? ? ? ? Holmes stretched out his hand for the manuscript and flattened it upon his knee.
? ? ? ? "You will observe, Watson, the alternative use of the long s and the short. It is one of several indications which enabled me to fix the date."
? ? ? ? I looked over his shoulder at the yellow paper and the faded script. At the head was written: "Baskerville Hall," and below in large, scrawling figures: "1742."
? ? ? ? "It appears to be a statement of some sort."
? ? ? ? "Yes, it is a statement of a certain legend which runs in the Baskerville family."
? ? ? ? "But I understand that it is something more modern and practical upon which you wish to consult me?"
? ? ? ? "Most modern. A most practical, pressing matter, which must be decided within twenty-four hours. But the manuscript is short and is intimately connected with the affair. With your permission I will read it to you."
? ? ? ? Holmes leaned back in his chair, placed his finger-tips to- gether, and closed his eyes, with an air of resignation. Dr. Mortimer turned the manuscript to the light and read in a high, cracking voice the following curious, old-world narrative:
? ? ? ? "Of the origin of the Hound of the Baskervilles there have been many statements, yet as I come in a direct line from Hugo Baskerville, and as I had the story from my father, who also had it from his, I have set it down with all belief that it occurred even as is here set forth.
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