The Night Signal

This subplot traces Watson’s suspicion of the Barrymores to the discovery that their nocturnal signal serves Selden rather than a plot against Henry.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Shadow in the Corridor

A Shadow in the Corridor A furtive walk Watson sees John Barrymore carrying a candle through the dark house toward an unused room. A moor-facing window The butler stands watching the darkness as if waiting for a response. Watson suspects a secret connection outside the Hall.

The Repeated Vigil

The Repeated Vigil Watson waits with Henry The two men stay awake and follow Barrymore when he repeats the journey. A signal answered Watson moves the candle and sees a small distant light respond from the moor. The suspicion of conspiracy gains apparent proof.

The Secret Confessed

The Secret Confessed A wife steps forward Eliza admits that the distant light is Selden’s and that John carries him food. The motive changes The nighttime behavior comes from family compassion, not hostility toward Henry. A tense accusation gives way to reluctant understanding.

The Chase Across the Moor

The Chase Across the Moor Henry acts immediately Henry and Watson set out to seize Selden, judging him a danger to isolated neighbors. Fear interrupts pursuit A strange cry makes them fear that another predator is loose on the moor. The rescue attempt ends with Selden’s escape and Watson’s sighting of a watcher.

Mercy and Its Cost

Mercy and Its Cost A family protected Henry declines to report the Barrymores’ assistance, recognizing their motive and Eliza’s grief. Compassion carries consequences Selden later dies because the clothes they gave him expose his scent to the hound. Kindness offers no protection from Stapleton’s machinery.

Watson’s first night at Baskerville Hall

Two nights after Watson’s first observation

Immediately after the signal is noticed

The same dark night

After Selden’s death