The Savannah morning news., 1902-07-27
THE HOUND OF
THE BASKERVILLES
ANOTHER ADVENTURE OF
SHERLOCK HOLMES
BY A. CONAN DOYLE.

ice. NIIlutDcU. cry 6ObOs We " III SEM
a second wire TO the postmaster, Grim
zen: Telegram to Mr.. Barrymore, t.
be delivered into his own hand. If alb
sent, please return wire to Sir Henry
Baskerville Northumberland Hotel
That should let us know before even
ing whether Barrymore is at his post
in Devonshire or not"
That's So" said Baskerville. by
the way, DR.. Mortimer, who is this
Barrymore. anyhow"
He is the son of the old caretaker.
who is dead. They have looked after
the Hall for four generations now. So
far as 1 know, he and his wife are as
respectable a couple as any in the
county"
AT the same time" said Baskerville,
its clear enough that so long as there
are none of the family at the Hall
these people have a mighty fine home
and nothing to do
That is true
Did Barrymore profit at all by Sir
Charles WHIP" asked Holmes.
He and his wife had five hundred
pounds each"
"Ha! Did they know that they would
receive this?''
Yes, Sir Charles was very fond of
talking about the provisions of his
will"
That is very interesting"
Il hope" said DIR. Mortimer that
you do not look with suspicious eyes
upon everyone who received a legacy
from Sir Charles, for / also had a
thousand pounds left to me-
Indeed! And anyone else?"
There were many insignificant sums
to individuals, and a large number of
public charities. The residue all went
to Sir Henry"
And how much was the residue ?"
seven hundred and forty thousand
pounds"
Holmes raised his eyebrows in sur
prise. Il had no idea that so gigantic
a sum was involved" said he.
Sir Charles had the reputation of
being rich, but we did not know how
very rich he was until we came to ex-
anime his securities. The total value
OF the estate was close on to a mill
lion"
Dear me! 1t is a stake for which a
man might well play a desperate game.
And one more question. Or. Mortimer.
Supposing that anything happened to
our young friend here-you will forgive
the unpleasant hypothesis!-who would
inherit the estate?"
Since Rodger Baskerville Sir
charles younger brother, died unmar-
ried, the estate would descend to the
Desmonds, who are distant cousins.
James Desmond is an elderly clergy
man in Westmorland."
Thank you. These details are all of
great interest. Have you met Mr..
James Desmond?
YES he once came down to visit Sir
Charles. He is a man of venerable
appearance and of sanity life re-
member that he refused to accept any
settlement from Sir Charles, though he
pressed it upon him."
And this man of simple tastes would
De the heir to Sir Charles thousands. "
lie would be the heir to the estate,
because that is entailed. He would also
De the heir to the money unless it were
willed otherwise by the present owner.
VINO can, of course. do what he likes
with it,"
And have you made your will, Sir
Henry?"
No, Mr.. Holmes, / have not. I've
mad no time, for it was only yesterday
that l learned how matters stood Rut
IN any case | feel that the money
should go with the title and estate
That was my poor uncles idea. How
is the owner going to restore the glo-
ries of the Baskervilles If he has not
money enough to keep up the proper
wv 3ouse, land, and dollars must go
together"
Quite so. Well, Sir Henry, I am of
one mlnd with you as to the advisa-
bllity of your going down to Devon
shire without delay. There is only one
provision which l must make. You GER
tainly must not go alone"
DR.. Mortimer returns with me-"
But DR.. Mortimer has his practice
to attend to. and his house is miles
away from yours. With all the good
VIII in the world, he may be unable to
help you. No Sir Henry, you must take
Will be always by your side"
us 1t possible that you could come
yourself, Mr. Holmes?"
IF matters came to a crisis l should
endeavor to be present in per-
son. but you can understand
that, with my extensive consulting
practice and with the constant appeals
which reach me from many quarters
1t is impossible for me to be absent
from London for an indefinite time
AT the present instant one of the most
revered names in England is being be-
smirched by blackmailer, and only
l can stop a disastrous scandal. You
Will see how impossible it is for me
to go to Dartmoor."
Whom would you recommend
them"
Holmes laid his hand upon my arm
If my friend would undertake II
there is no man who is better worth
having at your side when you are in
tight place. No one can say so more
confidently than l."
The proposition took me completely
by surprise. but before 1 had time tc
answer, Baskerville seized me by thf
hand and wrung it heartily.
well. now, that is real kind of you
DR.. Watson" said he You see how
it is with me. and you know Just as
much about the matter as l do. II Won
will come-down to Baskerville Hall
and see me through I'll never forget
it,"
The promise of adventure had al
ways fascination for me, and l was
complimented by the words of Holmes
and by the eagerness with which the
baronet hailed me as a companion.
Il will come, with pleasure" said 1
Il do not know how 1 could employ
my time better"
And you will report very carefully
to me-" said Holmes. when a crisis
comes, as it will do, I will direct how
you shall act. l suppose that by Sat-
urday all might be ready?"
Would that suit DIR. Watson?"
Perfectly"
Then on Saturday, unless you hear
to the contrary. we shall meet at the
1890 train from Paddington."
We had risen to depart when Bask-
erville gave a cry of triumph, and div
ing into one of the corners of the room
he drew a brown boot from under a
cabinet.
MY missing boot" he cried.
"MaV all OrIF- 5i0irnltsa~