The Hound of the Baskervilles Summary
Description
Here you will find a The Hound of the Baskervilles summary (Arthur Conan Doyle's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
P.S.: As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from purchases made through links in this page. But the summaries are totally free!
Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters The Hound of the Baskervilles Summary Overview
The story begins with a puzzling incident where a cane is left in the office of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson by an unknown person, later identified as James Mortimer. Mortimer spins an old tale about a fiendish hound that haunts the Baskerville family ever since the demise of an ancestor, Hugo, who had entrapped a rural lass and died while chasing her on the solitary moors. According to Mortimer, the recent passing of Sir Charles Baskerville has stoked the old fears and his successor, despite receiving an anonymous warning and experiencing the peculiar loss of a shoe, has come to London to claim his inheritance at Baskerville Hall. Holmes and Watson agree to pursue the case and soon find that Sir Henry Baskerville is being stalked in London by a shadowy bearded man. Holmes, however, assigns Watson to accompany Mortimer and Sir Henry to Devonshire to continue the investigation as his representative. At Devonshire, Watson finds himself in the midst of heightened security due to an escaped captive, encounters potential suspects, and experiences a string of peculiar events. These include spotting a solitary figure on the moors, hearing what sounds like a hound's howl, receiving an enigmatic warning from Beryl Stapleton, and learning about a clandestine meeting between Sir Charles and a local lady, Laura Lyons. Taking on the responsibility to disentangle the mystery, Watson uncovers that Barrymore, the help, is aiding the runaway convict who happens to be his wife's brother. Watson also interviews Laura Lyons and surprisingly stumbles upon Holmes, who has been clandestinely observing the situation. Holmes reveals that the primary suspect is Mr. Stapleton, who stands to gain from the Baskerville fortune. It is discovered that Mr. Stapleton deceitfully used Laura Lyons to lure Sir Charles to the moors and set his ferocious dog on him, inducing a fatal heart attack. In the climax, Holmes and Watson trap Stapleton using Sir Henry as bait. Stapleton, in his attempt to flee, drowns in a marsh while his abused wife, wrongly introduced as his sister, is found restrained at his home. The case concludes with Holmes explaining the stolen shoe was used to guide the hound to Sir Henry and the warning note was from Beryl Stapleton, manipulated by her adulterous husband.
chapter 1
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson find themselves scrutinizing a peculiar cane left behind by a stranger in their Baker Street residence. Watson, studying the walking stick, is surprised when Holmes, despite facing away, accurately guesses his activity. Holmes reveals he saw the reflection in the coffee tray - demonstrating his sharp observation skills. Watson suggests the stick belongs to an elderly rural doctor, Dr. James Mortimer, as indicated by the inscriptions "To James Mortimer, M.R.C.S., from his friends of the C.C.H." He believes the worn-out condition of the stick indicates the owner must have used it extensively, walking long distances. He further guesses that C.C.H. probably denotes a local hunt group that Mortimer had helped in some way. Holmes, who initially encourages Watson's theorizing, subsequently refutes nearly all of his friend's deductions. He agrees that Mortimer is indeed a rural doctor but insists that C.C.H. stands for Charing Cross Hospital. Holmes views the stick as a retirement gift from the hospital and speculates that Mortimer must be a young man who chose to leave a thriving city practice for a rural one. He also surmises that Mortimer owns a small spaniel based on the bite marks on the cane. This is humorously confirmed when Mortimer and his little dog appear at their doorstep. Upon his arrival, Mortimer, a fervent phrenologist, admires Holmes' skull and expresses his intention of seeking advice from "the second highest expert in Europe," a title that Holmes contests.
