Frankly speaking, when I heard this and thought about the story and legend, I couldn't help but tremble. Dr. Mortimer's voice was also trembling, which showed that even he was deeply affected by the story and legend he read personally.

.

My partner leaned forward in surprise, showing the gleaming concentration in his eyes that characterizes him when he is extremely interested in a case. He asked: "Did you really see it?"

Dr. Mortimer said: "As clearly as I can see you before my eyes."

"Didn't you say anything to others?" "It would be of no use if you said it."

"Why didn't anyone else find out?"

"The dog's paw prints were 20 meters away from the body, making it difficult for others to notice. I think if I didn't know the story, I probably wouldn't have discovered its footprints."

"Are there a lot of sheepdogs in the moors?"

"Of course, there are many. But the paw prints are not those of a sheepdog." "Did you say that the sheepdog is big?" "Huge."

"Didn't it come near the body?" "Definitely not."

"What was the weather like that night?"

"The air is cold and humid." "Isn't it raining?"

"No."

"What's the intersection like?"

"There are two rows of old pine tree fences, which are 4 meters high. They are so densely planted that people cannot pass through them. There is a 2.6-meter-wide path in the middle."

"Is there anything else between the old hedgerow and the path?"

"Yes, there is a small patch of grass on both sides of the trail, about 2 meters wide."

"I think the old hedge is cut off by a gate in one place."

"Yes, that gate opens to the swamp." "Are there any other openings?"

"No."

"So, if people want to reach the water pine path, they can only enter through the villa or the gate, right?"

"There is another exit, through the pavilion at the other end."

"Has Sir gone there?"

"No. The place where he fell was a full 50 meters away from there."

"Doctor Mortimer, please tell me now - this is very important - the footprints you saw were on the path and not on the grass?"

"There are no traces on the grass."

"On the side of the trail near the gate that opens into the marsh?"

"Yes, it's on the path beyond the gate."

"What you said aroused my keen interest. Another point is, is the gate closed?"

"It's closed and locked."

"How high is the gate?"

"About 1.3 meters."

"Then, anyone can crawl over?"

"good."

"Did you find any marks on the gate?"

"There are no special marks."

"Strange! No one has checked it."

"I checked it. I checked it myself."

"Didn't you find anything?"

"I was a little confused, but it was obvious that Jazz had been standing there for five to 10 minutes."

"How did you deduce that?"

"Twice ashes fell from Sir's cigar."

"Excellent, Watson, Dr. Mortimer is simply our colleague and thinks the same way as we do. But what about the footprints?"

"On that small patch of gravel, there were Jazz's footprints everywhere. I didn't find anyone else's footprints."

Holmes clapped his knees, and said with an air of impatience: "I wish I had been there!" he exclaimed. "Obviously this is an interesting case, and it has furnished criminologists with

A great opportunity for research. I might have found many useful clues in the gravel; but those traces must have been wiped out by the rain or covered up by the spectators. Ah! Mortimer

Doctor, Doctor Mortimer, why didn't you ask me to go? To tell the truth, you are responsible for this."

"Mr. Holmes, I cannot invite you to go without making these truths known to the public, and I have already explained why I do not want to do so. At the same time... at the same time..."

"Why do you hesitate to say it out loud?" "There are some things that even the most capable and astute veteran detectives are helpless about."

"You mean, this is something related to gods and monsters?" "I'm not sure that's the case."

"You didn't say that for sure. But it's obvious that you think so."

"Mr. Holmes, since the tragedy, I have heard certain things that are difficult to reconcile with the laws of nature."

"Please give an example."

"I know that before this terrible thing happened, some people had seen a beast in the swamp that looked like the legendary Baskerville monster. It was definitely not a beast known to science. They all agreed.

It was said to be a huge guy, emitting a strange light, as ferocious as a devil. I once asked these people. One of them was a very shrewd countryman, another was a horseshoe blacksmith, and another was a farmer in the swamp area.

They all told stories about this terrifying devil-like thing, which was 100% consistent with the legendary ferocious giant hunting dog. You have to believe that panic has enveloped the entire area, and those who dare to walk through the swamp at night are really brave.

A very big man."

"Can you, a doctor with good scientific literacy, also believe that this is something related to gods and monsters?"

"I don't know what I should believe," said Dr. Mortimer weakly.

My partner shrugged and said: "So far, the scope of my investigative work has been limited to the human world. I have only fought against criminal acts to the best of my ability. However, once I come into contact with the God of All Evil, maybe I will not be the same person."

It's more than your strength can bear. But no matter what, Doctor Mortimer, you have to admit that the footprints are real!"

"This weird hound-like beast is indeed capable of tearing out people's throats, but it also really looks like a devil."

"It can be seen that you are very inclined to be a supernaturalist. However, Dr. Mortimer, please tell me, since you have this concept, why do you come to me? Your attitude is very harmful to the investigation of Sir Charles.

The ruthless soldiers are useless, do you want me to investigate?"

"Mr. Holmes, I never said that I wanted you to investigate this matter."

