Lecture Notes: Chapter 4 - Sir Henry Baskerville from 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'

Key Events and Characters

Sir Henry Baskerville: Young baronet, early 30s, sturdy build, dark eyes, weather-beaten appearance, gentlemanly bearing.
Dr. Mortimer: Accompanies Sir Henry, previously introduced.
Meeting with Sherlock Holmes: Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer arrive punctually for their appointment with Holmes.

Letter Details: Greyish envelope, rough printed address, postmarked Charing Cross.
Contents: A warning composed of printed words pasted onto paper – “As you value your life or your reason, keep away from the moor”.
Holmes' Analysis: Deduces the letter is created from the previous day’s Times newspaper. Observes differences in print quality indicative of the Times.
Sir Henry’s Reaction: Initially confused but intrigued by Holmes’ deductions.

Holmes’ Method: Checks the Times newspaper, identifies the source of the words in the warning letter.
Observations:
- The words were cut with short-bladed scissors.
- The word “moor” was handwritten, suggesting it was not found in print.
- The address was printed roughly, indicating an educated person trying to disguise their identity.
- Uneven alignment of words hints at haste or agitation.

Ink and Pen: Suggests the letter was written in a hotel due to poor pen and ink quality.
Waste-Paper Basket Search: Holmes plans to search hotel waste-paper baskets for the cut-out newspaper.
Boot Incident: Sir Henry reports losing a new boot, which he had put out for cleaning.
Possible Surveillance: Holmes suspects Sir Henry is being followed.

Trailing Sir Henry and Dr. Mortimer: Holmes and Watson follow them discreetly.
The Cab Incident: Spot a suspicious cab following Sir Henry; cab speeds away when noticed.
Cab Number: Holmes memorizes the cab number (2704).

Instructions to Cartwright: Young Cartwright tasked to search local hotel waste-paper baskets for cut-out newspaper.
Identifying the Cabman: Holmes intends to identify the cabman through official channels.

Further Actions: Holmes and Watson plan to visit the Bond Street picture galleries while waiting for further developments.

Holmes’ methodical deduction from subtle clues, emphasizing the importance of keen observation in detective work.

The letter writer’s attempt to disguise their identity, suggesting a deeper conspiracy.

The recurring theme of danger and the supernatural, as indicated by the warning letter.

Sir Henry's unfamiliarity with British customs, reflected in his reaction to losing a boot.

Holmes’ approach as “scientific use of the imagination” to balance probabilities and make educated guesses.