chapter 2
Mortimer shares an old manuscript with Holmes and Watson, which Holmes had previously spotted and estimated to date back to 1730. The paper, from 1742 and tied to Baskerville Hall, tells of the legendary Baskerville curse. Mortimer recounts the tale: At the time of the "Great Revolution," Hugo Baskerville, a licentious man, ruled Baskerville Hall in Devonshire. His obsession with a local farmer's daughter led to her abduction. One night, she escaped from the mansion and ran across the vast moors. An irate Hugo, upon discovering her escape, allegedly made a pact with the devil and sent his hounds after her. His companions found Hugo and the girl dead, with Hugo's throat torn open by "a foul thing, a great, black beast." According to Mortimer, this supernatural hound has since plagued the family and recently claimed the life of Sir Charles Baskerville, the hall's latest dweller. Mortimer then reads from the Devon County Chronicle of May 14, detailing Sir Charles's charitable deeds and his mysterious death. A successful colonial entrepreneur in South Africa, Charles returned to his ancestral estate two years prior and was very generous to the locals. The chronicle brushes off the curse and relies on the testimonies of Sir Charles's staff, Mr. and Mrs. Barrymore, and Mortimer. Charles was found lifeless at the end of his usual stroll down Yew Alley, adjacent to the infamous moors. Peculiar points include Charles's lingering at the alley gate and his unusual footstep pattern. However, the paper attributes his death to a heart attack due to poor health and encourages his nephew, Sir Henry Baskerville, to inherit his role and continue his charitable work. Mortimer deviates from the public narrative, though, revealing that Charles's health had declined due to fear of the family curse. Mortimer had even suggested a trip to London for Charles to calm his nerves. Lastly, he reveals a startling detail – amid Charles's unusual footprints at the crime scene were "the footprints of a gigantic hound."
chapter 3
Holmes, intrigued by the peculiar circumstances of the case, yearns for further facts. The distinctive marks of the dog do not seem to show it nearing the corpse. Yew Alley, where it happened, is surrounded by tall bushes and secured by two padlocked gates. Mortimer proposes that an uncanny force might be behind the death, recounting his chats with locals who reportedly saw a ghostly hound on the moors. Mortimer, a believer in superstitions, seeks Holmes's advice on handling Sir Henry, the sole heir, who is due to arrive at Waterloo Station in an hour. He also briefly mentions an additional heir, Sir Charles's brother Roger, who is believed to be deceased in South America. Mortimer worries about Sir Henry residing in Devonshire, but is cognizant of the community's reliance on continued Baskerville charity. Holmes pledges to ponder over the issue, instructing Mortimer to collect Henry from the station and bring him to the office the following day. The detective then bids farewell to Mortimer and Watson, immerses himself in intense contemplation, and indulges in Bradley's most potent shag tobacco. Later, Watson returns to the office, now filled with dense smoke. Holmes believes, "a concentrated atmosphere helps a concentration of thought." Astonishingly, Holmes guesses Watson's earlier location and displays a map of the Baskerville moors. Holmes is determined to exhaust all other explanations before considering the supernatural. He questions why Charles, known for his frailty and fear of the moor, was waiting at the gate. Holmes infers the alteration in footprints suggests running, not creeping. Notably, Holmes observes that Sir Charles was fleeing in the worst direction, away from his home and potential assistance. Eventually, the pair put the case aside, and Holmes distracts himself with his violin.
chapter 4
Sir Henry Baskerville, a sturdy yet sophisticated gentleman, visits Sherlock Holmes with Dr. Mortimer at 221b Baker Street. Despite being only a day in London, he's already received an anonymous, ominous note, reading, "As you value your life, or your reason, keep away from the moor." The note, with words cut from a newspaper and the word 'moor' handwritten, was delivered to a location only Henry should have known. Holmes deduces that the note was sent by someone tracking Henry's movements. Based on the style of handwriting and the technique used to cut out the words, Holmes suggests the sender is an educated individual, attempting to disguise his handwriting and was in haste while preparing the note. When Dr. Mortimer questions his methods, Holmes firmly defends his approach of weighing probabilities. He further surmises that a hotel pen was likely used for the note, suggesting the culprit to be in the same location as Henry. He proposes searching the hotel's trash for the cut-out newspaper. Henry shares another strange incident; one of his boots has gone missing. Holmes, however, brushes it off, choosing to explain the Baskerville curse instead. The group debates the sender's motives before Henry declares his intent to visit Baskerville Hall and departs, inviting Holmes and Watson for lunch. Once they're alone, Holmes pursues Henry, believing the note-sender is following him. Their stakeout reveals a mysterious stranger in a cab. Upon being spotted, the stranger flees. Despite admitting to letting his presence be known, Holmes manages to note down the cab number, 2704. He then directs Watson to a nearby messenger office, where he enlists the help of Cartwright, the manager's son, to examine the trash of Charing Cross hotels for the newspaper used in the note. Meanwhile, Holmes and Watson set out to investigate the mysterious cab before their lunch date with Henry.
