Chapter 8 Summary

The next three chapters take on a different style of writing. Instead of a straight narrative with action and quotations, this chapter and the next are in the form of letters from Dr. Watson.

Dr. Watson first writes about the grim atmosphere of the place and then apologizes to Holmes for being impractical. He then tells Holmes that an escaped convict named Selden is hiding on the moor. Selden is a depraved murderer. Watson is fairly sure that since there are four able-bodied men at Baskerville Hall, they are not in danger. Yet he worries about the Stapletons. Mr. Stapleton is a small man, and his sister is very beautiful. So beautiful and charming that she has captured the heart of Sir Henry. Stapleton seems to stand in the way of their love affair; he is jealous and possessive of his sister.

Dr...