Sherlock Holmes.

Chapter 53 The Legendary Hound (2)
Such, my children, is the origin of the legend of the great hound that has haunted our family ever since.The reason I write it down is because I think what I hear and guess is far more terrifying than what I actually know.Many people in our family died violently and mysteriously, may God protect you!I suggest that you must be cautious and never walk through that mysterious swamp in the dead of night.

This is the suicide note Baskerville left to his two sons, Roger and John, and told them not to tell their sister, Elizabeth.

Mortimer adjusted his glasses after reading this text, and then looked at Holmes.

Holmes rubbed his eyes, and threw the end of the cigarette into the pack.

"Well, is that so?"

"Don't you find it interesting?"

"For a lover of myths and legends, what an interesting thing this is!"

Mortimer touched his pocket again, then took out a crumpled newspaper and said, "Mr. Holmes, look at this newspaper. It contains a record of a recent incident. It is an article about Childs a few days ago. reports of the death of Sir Baskerville."

Holmes leaned forward curiously, his face serious.

Our visitor adjusted his glasses and began to read again.

The County expresses its deepest condolences on the sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville.The man could be a candidate for Liberal Party leadership at the next Mid Devon election.The jazz was respected by everyone for his kindness and charity soon after he lived in the manor.It was generally agreed that after making a fortune abroad, Childs returned home to revive a family business which had been decimated by misfortune.After Sir Charles became rich from speculation in South Africa, he sold his property and returned to his hometown.

A year later, his generosity was everywhere talked about, and he spent nearly half of his fortune to renovate his hometown, and now the plan cannot be carried out due to his death.Because he has no heirs, he once said that he would spend his life in this rural area.Therefore, his death made many people sad.Regarding his donation to this rural area, this column has previously reported.

The autopsy had failed to reveal the real cause of Sir's death, so superstition could not be ruled out, so no one believed it to be murder or natural causes.Jazz is a widower and is said to be a little mentally disturbed.Although he is a rich man, he has very few personal preferences.His servants were only Barrymore and his wife, the husband was the steward and the wife was the housekeeper.His friends said Sir Childs was not in good health, especially his heart.He was often pale, breathless, insomnia and dreamy during his life.His servants and physicians also attest to this.

The case was very simple.Sir Childs took a walk every day before going to bed among the yew-lined walks in the manor.On May [-]th, Sir said he was going to London and asked his servants to prepare his luggage for him.He had gone for a walk that night smoking a cigar, but this time he did not return.After twelve o'clock, Barrymore found that the master had not come back, so he went out to look for the master with a lantern. It was very humid outside, and the footprints on the road were obvious. There are several places to prove that Sir walked through the gate in the middle of the path. Passed, and then walked along the lane, and finally found his body at the end of the lane.Barrymore said his master's footsteps changed to toe-walking after passing the gate.A Gypsy groom named Murphy said that he was not far from the scene of the crime when he heard a cry for help, but he did not know from which direction it came.There were no scars on Sir's body, but his face was so deformed that it was almost unrecognizable.But everything can prove that this body is the body of Jazz.Doctors later explained that this was the most common manifestation of death from dyspnea and heart failure.This explanation was further confirmed by the autopsy institute.The coroner at the court also delivered a verdict identical to that of the hospital.

This kind of result is what everyone wants, because his descendants will still live in the manor and continue the good deeds of their parents, so the result is very important.If all this can't prove that his death has nothing to do with that legend, I'm afraid it will be difficult to say whether the owner of the manor will stay or not.

If he had any next of kin living to inherit his fortune, it was only his brother's son, Mr. Henry Baskerville.He had been said to be in America before, and an inquiry had been made to inform him of his acceptance of this enormous sum of property. "

Mortimer put away the newspaper and put it in his pocket again.

"Mr. Holmes, this is the news of Sir's death reported in the newspapers."

"I have to thank you very much. It is you who made me have a strong interest in this case. Actually, I have read these reports, but I was focused on the Vatican gem case at the time. Also Because the Pope is eager to make a judgment as soon as possible, I have ignored this domestic case. Do you say that the newspapers have written all they know?"

"Yes, I think it's all written out."

Holmes was now fully reclined in his chair.He said calmly, "Can you tell me something else?"

Mortimer said excitedly, "Well, let me tell you all I know, which I have never told anyone. As I am a medical practitioner, I don't believe in superstitions and rumours, but I What I am most afraid of is to appear in public as if I believe in a superstition that is spread. Another reason is as the newspaper said. If it cannot be proved that this person's death has nothing to do with the legend, I am afraid that the Baskerville Manor will be real. For these reasons, I think it is better not to tell the truth. But for you, let me tell you the truth as I know it!

"The swamp is sparsely populated, so people who live closer are more closely related. Therefore, I am very familiar with Sir. Apart from Frankland of the Reyford Manor and Mr. Staplet, a biologist, this manor has a radius of tens of thousands. There are no more educated people in the city. Jazz is very fond of quietness, and he is often sick, so we have frequent contacts. We both like science more, so we gradually became friends. When he came back from South Africa, he brought Many scientific materials, we often sit together to discuss some anatomical issues.