"So, how can I help you?"

"I wish to ask you what I should do in the face of Sir Henry Bascoville, who is arriving at Waterloo Station soon?" Dr. Mortimer looked at his watch and said, "He is on the 1st.

It’ll be there in 1 hour and 15 minutes.”

"Is he the legitimate heir to Sir Charles?"

"Yes. After Sir Charles died, we conducted some investigation on this young gentleman and found that he had been doing planting work in Canada. As far as we know, from all aspects, Henry Bascoville was a

A fine young man. Now, I speak not as a doctor but as the executor of Sir Charles' will."

"I suppose there are no other claimants to the inheritance?" "No. Among Sir Charles's relatives, the only one we can trace back to him is Roger Bascowell. Roger

He is the youngest of three brothers. Sir Charles is the eldest son. The second son, who died when he was young, is Henry, the father of this young man. Roger is the prodigal son of the family. He and the legendary domineering Rain

George Bascoville is really from the same line; it is said that he looks exactly like Hugo's portrait. He was so infamous that he could no longer stand in England, so he fled to Central America and died of yellow fever in 1876. Henry

He is the last remaining descendant of the Bascoville family. Oh, in one hour and five minutes, I will see this young man at Waterloo Station. I have received a telegram saying that he has

Arriving at Southampton early this morning, Mr. Holmes, now, are you going to teach me how to face him?"

"Why don't you take Henry to Bathcowell Manor, where his ancestors lived?"

"It seems that it should be done this way. However, once you consider that every member of the Bascowell family will suffer a terrible misfortune after living there. I think, if Sir Charles died before his death,

Before he could speak to me, he would definitely warn me not to bring the last hope of his ancient family to this haunted house. However, there is no doubt that the prosperity of the entire poor and desolate area depends on Henry's arrival.

If there is no owner in the manor, all the good deeds Sir Charles has done will gradually be forgotten by everyone. Because I personally have a great relationship with this matter, I am afraid that my personal behavior will have too much impact on this matter, so I

I bring this matter to your attention to seek your opinion."

My companion thought for a few minutes, and then said: "In short, Dr. Mortimer, you are saying that there is some powerful magic which makes the moor the place of danger for the Bathcowells - that is

What are your views and opinions?”

"At least, I can say that there are some signs that this may be the case."

"Yes. But surely, if those stories about monsters are accurate, then Henry will suffer the same fate in London as he did in Devonshire. A powerful devil, as powerful as a parish chapel, can only

To be able to exert authority in a certain area is simply ridiculous."

"Mr. Holmes, if you had personally come into contact with this matter, perhaps you would not make such hasty inferences. If I understand you correctly, your opinion is that Henry will be as safe in Devonshire as he is in London. Oh,

This young man will be arriving in 50 minutes, what should I do?"

"Doctor Mortimer, I suggest that you get into a cab at once, take away your spaniel that is scratching at my front door, and go to the station to fetch young Sir Henry Bathcowell."

"What's next?"

"Next? Before I make a decision on this case, don't tell this young man anything."

"How long will it take you to make a decision?"

"One day and one night, that is, twenty-four hours. If you could come here to see me at ten o'clock tomorrow, I would be very grateful; if you could bring Sir Henry Bascowell with you, that would be even more

It will help my plan."

"Mr. Holmes, I will definitely do this." He wrote this agreement in pencil on the cuffs of his clothes, and then hurried away with his strange and careless look.

When he reached the top of the stairs, my companion stopped him again. "Dr. Mortimer, I want to ask you another question. Are you sure that before Sir Charles died, there were several people who saw him in the marsh?"

Have you ever survived this monster?"

"Three people saw it."

"Did anyone see it again later?" "I haven't heard about it."

"Thank you and good morning!"

My partner sat back in his seat with a calm, contented look, which showed that he had found a job that aroused his interest.

"Watson, do you want to go out?"

"Yes. But if I can help you, I won't go out."

"No, my dear friend, I only turn to you for help when I have something to do. It is wonderful, indeed, from some points of view, that the matter is quite peculiar. As you pass by Bradley's, please ask me

Would you please ask them to send you a pound of strong black smoke? Thank you. If you have difficulty moving, please do not come back before evening. I very much want to use this time to share with you what I just got this morning about this rare thing.

A comparative study of various impressions of interesting cases."

I know that when I concentrate my attention, weigh bits and pieces of evidence, make different hypotheses, compare them, and finally determine which issues are important and which things are false, I will close the door.

It was very necessary for Sherlock Holmes to be alone and think hard all day long. Therefore, I spent all my time in the club. I did not go back to Baker Street before evening. I did not go back until nearly 9 o'clock in the evening.

.

As soon as I opened the door, the first feeling I felt was that it was on fire. The whole room was filled with smoke, and even the light from the desk lamp was blurry. After I walked in, I felt relieved. The extremely strong smoke was choking me.

It made me cough. Through the smoke, I vaguely saw my partner. His body in pajamas was curled up in an easy chair, with a black clay pipe in his mouth and rolls of tobacco around it.

