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The Convict’s Escape

The Hound of the Baskervilles

This subplot follows Selden’s flight from prison, his hiding place on the moor, and the fatal accident that makes him an unintended victim of Stapleton’s plot.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Escape from PrisonEscape from Prison from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". Escape from Prison A dangerous fugitive Selden escapes from Princetown Prison, alarming the isolated households around the moor.
Escape from Prison A dangerous fugitive Selden escapes from Princetown Prison, alarming the isolated households around the moor. A manhunt begins Soldiers guard roads and stations while locals fear the violent convict. His presence adds a genuine human danger to the supernatural rumors.
Shelter from FamilyShelter from Family from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". Shelter from Family A sister’s appeal Eliza Barrymore shelters Selden because he is her younger brother, despite his crimes.
Shelter from Family A sister’s appeal Eliza Barrymore shelters Selden because he is her younger brother, despite his crimes. Secret provisions John Barrymore helps bring food while the fugitive hides on Dartmoor. Family loyalty places the household at legal and moral risk.
The Night SignalThe Night Signal from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The Night Signal A candle in the window John signals across the moor to tell Selden that food is ready.
The Night Signal A candle in the window John signals across the moor to tell Selden that food is ready. A mystery resolved Watson and Henry expose the signal, initially mistaking its secrecy for a conspiracy against Henry. The clue reveals compassion rather than murder.
The Hunt AbandonedThe Hunt Abandoned from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The Hunt Abandoned A failed capture Watson and Henry approach the light, but Selden escapes across the rocks.
The Hunt Abandoned A failed capture Watson and Henry approach the light, but Selden escapes across the rocks. A stranger seen In the chase’s aftermath Watson glimpses a tall watcher on a tor. Selden’s escape unexpectedly directs the main investigation toward Holmes.
A Fatal DisguiseA Fatal Disguise from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". A Fatal Disguise Clothes passed on The Barrymores give Selden Henry’s old clothing to help him escape the country.
A Fatal Disguise Clothes passed on The Barrymores give Selden Henry’s old clothing to help him escape the country. The hound finds him The scent-bearing clothes lead Stapleton’s hound to Selden, who falls to his death in the dark. The fugitive dies in the place of his intended target.
Three days before Henry reaches the Hall
After Selden reaches the Hall’s neighborhood
During Watson’s early watch at the Hall
After Watson and Henry chase Selden
Before Holmes’s secret arrival is revealed