"During the last few months I found Sir Childs to be more and more nervous. He believed the legend so much that, although he walked in his own yard every day, he was generally afraid to venture into the moor at night.

"Mr. Holmes, you may not believe in the legend. But Sir has always believed it to be true, and has often said that he has a presentiment that he will be in trouble. He asked me several times if I saw anything strange, or that it was Heard the howling of the hounds. When he asked me these questions, his face was disturbed.

"A few weeks before the murder, I went to his house one night and happened to see him standing by the gate. I walked over to stand in front of him, but he was staring behind me with a panicked expression. I turned around suddenly. Turning around, I suddenly saw a black object running past my eyes, which made him tremble with fright. I searched around for a while, but found nothing. But he still couldn’t get out of the shadow of this incident out, and all night long he went on explaining the dreadful stories to me, and to prove the existence of these things he gave me this manuscript to keep for him.

"I mentioned this incident because it may have something to do with the later tragedy. At the time, I didn't believe it at all. I thought it was an illusion and there was nothing terrible about it.

"Sir Childs has taken my advice, and is going to London. He is not in very good health because of a long state of anxiety and a heavy burden on his heart. I would like him to live in another place, which may make him He felt better. My friend Staplet was also very concerned about his health, and he agreed with me. But, unfortunately, it happened.

"When Barrymore found out that Sir had been killed, he sent Groom Kings to find me. When the groom came to my house, I was still awake, so I rushed to the scene of the crime immediately.

"I observed the scene carefully, and then followed the water pines to observe the Jazz's footprints. At the gate that reached the swamp, there were Jazz's footprints. I also found the changes in the footprints. I have carefully identified There was no trace of anyone else's footsteps there but that of Barrymore.

"I checked the body carefully, and it was true that no one had touched it before I arrived. At that time, he was lying on the ground, his limbs stretched out, his facial expression looked horrific, and there were no injuries on his body. But Barrymore's opinion on the autopsy The man in question lied, saying that there were no traces on the ground around the body of Sir Sir. No, it is far from that, because I saw footprints, very clear."

"Footprints?" asked Holmes.

"Yes, there are indeed footprints!"

"Is that the man's or the woman's?" asked Holmes again.

The doctor looked up at us, and answered in a weak voice, "Neither, but the paw-prints of a great hound!" Sir's death

To be honest, my legs are weak after hearing this.

The doctor's voice trembled too.

Holmes straightened up, fixed his eyes on the doctor and asked, "Did you see all this with your own eyes?"

"Yes, I could see clearly at the time."

"Haven't you ever told anyone about this?"

"No, because, as I said, nothing good will come of them."

"Then why didn't anyone find out?"

"Because the paw prints were about 20 yards away from the body, they probably didn't notice it. If I didn't know the legend in advance, I'm afraid they wouldn't have found it."

"Are there many sheepdogs in the swamp?"

"There are many, but they're not the one I'm talking about."

"The paw prints are big, aren't they?"

"too big."

"It didn't get close to the body?"

"No. About twenty yards from the body."

"How was the weather that night?"

"It's cold and very humid."

"It's not raining, is it?"

"Yes, it's not raining."

"Please describe the situation in the lane."

"On either side are two rows of old hedgerows, about twelve feet high, and well-grown. In the middle is a path about seven or eight feet wide."

"What else?"

"And there's a meadow about six feet wide on either side of the path."

"I suppose the hedge is cut off at one point by the gate?"

"Yes, right by the door into the swamp."

"Is there another exit?"

"Nothing."

"Then, if you want to get to the narrow alley, you can only enter through this gate?"

"No, there is another exit at the gazebo at the other end."

"Did Jazz go there that day?"

"No, no trace was found there."

"Now, you have to tell me clearly, is the paw print on the path or on the grass?"

"On the trail, there's no trace on the grass."

"The paw prints are on the side of the fence near the swamp?"

"Correct."

"Well, now it's more interesting. The door must have been closed then?"

"Yes, and it's still locked."

"How high is the door?"

"About four feet."

"In other words, anyone can go through this door."

"Yes."

"Has anyone checked the door?"

"I checked and found nothing."

"Did you check it yourself?"

"I checked it myself."

"Then you haven't found anything?" asked Holmes inquiringly.

"There's one thing I don't understand, and I figure the Jazz must have stood there for five to 10 minutes."

"Where did you infer that?"

"I found on the ground that he had dropped soot twice."

"Watson, it's amazing. He's a connoisseur. What about his footprints?"

"On that small piece of land, his footprints were everywhere, and I didn't find anyone else's footprints."

