The Greyhound of the Baskervilles by John Gaspard & (And some new bits by John Gaspard)

Author:John Gaspard & (And some new bits by John Gaspard) [Doyle, Arthur Conan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John Gaspard

As he had promised, Stapleton came over to call upon Baskerville on that first day, and the very next morning he showed us the spot where the legend of the wicked Hugo is supposed to have had its origin. It was an excursion of some miles across the moor, to a place which was so dismal that it might have suggested the story. The hike was longer than most of my jaunts with Holmes and I think the same must have been true of Watson, for we both were winded by the journey and did our best to keep up with Stapleton and our host.

The location in every way corresponded with the scene of the old tragedy. Sir Henry was much interested and he asked Stapleton more than once whether he did really believe in the possibility of the interference of the supernatural in the affairs of men. He spoke lightly, but it was evident that he was very much in earnest.

Stapleton appeared guarded in his replies, but it was easy to see that he said less than he might, and that he would not express his whole opinion out of consideration for the feelings of the baronet. He told us of similar cases, where families had suffered from some evil influence, and he left us with the impression that he shared the popular view upon the matter.

For myself, while the terrain was eerie and the air itself was fetid and musty, it seemed to me—as it always does—that the answers were more likely to be found firmly on the natural realm. Watson, for his part, stayed silent, still puffing from the march.

On our way back we stayed for lunch at Stapleton’s home, Merripit House, and it was there that Sir Henry made his first acquaintance of Miss Stapleton.

From the first moment that he saw her, he appeared to be strongly attracted by her, and I am much mistaken if the feeling was not mutual. He referred to her again and again on our walk home, and since then hardly a day has passed that we have not seen something of the brother and sister.

Although I don’t claim complete understanding of human mating rituals, I would imagine that such a match would be very welcome to Stapleton. And yet I have more than once caught a look of the strongest displeasure in his face when Sir Henry has been paying some attention to his sister. He is much attached to her, no doubt, and would lead a lonely life without her, but it would seem the height of selfishness if he were to stand in the way of her finding happiness in marriage.

It then occurred to me that—if Sir Henry were to begin a relationship with the Stapleton woman—we would have great difficulty in following Holmes’ instructions to never allow Sir Henry to go out alone. In point of fact, I believe our popularity with the baronet would suffer if we attempted to follow my master’s orders to the letter.

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