"Doyle, Arthur Conan - Hound Of The Baskervilles, The" - читать интересную книгу автора (Doyle Arthur Conan)

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, crackling 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. And I would
have you believe, my sons, that the same Justice which
punishes sin may also most graciously forgive it, and that
no ban is so heavy but that by prayer and repentance it may
be removed. Learn then from this story not to fear the
fruits of the past, but rather to be circumspect in the future,
that those foul passions whereby our family has suffered so
grievously may not again be loosed to our undoing.

"Know then that in the time of the Great Rebellion (the
history of which by the learned Lord Clarendon I most
earnestly commend to your attention) this Manor of
Baskerville was held by Hugo of that name, nor can it be
gainsaid that he was a most wild, profane, and godless man.
This, in truth, his neighbours might have pardoned, seeing