Holmes Builds the Case

The Hound of the Baskervilles

This thread follows Sherlock Holmes from an apparently remote consultation to a carefully staged confrontation that produces evidence against the murderer.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Walking Stick The Walking Stick from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The Walking Stick Reading the clues Sherlock Holmes reconstructs James Mortimer’s age, career, and habits from a presentation cane.

The Walking Stick from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The Walking Stick Reading the clues Sherlock Holmes reconstructs James Mortimer’s age, career, and habits from a presentation cane.

The Walking Stick Reading the clues Sherlock Holmes reconstructs James Mortimer’s age, career, and habits from a presentation cane. A method in motion Watson’s mistaken deductions let Holmes demonstrate observation and inference. The case begins with small physical traces, not dramatic revelations.

A Case Accepted A Case Accepted from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". A Case Accepted The reported footprint James Mortimer describes a gigantic hound’s tracks near Sir Charles Baskerville’s body.

A Case Accepted from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". A Case Accepted The reported footprint James Mortimer describes a gigantic hound’s tracks near Sir Charles Baskerville’s body.

A Case Accepted The reported footprint James Mortimer describes a gigantic hound’s tracks near Sir Charles Baskerville’s body. Practical uncertainty Holmes refuses to settle for a supernatural explanation and asks what action will protect the heir. The mystery becomes an inquiry into danger and motive.

London’s Failed Threads London’s Failed Threads from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". London’s Failed Threads Pursuit and evasion Holmes spots a bearded watcher but loses him in a cab chase.

London’s Failed Threads from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". London’s Failed Threads Pursuit and evasion Holmes spots a bearded watcher but loses him in a cab chase.

London’s Failed Threads Pursuit and evasion Holmes spots a bearded watcher but loses him in a cab chase. Deception answered The cabman reports that the watcher called himself Sherlock Holmes, defeating the detective’s attempt to identify him. Holmes sends Watson west with unresolved clues.

The Hidden Observer The Hidden Observer from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The Hidden Observer A hut in the hills Holmes reveals himself in the stone hut where Watson has been waiting for the unknown watcher.

The Hidden Observer from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". The Hidden Observer A hut in the hills Holmes reveals himself in the stone hut where Watson has been waiting for the unknown watcher.

The Hidden Observer A hut in the hills Holmes reveals himself in the stone hut where Watson has been waiting for the unknown watcher. Parallel investigations He has secretly followed the case, using Cartwright and Watson’s reports to track events. Secrecy has preserved his freedom to observe.

Proof Before Arrest Proof Before Arrest from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". Proof Before Arrest The evidentiary problem Holmes knows Stapleton is dangerous but recognizes that suspicion alone cannot secure conviction.

Proof Before Arrest from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". Proof Before Arrest The evidentiary problem Holmes knows Stapleton is dangerous but recognizes that suspicion alone cannot secure conviction.

Proof Before Arrest The evidentiary problem Holmes knows Stapleton is dangerous but recognizes that suspicion alone cannot secure conviction. A risky trap He uses Sir Henry as bait, then arrives with Lestrade to witness the hound’s attack. The operation brings the hidden crime into the open, at serious personal risk.

At the opening in Baker Street

After Mortimer recounts Charles’s death

The day after Sir Henry arrives in London

Midway through Watson’s Dartmoor investigation

The final night at Merripit