The Hound of the Baskervilles Plot Summary :: essays research papers

The story begins on Baker Street where Sherlock Holmes and Watson are trying to figure out who left a walking stick at Holmes's residence and as they figure out whose it is, its owner arrives. The cane belongs to Dr. Mortimier, who has rumours of a new mystery for famous Sherlock to solve. The mystery involves what seems to be a supernatural hound that is the cause of the deaths of a line of related Baskerville men. The stories began a few generations before Sherlock Holmes?s era. Hugo Baskerville was killed while riding out upon the moor. Witnesses had stated that he was mauled to death by a huge, supposedly supernatural hound. The mystery of Hugo?s death was always thought upon, but the mystery was never solved, and soon only the stories and superstition had remained. That is until recently a descendant of Hugo Baskerville, Sir. Charles was found dead on the moor right out side his house(the Baskerville Hall), scared to death. Superstitious Mortimier is giving this information t o Sherlock Holmes because he fears for his good friend?s (Sir Henry) life. Sir. Henry is, at the beginning unbelieving of the Baskerville curse, but Mortimier has high hopes that Sherlock will be able to solve the mystery and take Sir. Henry Baskerville?s life out of danger. As the story continues, Holmes sends Watson to live in Baskerville Hall with Sir. Henry to gather information on the recent murder and to provide protection for him. While in Devonshire, Watson goes around meeting Sir. Henry?s neighbours, trying to discover anything seemingly unusual. Of the many characters he came across the most memorable couple were Mr. & Miss Stapleton who declared themselves as naturalists. He finds out that they had recently moved to the moor (two years previous) and they are brother and sister. It is at about this point in the novel that a mini mystery presents itself. Watson sees that the butler currently employed at Baskerville Hall is acting strangely, but taking late night trips to a window facing the moor. After a few nights of wondering, Watson spies upon the butler, and reveals himself. After questioning the butler, Watson finds out that he (the butler) is really doing a favour for his wife. There had recently been talk from the residents of Devonshire about an escaped convict. It turns out that the escaped criminal is his (the butler?