recognize it easily, you know come out?" "Yes, sir." "Every time, the doorman calls the drawing-room porter and asks, and you give him a shilling. And twenty-three shillings. You're likely to find most of the rubbish in the twenty-three house." The papers were all burned or shipped away yesterday, and three or four of them may point you to a pile of scrap papers where you will look for the Times, but it is also possible that something I can't find them. I'll give you another ten shillings in case of urgent need. Before evening you send a telegram to my house in Baker Street, reporting the results of your search. Now, Watson, the only thing we have left to do is to call Telegraph the coachman, No. 2704, and go to an art gallery on Securities Street to while away the time before we go to the hotel."