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"Snap goes our third thread, and we end where we began," said he.

"The cunning rascal! He knew our number, knew that Sir Henry Baskerville had consulted me, spotted who I was in Regent Street, conjectured that I had got the number of the cab and would lay my hands on the driver, and so sent back this audacious message.

I tell you, Watson, this time we have got a foeman who is worthy of our steel.

I've been checkmated in London.

I can only wish you better luck in Devonshire.

But I'm not easy in my mind about it."

"About what?"

"About sending you. It's an ugly business, Watson, an ugly dangerous business, and the more I see of it the less I like it. Yes my dear fellow, you may laugh, but I give you my word that I shall be very glad to have you back safe and sound in Baker Street once more."

Sir Henry Baskerville and Dr. Mortimer were ready upon the appointed day, and we started as arranged for Devonshire. Mr. Sherlock Holmes drove with me to the station and gave me his last parting injunctions and advice.

"I will not bias your mind by suggesting theories or suspicions, Watson," said he; "I wish you simply to report facts in the fullest possible manner to me, and you can leave me to do the theorizing."

"What sort of facts?" I asked.

"Anything which may seem to have a bearing however indirect upon the case, and especially the relations between young Baskerville and his neighbours or any fresh particulars concerning the death of Sir Charles.

I have made some inquiries myself in the last few days, but the results have, I fear, been negative.

One thing only appears to be certain, and that is that Mr. James Desmond, who is the next heir, is an elderly gentleman of a very amiable disposition, so that this persecution does not arise from him.

I really think that we may eliminate him entirely from our calculations.

There remain the people who will actually surround Sir Henry Baskerville upon the moor."

"Would it not be well in the first place to get rid of this Barrymore couple?"

"By no means.

You could not make a greater mistake.

If they are innocent it would be a cruel injustice, and if they are guilty we should be giving up all chance of bringing it home to them.

No, no, we will preserve them upon our list of suspects.

Then there is a groom at the Hall, if I remember right.

There are two moorland farmers.

There is our friend Dr. Mortimer, whom I believe to be entirely honest, and there is his wife, of whom we know nothing.

Chapter 6. Baskerville Hall

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