Holmes tapped his two fingers on the table regularly, and then said with regret: "I wish I had been there! Such cases are very rare, and what an opportunity for experts in criminology to conduct research! I wanted to find some clues there, but now it has been trampled badly. Doctor Mortimer, why didn’t you call me then? You should really be responsible for this matter.”

"Mr. Holmes, please forgive me. I have my reasons. You already know the reason why I don't want to reveal these secrets. At the same time..."

"Why don't you tell me?"

"There are some problems that no one can solve."

"You mean there's something even stranger?"

"I can not confirm."

"Although you can't be completely sure, you must have an idea."

"Mr. Holmes, I have heard some strange stories since the disaster."

"Then tell me."

"Before this happened, someone saw in the swamp the animal described in the legend. It is not an animal known to science. It is simply a monster, and it glows at night. That's all. I have questioned several people, one a villager and one a groom, and they all recounted the same story to me. The animals they saw were like the fabled Great Hound. Now the whole town is in panic , whoever dares to cross that swamp at night is a hero."

"Do you, as a medical student, believe this too?"

"I don't know what to believe now."

Holmes shrugged his shoulders with a look of resignation. "I haven't had a ghost case so far, and I'm afraid it's beyond my competence. Now, anyway, the footprints are real."

"It's more of a devil than a monster."

"Doctor, you have completely transcended nature now. You have to tell me, since you have already believed that it is the devil, why did you come to me? You also said that this is beyond the reach of anyone, so why do you want me to go there?" What about the investigation?"

"I don't want you to investigate."

"So, what is your purpose here?"

"I want you to tell me what to do with Sir Henry Baskerville, who is arriving in an hour and a minute?"

"Is he the son of the knight's brother, the heir?"

"Yes, after the Sir's death we investigated the young gentleman, and it turned out that he was farming in Canada. He was a fine fellow. I am not acting as a doctor, but as a trustee of Sir Childs' will. and the executor came to talk to you."

"Is there any other heir to Sir?"

"No. The only relative of whom we have news is his brother, Roger Baskerville, the youngest of three brothers. The eldest is Childs, the second is Henry's father, and the third is Roger. Roger has a bad character. It is said that he is in the same line as his ancestors. Even his appearance is exactly the same as the portrait of the old Hugo. He stayed in England for a few years, and then ran to Central America. He died of illness in 1876. There it is. Henry is the last of this family, and I will see him in a while, what should I do?"

"Then let him go to the home where his ancestors lived for generations."

"Yes, it should be so, but every member of the Baskerville family will suffer bad luck when they live in the manor. If the old knight had time to speak before he died, he would definitely tell his descendants not to live in this manor. But if If this is the case, the prosperity and happiness of the entire poor and desolate country depend on the coming of this future master. After all, if the manor has no master, all the good deeds that the old knight has done will be in vain. In vain. I am very concerned about this matter, and because my opinion on it will have a great influence, I have told you all this in order to be able to listen to your advice."

Holmes thought for a while. "Simply put, that's the way it is," he said. "It's always been thought that the fabled great hound threatened the family—is that your opinion?"

"That's what the indications are, to say the least."

"It can be said that if the legendary great hound exists, no matter where this young man is, he will be equally unlucky. A ghost's range of activities cannot be limited to one place."

"Mr. Holmes, if you had seen what happened, you might not think that this young man was safe from danger. He will be here in five or ten minutes. What do you say I should do?"

"Sir, I suggest that you take your setter and get into a carriage to meet Sir Henry at the station."

"Then what do we do next?"

"Then, don't tell him anything until I've come to a conclusion on the matter."

"How long will it take you to reach a conclusion?"

"Twenty-four hours, can you come to me again at ten o'clock tomorrow? It would be better if you could come with Sir Henry."

"I'll definitely come." He hurriedly wrote the appointment on his cuff with a pencil, and then left absent-mindedly.

When he was about to go out, he was stopped by Holmes again.

"I have another question for you. Before Sir Childs died, how many people saw that monster in that place?"

"There are three people in total."

"and after?"

"I haven't heard of it since then."

"Goodbye."

Holmes returned to his seat in ecstasy, which meant that he was going to work again.

"Watson, are you going out?"

"Yes, but if it can help you, I don't have to go out."

"My friend, I don't need it just yet. I only need your help when it comes to action. It's wonderful, and in some ways this thing is really special. When you go out and pass the Bradley's, let them Send here a pound of strong tobacco. Don't come back before dark if it's convenient. I want to settle the case alone."

Holmes likes to concentrate on weighing bits of evidence, then make various hypotheses, then compare and analyze, and then set priorities.

After listening to what he said, I stayed in the club all day, and had a casual meal outside in the evening, and didn't return home until after nine o'clock.

As soon as I opened the door, the smell of tobacco all over the room hit my nose, and I couldn't stop coughing.Through the smoke, I saw Holmes leaning back in the easy chair, still smoking a cigarette, with many drawings on the floor.

He asked me concerned: "Did you catch a cold?"

"No, it's just that the smell of smoke is too strong."

(End of this chapter)