The Hound of the Baskervilles Part 26 (2/2)
”Oh, you know the stories that the peasants tell about a phantoht upon theif there were any evidence of such a sound tonight”
”We heard nothing of the kind,” said I
”And what is your theory of this poor fellow's death?”
”I have no doubt that anxiety and exposure have driven him off his head
He has rushed about the moor in a crazy state and eventually fallen over here and broken his neck”
”That seeave a sigh which I took to indicate his relief ”What do you think about it, Mr Sherlock Holmes?”
My friend bowed his compliments ”You are quick at identification,” said he
”We have been expecting you in these parts since Dr Watson caedy”
”Yes, indeed I have no doubt that my friend's explanation will cover the facts I will take an unpleasant remembrance back to London with me tomorrow”
”Oh, you return tomorrow?”
”That is ht upon those occurrences which have puzzled us?”
Holed his shoulders
”One cannot always have the success for which one hopes An investigator needs facts and not legends or rumours It has not been a satisfactory case”
My friend spoke in his frankest and most unconcerned manner Stapleton still looked hard at hi this poor fellow to ht that I do not feel justified in doing it
I think that if we put so”
And so it was arranged Resisting Stapleton's offer of hospitality, Hol the naturalist to return alone Looking backthe figuresloay over the broad e on the silvered slope which shohere thewho had co the Nets
”We're at close grips at last,” said Holether across the ether in the face of whatman had fallen a victim to his plot I told you in London, Watson, and I tell you now again, that we have never had a foeman more worthy of our steel”
”I am sorry that he has seen you”
”And so was I at first But there was no getting out of it”
”What effect do you think it will have upon his plans now that he knows you are here?”
”It may cause him to be more cautious, or it may drive him to desperate measures at once Like most clever criine that he has completely deceived us”