221B, Baker Street, the residence of ’Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson’ is now a museum in London, people thronging there to feel the presence of the legendary detective with a long nose, sharp mind and a pipe always in his mouth.
The smell of tobacco is still there according to a visitor. Even though it is a strange metaphor, it takes us back to those days of crime detection by the sharp-witted investigator. ’Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’ (ACD), the creator of this immortal private eye, wrote the novel ’The Hound of the Baskervilles’ in 1902, in his usual inimitable style, adding another feather to his cap.
I read this book during a summer vacation immediately after I appeared for my Xth Std examinations. It was donning the great library of my grandfather. This classic is still with me, in its full splendour, with brown pages and many dogs’ ears with an aroma of the nostalgic past. It always takes me to the brick paved streets of London, of the cold, sunless days with rain splashing the horse cabs, the ticking clock reminding me of the sound of the horses’ hooves.
’The Hound of the Baskervilles’ is a jewel in crime detection when Scotland Yard was the protector of Londoners. The book is full of mysteries and suspense magnificently written by ACD, in the 19th century British English, a treat to read.
Sherlock Holmes (SH) with his partner Dr Watson is deducing facts as usual, looking at a walking stick, forgotten by one Dr Mortimer. Dr Watson with his limited deducing capability tries in futile to mention the features of the owner of the wooden piece, but fails. SH, sharp minded as he is, opens his detective mind and Dr Mortimer turns up. Dr Mortimer gives a full account of a prevailing curse in the Baskerville family, a very rich one, in Devonshire.
One of the predecessors, Hugo Baskerville, was killed by a fiery and huge hound and the residents of Devonshire talk about this curse whenever there is an unfortunate death in that family. Sir Charles Baskerville dies of heart attack, three months back. Dr Mortimer was his family physician. Mystery shrouded the circumstances of his death, as Dr Mortimer himself had found the footmarks of a hound where Sir Charles was found dead.
The present heir of the Baskerville Hall, Sir Henry Baskerville, arrives from Canada and he makes a visit to 221B, Baker street. He hands over a letter he received as soon as he reached Devonshire, to SH, wherein he was requested to leave the cursed place. Sir Henry Baskerville also explains to SH how his boots were stolen and about a bearded man following him in a cab. The mystery starts.
SH is entrusted to unravel the mystery and he sends Dr Watson along with Sir Henry Baskerville to Devonshire. Dr Watson meets with M/s Franklins and Stapletons, two major families in the vicinity. The other characters are Barrymore, Sir Henry’s butler and his wife, Laura Lyons daughter of Fraklin, and Stapleton’s sister. Dr Watson sends his report to SH every day. He sees a strange man every evening in the woods in suspicious circumstances. An escaped murder convict is killed by a hound. He was wearing Sir Henry’s coat. The mystery deepens.
I will not let the cat out of the bag. The incidents that follow are chilling and full of suspense. Inspector Lestrade arrives from Scotland Yard. SH divulges to Dr Watson, the identity of the cold blooded murderer who is going to target Sir Henry. A net is spread to apprehend the perpetrator. The curtain falls on the mystery with the finale and your heart will pound faster.
ACD makes your hair rise in suspense and his narration will make you mingle with the characters and you will feel that you are in the scene of the happenings. Why don’t you make a trip to 221B, Baker Street?
Happy meeting with Mr Sherlock Holmes and my dear Watson.