chapter 5
Holmes makes a stop at Sir Henry's hotel, cleverly duping the receptionist to reveal that the two guests who checked in after Sir Henry aren't suspicious. He concludes that the stalker isn't staying at the hotel but is keen on seeing without being seen. Making their way upstairs, they meet a distressed Sir Henry, furious about another stolen boot. He blames the staff, not expecting Holmes to relate the thefts to the ongoing mystery. During lunch, the group discusses Sir Henry's decision to move to Devonshire. Holmes agrees considering the difficulty of identifying the stalker in the bustling city of London. He inquires about a man with a black beard in Devonshire and learns about the butler, Mr. Barrymore. To find out if Barrymore is in Devonshire or London, Holmes sends him a telegram. It's mentioned that Barrymore was to inherit 500 pounds and a comfortable lifestyle after Charles' demise. Holmes seeks information about other inheritors and discovers that Mortimer got 1000 pounds, while Sir Henry received 740,000. The next in line are a couple named Desmond, who are distant relatives. Holmes feels that Sir Henry needs better protection at Baskerville Hall and proposes Watson to accompany him, despite his own commitments. He insists that Watson must keep him informed. As they prepare to leave, they are startled by Sir Henry's cry. He finds his first stolen boot under a cabinet, which Mortimer had searched earlier. The waiter claims ignorance about who placed it there. Back at their office, Holmes and Watson attempt to piece together the puzzle. They are informed that Barrymore is indeed at Devonshire and Cartwright couldn't find the damaged newspaper. The number of the cab proves to be a useful clue. The cab driver comes to their office, assuming there's a complaint. Holmes assures him that he needs some information and offers him payment for cooperation. The cabby informs Holmes that he had a passenger who called himself Sherlock Holmes and acted suspiciously. Holmes finds it amusing yet frustrating that another lead has gone cold.
chapter 6
Prior to leaving, Holmes advises Watson to only share facts and not assumptions. He confirms Desmond is not a suspect but urges Watson to monitor others close to Henry, such as the Barrymores, the groom, local farmers, the Stapleton women, and Mr. Frankland. Holmes ensures Watson and Sir Henry are well-armed before saying goodbye. During their journey, Watson, Mortimer, and Henry converse, with Sir Henry marveling at the landscape of his birthplace. Upon seeing the notorious moor, Watson recognizes Sir Henry as a brave and fiery individual, capable of facing the Baskerville curse. Upon arrival, they're greeted by armed policemen hunting for an escaped convict, and the Baskerville staff. The journey to the hall offers splendid views but the ominous moor looms in the distance. The coachman informs them about the escapee, Selden, a notorious murderer. The party silently makes their way to Baskerville Hall. Once there, the Barrymores unload the baggage, and Mortimer departs. Watson and Sir Henry are informed that the Barrymores wish to quit their service after Sir Henry settles in, due to sorrow and fear following Charles' death. Intent on starting a business with their inheritance, they cannot imagine a peaceful life at the Hall. During dinner, Sir Henry admits understanding his uncle's anxiety given the hall's eerie atmosphere. Later, Watson is kept awake by the sound of a woman crying.
chapter 7
In the morning, Watson and Sir Henry converse about the Baskerville estate. Watson brings up the sobbing he heard the night before, which Sir Henry also heard but dismissed as a dream. Upon questioning Barrymore about the crying, Watson observes his agitation. Later, Watson discovers that Barrymore's denial of his wife crying is false as he notices the woman's red, puffy eyes. Speculating that Barrymore might be the bearded man from London, Watson determines to confirm if Holmes' telegram was handed to Barrymore by visiting the Grimpen postmaster. His investigation reveals that Mrs. Barrymore received the telegram, asserting her husband was busy. Watson desires Holmes' presence due to the confusing investigation. Unexpectedly, Mr. Stapleton, a stranger with a butterfly net, approaches Watson. The man, from Merripit House, had learned about Watson from Mortimer. Showing concern for Sir Henry, Stapleton hopes the baronet would continue his late uncle's charitable deeds. He dismisses local superstition while implying it might have contributed to the former baronet's weak heart. Watson is taken aback by Stapleton's knowledge of the case, but soon realizes Holmes' reputation has made him a known figure. Stapleton praises Watson's discretion when he refuses to divulge case details. Strolling near the moor, Stapleton mentions its mystique and danger, particularly the Grimpen Mire where quicksand can swallow anyone. They witness a pony sinking into the sand. Soon after, they hear a mournful moan, rumored to be the Baskerville hound's howl. Stapleton also shows Watson stone structures believed to be Neolithic man's dwellings. Abruptly, Stapleton chases a butterfly, leaving Watson with Miss Stapleton who had approached unnoticed. She urgently advises Watson to return to London, asking him not to tell her brother. When Stapleton returns, they realize the sister mistook Watson for Sir Henry. After formal introductions, they head to Merripit House, which Watson considers a gloomy place. Stapleton claims they are content there despite his sister's skepticism. He tells Watson of his previous job as a schoolmaster and his current fascination with insect collection. On leaving, Watson is asked to inform Sir Henry of Stapleton's intended visit. On his way home, Watson encounters Miss Stapleton again. She retracts her earlier warning but fails to provide a satisfactory explanation. She expresses worry over the curse and desire to please her brother by having a charitable Baskerville in the area. Watson is left in further confusion.
