Summary
Holmes and Watson arrive for the train on time, the latter armed with his revolver and a suspect list of about ten people. Sir Henry has not found his missing boot, but the unknown follower has also not turned up the past two days. Holmes warns the baronet never to go out alone and especially to avoid the moor at night. With this, the party sets off on the ride to the moor.Though the young Baskerville has never before seen the Hall, he is eager and Watson sees that the connection between the man and his ancestors is quite great, as they get closer and closer to the place. They also note the presence of an armed soldier, and the driver of the wagonette in which they are now traveling explains that the Selden, the Notting Hill murderer, has escaped and is believed to be hiding out nearby (see Chapter Three notes).Arrival at the Hall does little to lighten the mood. Intricate wrought iron gates guard the path up to the ivy-covered “heavy block of building”, framed by its two towers and, to the sides, by the more recently-constructed wings. Barrymore (who would quite fit the cabman’s description, except for being tall) and his wife greet them as they pull up, and after Dr. Mortimer departs for his home, they enter the Hall. Inside, the dim lighting, oak paneling, and decorations of stags’ heads and coats of arms maintain the feel of the ancient castle.Adding further solemnity to the experience is Barrymore’s news that he and his wife wish to depart, though they will stay on until a larger staff (necessary to accommodate the young inheritor’s lifestyle) is acquired. Then the longtime servant shows Sir Henry and Watson to their rooms, whose modern appearance and lighter mood temporarily alleviate the general depressing atmosphere about the place.However, after dinner in the gloomy dining room with pictures of the long line of Baskervilles looking on, Sir Henry and Watson decide to go to bed early and hope that things will be better