Paper.

"Watson, do you have a cold?" he asked.

"I don't have a cold, it's just the air in this room that's causing the problem."

"Oh, you are right. I think the air in this room is indeed too thick."

"It's so thick that it's unbearable."

"Then, just open the window! I see that you are staying in the club today, right?"

"My dear friend..."

"Am I right?"

"That's right, but how..."

Holmes laughed at my expression of bewilderment.

"Watson, when you came back, you looked so relaxed and happy that I wanted to play a little trick to make you happy. A gentleman goes out on a muddy rainy day, but when he comes back at night, he is very clean, and there are still odors on his hat and shoes.

The bright light shows that he must be sitting still all day long. He is also a gentleman with no other close friends, so where else would he go but the club? This is obvious. "

"Yes, obviously."

"The world is full of obvious things that no one can see. Where do you think I am?"

"You stayed here and didn't move."

"On the contrary, I went to Dewen County." "Is it the 'soul' that wandered around?"

"Yes, my physical body has always been sitting in this easy chair. Unfortunately, I drank two large pots of coffee and smoked a lot of cigarettes when my 'soul' was far away. After you went out, I

I sent someone to the Stamford Police Station and got a map showing the swamp area. On this map, my 'soul' wandered around for a day. I believe that I know the roads in that area very well.

"

"I think it should be a very detailed map, right?"

"Yes, it's very detailed." He opened part of the map, put it on his knees, pointed to a location and said to me, "This is the area that is particularly relevant to us, and in the middle is Bascoville Manor."

"It's surrounded by woods, right?"

"Yes. I think that the water pine path, although it is not marked here, must be the swamp extending along this line. You can see that it is on the right side of it. This small group

The house is Greenpen Village, where our new friend Dr. Mortimer lives. Within a radius of 2.5 kilometers, you can see only a few scattered houses. This is the house mentioned in the incident.

Ford Manor. There is a house marked here, which may have been the residence of the biologist; if I remember correctly, his last name was Stapleton. Here are two marsh farmhouses, the Hightower and the Vermeer.

22.4 kilometers away is the large prison in Prince Town. Between these scattered points, there are desolate and desolate swamps extending around it. This is the area where tragedies have been staged. Perhaps because of our intervention, there are still many people in this area.

It will be a good show!"

"This must be a wild area."

"Oh, the environment near the left is really perfect. If the 'devil' really wants to interfere in the affairs of the human world..."

"So, you are also leaning towards the view of gods and monsters."

"Flesh and blood may be the devil's agents, may they not? We are faced with two main questions: first, whether the crime actually occurred; second, what was the nature of the crime and how it was carried out

?Of course, if Dr. Mortimer's suspicions are correct, then we will be dealing with forces beyond the laws of nature; in that case, our investigation work will be over.

However, only after all the assumptions have been overturned by us can we go back to this road to explore. If you don’t object, I think I have to close the window. It’s strange. I always feel that the thick air can make my thoughts high.

Concentrate. Although I haven't reached the point where I have to get into a box to think, I believe that if things continue to develop, there will definitely be an ending like that. Have you thought about this case in your head?"

"Yes, I thought a lot during the day." "What do you think?"

"I feel confused."

"This case is indeed very unique. There are several outstanding issues, such as the changes in the footprints. What do you think of this?"

"Mortimer said that Sir Charles walked on his toes on that stretch of road."

"He was just repeating an ignorant remark made by a fool during an autopsy: Why does a man walk on his toes along a lane?"

"So, how do you explain this?"

"Watson, Sir Charles was running—running with all his might. He was running for his life until he had a heart attack and lay dead on the ground."

"What is he trying to escape from?"

"That's the problem. All indications are that he was nearly crazy with fear before he started running."

"Why do you infer this?"

"According to my imagination, the cause of Sir Childs' fear came from the marshes. If so, it seems most likely that only a frightened person would not run towards the house, but in the opposite direction.

Running. If the testimony of the gypsy can be considered true, Sir Charles was running and shouting for help, but the direction he ran was the direction where he was least likely to receive help. Another point is that that night he was

Who is he waiting for? Why did he choose to wait for someone in the cork road instead of in his own house?"

"Do you think he is waiting for someone?"

"Sir Charles was old and frail, and we can understand that he liked to walk at dusk; but the ground was damp and cold that night. Dr. Mortimer's wisdom is indeed to be greatly admired - he relied on cigar ashes.

The conclusion drawn shows that Sir Charles actually stood for 5 or even 10 minutes. Could it be that this is something that happened naturally?"

"But he goes out for a walk every day!"

"I do not believe that he stood waiting for someone at the door leading to the marsh every night. On the contrary, the evidence shows that he avoided the marsh. However, he did wait for someone there that night, and it was during his

The night before departure for London. Things have begun to appear, Watson, and are now consistent. Please hand me my violin, and this matter will wait until we meet Dr. Mortimer and Henry tomorrow morning.
Chapter completed!