chapter 8
Watson assumes the narration from here, recounting his experiences to Holmes via letters. He depicts the desolation and time-worn aura of the moor, and the status of the escaped prisoner who disappeared two weeks prior. The locals believe he has left, given the lack of sustenance on the moor. Watson hints at a budding romance between Sir Henry and the exotic Miss Stapleton. He finds her brother a damp squib, yet acknowledges his hidden depths, noting Mr. Stapleton's objection to Sir Henry's romantic pursuit. He tells of his encounter with Mr. Frankland from Lafter Hall, a jovial yet argumentative man who frequently indulges in lawsuits. Watson mentions Frankland's fascination with astronomy and his habit of scouring the moor with his rooftop telescope for the missing fugitive. Watson reveals the telegram did not reach Barrymore, and describes Sir Henry's inquiry. Barrymore confesses he didn't directly receive the missive, but was home that day. When questioned further, Sir Henry pacifies him with a box of worn-out clothing. Watson remains suspicious of Barrymore, who he again catches his wife weeping. One night, he hears footsteps and observes Barrymore discreetly moving down the hallway, candle in hand, which he raises as if signaling out a window. After expressing frustration and extinguishing the light, Barrymore departs. Watson, who had been trailing him, returns to his room undetected, only to hear a key turning in a lock. He refrains from theorizing, leaving the deductions to Holmes.
chapter 9
After examining Barrymore's window, Watson concludes it provides the best moor view. He suspects an affair between Barrymore and a local girl, causing Mrs. Barrymore's tears. He and Sir Henry, who also noticed Barrymore's late night wanderings, plan a night-time observation. Sir Henry's relationship with Miss Stapleton takes a negative turn. Sir Henry dismisses Watson from bodyguard duties to avoid appearing chaperoned. Watson, however, follows and observes him with Miss Stapleton. When Henry tries to kiss her, Mr. Stapleton arrives, acting bizarrely. After the Stapletons leave, Watson comes forward, leading Henry to question Stapleton's sanity. Despite Miss Stapleton's refusal to discuss love and her vague warnings, Henry still sees himself as a suitable suitor. Later, Stapleton apologizes to Henry for his protective behavior and invites him for dinner. Watson and Henry's observation of Barrymore requires two nights. On the second night, they follow Barrymore to his window. Watson watches as Sir Henry demands the truth from Barrymore. A light appears across the moor as Watson deduces someone is signaling Barrymore. Despite risking his job, Barrymore remains silent. Mrs. Barrymore explains the light signal is for her fugitive brother, whom they've been helping survive on the moor. Deciding to apprehend the convict for the community's benefit, Henry and Watson set off towards the light. En route, hearing the eerie cry of what locals believe is the Hound of the Baskervilles, they question their mission. Despite their fear, they press on and locate the candlelit hiding spot. The fugitive is as they predicted: ragged and wild. Just as Watson moves in, the man escapes. On their return, Watson spots a solitary figure on the moor, who vanishes as quickly as he appeared.
