his mind was prepared for just such an end as did eventually
overtake him."

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 together,
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: