The Hound of the Baskervilles · Chapter
IX: Second Report of Dr. Watson explained
Dr.
What happens
Dr. Watson reports to Holmes on the events at Baskerville Hall, including the discovery that Barrymore has been signaling to someone on the moor at night. Watson and Sir Henry confront Barrymore, who reveals that he has been signaling to the escaped convict Selden, who is actually Mrs. Barrymore's brother. Meanwhile, Sir Henry's romantic interest in Miss Stapleton faces complications due to Stapleton's disapproval.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Barrymore's secret nighttime activities and the concealment of the convict Selden's identity highlight the theme of hidden truths.
Loyalty and Friendship
Mrs. Barrymore's loyalty to her brother Selden and Watson's loyalty to Holmes and Sir Henry are central to the chapter's events.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Watson
Reports his observations and actions to Holmes, including the confrontation with Barrymore.
- Sir Henry Baskerville
Participates in the night watch and confronts Barrymore; shows infatuation with Miss Stapleton.
- Barrymore
Caught signaling from the window; reveals he is signaling to the convict Selden, his wife's brother.
- Mrs. Barrymore
Mentioned as tear-stained and connected to the secret; her brother is the convict Selden.
- Selden
Revealed as the convict on the moor and Mrs. Barrymore's brother.
- Mr. Stapleton
Mentioned as disapproving of Sir Henry's courtship of Miss Stapleton.
Key passages
“If I was compelled to leave you without much news during the early days of my mission you must acknowledge that I am making up for lost time, and that events are now crowding thick and fast upon us.”
Watson apologizes for his earlier lack of news but now reports that events are happening rapidly.
Watson sets the stage for his detailed report to Holmes.
“The man is a striking-looking fellow, very well equipped to steal the heart of a country girl, so that this theory seemed to have something to support it.”
Watson speculates that Barrymore's good looks might explain a secret love affair.
Watson initially misinterprets Barrymore's motives.
“I believe that he would do exactly what you now suggest. He would follow Barrymore and see what he did.”
Watson agrees with Sir Henry that Holmes would shadow Barrymore to discover his actions.
Watson and Sir Henry decide to investigate Barrymore's behavior.
“I have seldom seen a man more infatuated with a woman than he is with our beautiful neighbour, Miss Stapleton.”
Watson observes that Sir Henry is deeply in love with Miss Stapleton.
Watson comments on Sir Henry's romantic interest.
“Congratulate me, my dear Holmes, and tell me that I have not disappointed you as an agent—that you do not regret the confidence which you showed in me when you sent me down.”
Watson seeks Holmes's approval for his investigative work.
Watson expresses his desire to meet Holmes's expectations.