chapter 10
Pondering over the case's puzzles, Watson rejects a supernatural interpretation but concedes that his practical thinking doesn't offer a clear answer. Where could a real, breathing hound hide during the day, and who is the enigmatic figure on the moor? Watson decides to uncover what this man knows and if he was the one who gave the warning in London. In the meantime, Sir Henry confronts Barrymore about his pursuit of his brother-in-law, Selden. Watson and Henry fear that the man poses a threat to society. However, Barrymore assures them that Selden is simply waiting for a ship to South America and will not commit further crimes. Barrymore's superiors agree not to inform the police, and in gratitude, Barrymore provides another hint. Apparently, Sir Charles had a late-night meeting at the gate the night he died with a woman, and Barrymore shares about his wife finding a partially burned letter, signed L.L., asking for this rendezvous. The following day, Watson finds out from Mortimer that Laura Lyons, the daughter of "Frankland the crank," resides nearby in Coombe Tracey. Mortimer further reveals that Laura defied her father by marrying an artist, who along with her father, has since left her. Meanwhile, both Stapleton and Sir Charles have extended their support by giving her charity. Regarding the shadowy figure on the moor, Watson gets information from Barrymore that Selden has also seen him. He seems to be a gentleman and dwells in one of the ancient huts on the moor, receiving his meals from a young boy.
chapter 11
Opting for an unplanned visit, Watson leaves Sir Henry and heads towards Coombe Tracey to meet Laura Lyons. Upon arrival, he expresses his interest in Sir Charles's demise. Initially skeptical but later compliant, Laura confesses to receiving financial assistance from Sir Charles and having written letters to him. On further probing, she minimizes her personal contact with him, blaming Stapleton for her situation. When Watson brings up the burnt letter, Laura confesses to writing it, explaining the odd timing and location were due to her receiving news of Charles's departure and fearing how a late-night rendezvous would appear. When questioned about the events of that night, she admits to not meeting Charles but refuses to explain why. She reveals the letter was a request for financial help from Charles to escape her unhappy marriage. She further states that she has since received aid from someone else. Leaving Laura's place with a sense of frustration, Watson decides to look for the unknown character on the moor, motivated by a desire to outshine his mentor, Holmes. On his way, he encounters Mr. Frankland and joins him for a drink. During their conversation, Watson learns that Frankland has spotted the stranger on the moor, mistaking him for a fugitive. Frankland's description matches Barrymore's account of the stranger having a young boy deliver food to him. Just then, Frankland sees someone on the moor. Looking through Frankland's telescope, they spot a young boy behaving suspiciously. Declining Frankland's offer for another drink, Watson heads to where they saw the boy and discovers the stranger's hut. While waiting for the stranger to return, Watson finds a note indicating that the stranger has gone to Coombe Tracey and is also following him. Moments later, Watson hears footsteps outside and a surprising greeting.
chapter 12
Watson is startled to find the man greeting him is Holmes. The detective reveals that he discovered Watson's location from his cigarette remains near the hut. Holmes was hiding in Devonshire to escape detection from adversaries. To ensure his secret, he had misled Watson, fearing he might inadvertently reveal his whereabouts. Watson is upset thinking his reports were ignored, but Holmes reassures him they were forwarded and carefully reviewed. Holmes shares the information about Laura and Mr. Stapleton's close relationship with Watson. He reveals that Beryl, posing as Stapleton's sister, is actually his wife. Watson reacts with disbelief and Holmes explains about his investigations into Stapleton's past. Stapleton becomes the prime suspect, who was manipulating his spouse and Laura Lyons to influence Sir Henry. The pair decide to inform Laura Lyons about Stapleton's deceit, hoping to switch her allegiance. During this time, they hear a scream from the moor. On checking, they suspect they've found Sir Henry's body. However, it's revealed that Barrymore had given old clothes to a convict. The hound, having smelt Henry's stolen boot in London, had attacked the convict wearing the right clothes. Stapleton, believing the dead man was Henry, asks, "Who-who's this?" Holmes suggests the convict, Selden, probably died from a fall and tells Stapleton he plans to leave tomorrow, dismissing the local superstitions. Stapleton, although suspicious, leaves for home, while the investigators head for the Hall.
chapter 13
Watson and Holmes, while returning home, are amazed by their adversary's restraint, as he remained silent even after his hound mistakenly killed the wrong individual. They speculate whether seeing Holmes will make the culprit more wary or frantic. Watson proposes immediate arrest, but Holmes notes they still lack sufficient evidence for conviction. Holmes remains confident about his upcoming meeting with Lyons, and discloses an alternative plan to Watson. He instructs Watson to keep Selden's death a secret from Henry and to skip the dinner they planned with Stapleton. After informing Selden's sister about his demise and chatting briefly with Sir Henry, Holmes notices a portrait of Hugo Baskerville. Holmes later reveals to Watson the striking resemblance between Hugo and Stapleton, establishing Stapleton's motive of claiming the Baskerville inheritance. The following day, Holmes oversees Selden's body removal and encourages Sir Henry to dine with Stapleton, while excusing himself and Watson. He informs Sir Henry that they are heading to London and advises him to trust Holmes. Sir Henry must also relay this message to Stapleton and walk home alone across the moor post dinner. At the railway station, Holmes assigns Cartwright the task of sending a telegram to Sir Henry from London. He also plans to engage another man, Lestrade, in the evening. Holmes and Watson visit Laura Lyons, where Holmes reveals Stapleton's secret marriage. A visibly shaken Laura insists on proof, so Holmes presents a photograph of the couple. Laura narrates her story: Stapleton promised to marry her post-divorce, which required Sir Charles' help. Stapleton wrote Laura's letter to Charles and asked her to skip the meeting, promising to cover expenses himself. He even persuaded Laura to remain silent, warning of potential consequences.
chapter 14
Holmes, Watson, and their companion quietly approach Merripit House, spying Sir Henry and Mr. Stapleton in conversation. Sir Henry appears agitated, possibly due to the ominous journey across the moor he has to make. Stapleton suddenly exits the house and enters an outhouse, where the detectives hear strange noises. As a dense fog blankets the moor, the group becomes apprehensive about their ability to monitor and safeguard Sir Henry. As Sir Henry treks home, the thick fog obscures his path. The detectives hear the menacing growl of the hound before they spot it. The beast, appearing as a large, phosphorescent, fire-breathing monster, mirrors the legendary Baskerville hound. The detectives manage to fire only a single shot before the hound lunges at Sir Henry. Just in time, Holmes fires five rounds, bringing down the creature. Upon inspection, they find Sir Henry unharmed. The animal is revealed to be a phosphorous-coated, large bloodhound-mastiff mix. Back at the house, they find Mrs. Stapleton restrained and muzzled. Upon regaining consciousness, Mrs. Stapleton confirms Sir Henry's safety and the hound's demise, revealing her husband's hidden den in the lethal Grimpen mire. Due to the dense fog, Holmes and Watson decide to return to Baskerville Hall with Sir Henry, shelving their pursuit of Stapleton. The following day, Mrs. Stapleton guides them through the mire to capture her cruel husband. They follow a safe path marked by the Stapletons, finding Sir Henry's boot, used by Stapleton to set his hound on Sir Henry's scent. Stapleton's footprints are lost in the mire, leading them to believe he's been swallowed by the marshland. Upon reaching his hideout, they discover where the hound was kept, secluded yet audible. They also find phosphorous, which was used to give the hound its eerie glow, terrifying enough to cause Sir Charles' death.
chapter 15
Henry and Mortimer meet the detectives in London for a complete explanation of the case. Holmes clears up the confusion by revealing that Stapleton is actually Roger Baskerville Jr., the son of Charles' younger brother who had relocated to South America and was thought to be dead. He had lived there with his wife, Beryl Garçia, and fled to England after embezzling public funds. Following a few mishaps, he ended up in Devonshire, eyeing his share of a hefty inheritance. He exploited the superstition of the hound to manipulate Charles and enlisted the help of Laura Lyons, promising marriage in return. He persuaded her to secure money from Charles and used his hound to scare him. Laura, despite her suspicions, defended him as she was in love with him. When Henry entered the picture, Stapleton and his deceitful wife headed to London. There, he followed Henry while his wife attempted to warn him. Furthermore, he stole a shoe from Henry to familiarise his hound with Henry's scent. Holmes, having suspected the Stapletons from the beginning due to the scent of perfume on Mrs. Stapleton's letter, needed evidence. He therefore used Henry as bait to catch Stapleton. He apologised to Henry for it, asserting it was essential. Mrs. Stapleton was torn between her love for her husband and fear of him. She warned Henry yet didn't disclose her husband's plot. Stapleton, although encouraging their romance, displayed jealousy when he saw them together. On the night of Henry's dinner, Mrs. Stapleton discovered her husband's hound hidden away and confronted him. He confessed his affair with Laura and, upon her reaction, restrained and gagged her. Holmes ties up the last loose end by pondering over Stapleton's plan to claim the fortune, although he admits he cannot foresee future actions. Henry and Mortimer depart for a vacation to settle Henry's nerves.
