| I drove out of Newtown and went to begin my search for the mysterious man on the moor.There were hundreds of the old stone huts on the moor.Barrymore did not know in which of them the mysterious man was living.I had seen the man on the night when Sir Henry and I had chased Selden,so I decided to start my search near that place. The path I took ran past Mr Frankland's house,and I saw him standing at his gate He called to me,and invited me to go in and have a drink with him.He had been arguing with the police,and was angry with them.He began to tell me about it. 'But they will be sorry,'he said.'I could tell them where to look for the escaped prisoner,but I am not going to help them.You see,I have been searching the moors with my telescope,and although I have not actually seen the prisoner,I have seen the person who is taking him food.' I thought of Barrymore and Mrs Barrymore's worried faces.But Mr Frankland's next words showed me that I did not need to worry. 'You will be surprised to hear that a young boy takes food to the prisoner.The boy goes by at about the same time each day,and he is always carrying a bag.Who else can he be going to see—except the prisoner?Come and look through my tele scope,and you will see that I am right.It is about this time each day that the boy goes by.' We went up onto the roof,and we did not have to wait long.There was someone moving on a hill in front of the house.I looked through the telescope and saw a small boy with a bag over his shoulder.He looked around to make sure that noboay was following him,and then he disappeared over the hill. 'Remember that I don't want the police to know my secret,Dr Watson,'Frankland reminded me.'I'm too angry with them at the moment to help them.' I agreed not to tell the police,and said goodbye.I walked along the road while Frankland was watching me,but as soon as I was round the corner,I went towards the hill where we had seen the boy. The sun was already going down when I reached the top of the hill.I could not see the boy,and there was nothing else in that lonely place Beneath me on the other side of the hill was a circle of old stone huts.In the middle of the circle was one hut that had a better roof than the others,so it would keep out the wind and the rain.This must be the place where the mysteri ous man was hiding!I would soon know his secret. As I walked towards the hut,I saw that someone had certainly been using it.A path had been worn up to the door.I took my revolver out of my pocket,and checked that it was ready to fire.I walked quickly and quietly up to the hut,and looked inside.The place was empty. But this was certainly where the man lived.As I looked round the hut,I knew that the mysterious man must have a very strong character.No other person could live in conditions as bad as these.There were some blankets on a flat stone where the man slept.There had been a fire in one corner.There were some cooking pots,and a large bowl half full of wa ter.In the middle of the hut was another large flat stone which was used as a table,and on it was the bag the boy had been carrying.Under the bag I saw a piece of paper with writing on it.Quickly,I picked up the paper and read what was written on it.It said:'Dr Watson has gone to Newtown.' I realized that the mysterious man had told someone to watch me,and this was a message from his spy.Was the man a dangerous enemy? Or was he a friend who was watching us to make sure we were safe?I decided I would not leave the hut until I knew. Outside,the sun was low in the sky.Everything looked calm and peaceful in the golden evening light.But I did not feel peaceful or calm.I felt frightened as I waited for the mysterious man. Then I heard footsteps coming towards the hut.As they came closer,I moved into the darkest corner of the hut.I did not want the man to see me until I had looked closely at him.The footsteps stopped,and I could hear nothing at all.Then the man began to move again,and the footsteps came closer.A shadow fell across the door of the hut. 'It's a lovely evening,my dear Watson,'said a voice I knew well.'I really think you will enjoy it more out here.' |
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Man on the Moor
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Letter
The following day was dull and foggy.The Hall was sur rounded by heavy,low clouds,which opened now and then to show the grim,cold moor and its wet,grey rocks.The weather made us miserable.It was difficult to be cheerful when we felt danger all around us.I thougth of Sir Charles'death,and the awful sound of the hound,which I had now heard twice.Holmes did not believe that there was a supernatural hound.But facts are facts,and I had heard a hound.Was there a huge hound living on the moor?If so,where could it hide?Where did it get its food?Why was it never seen by day? It was almost as difficult to accept a natural explanation as a su pernatural explanation.
That morning Sir Henry and Barrymore argued about Selden,the escaped prisoner.Barrymore said that it was wrong to try to catch Selden.
'But the man is dangerous,'said Sir Henry.'He'll do any thing.Nobody is safe until he is in prison again.We must tell the police.'
'I promise he won't break into any house,'said Barrymore,'and he won't cause any trouble.In a few days he will catch a boat for South America.Please don't tell the police about him.If you tell the police,my wife and I will be in serious trouble.'
'What do you say,Watson?' asked Sir Henry,turning to me.
'I don't think he will break into houses,or cause trouble.If he did,the police would know where to look for him and would catch him.He's not a stupid man.'
'I hope you're right,'said Sir Henry.'I'm sure we're breaking the law.But I don't want to get Barrymore and his wife into trouble,so I shall not tell the police.I shall leave Selden in peace.'
Barrymore could not find the words to thank Sir Henry enough.Then he said:'You have been so kind to us that I want to do something for you in return.I have never told any one else.I know something more about poor Sir Charles'death.'
Sir Henry and I jumped up at once.
'Do you know how he died?'Sir Henry asked.
'No,sir,I don't know that,but I know why he was waiting at the gate He was going to meet a woman.'
'Sir Charles was meeting a woman?Who was the woman?'
'I don't know her name,'Barrymore said,'but it begins with L.L.'
'How do you know this,Barrymore?'I asked.
'Well,Sir Charles got a letter on the morning of the day he died.It was from Newtown,and the address was in a woman's writing.I forgot all about it,but some time after Sir Charles died my wife was cleaning the fireplace in his study.She found a letter.Most of it was burned,but the bottom of one page was not burned.On it was written:“Please,please,burn this letter,and be at the gate by ten o'clock.L.L.”The paper fell into pieces as my wife went to move it.We don't know who L.L.is,but if you could find out,you might learn more about Sir Charles'death.We haven't told anyone else.We felt it would not be good for poor,kind Sir Charles.But we thought we ought to tell you,Sir Henry.'
The Barrymores left us and Sir Henry turned to me.'If we can find L.L.,the mystery may be at an end,'he said.'What do you think we should do,Watson?'
'I must write to Holmes at once,'I said,and I went straight to my room and wrote a letter to Holmes,which gave him all the details of Barrymore's story.
On the following day heavy rain fell without stopping.I put on my coat and went for a long walk on the moor.I thought of Selden out on the cold moor in this weather.And I thought of the other man,the mysterious watcher.
As I walked,Dr Mortimer drove past me.He stopped and said he would take me back to the Hall.
'I expect you know almost everybody living near here,'I said.'Do you know a woman whose names begin with the let ters L.L.?'
Dr Mortimer thought for a minute,and then he said:'Yes,Mrs Laura Lyons.She lives in Newtown.'
'Who is she?'I asked.
'She's Mr Frankland's daughter.'
'What,old Frankland who has the large telescope?'
'Yes,'said Dr Mortimer.'Laura married a painter called Lyons who came to paint pictures of the moor.But he was cruel to her,and after a while he left her.Her father will not speak to her,because she married against his wishes.So her husband and her father have made her life very unhappy.'
'How does she live?'I asked.
'Several people who knew her sad story have helped her.Stapleton and Sir Charles gave her some money.I gave a little myself.She used the money to start a typewriting business.'
Dr Mortimer wanted to know why I was asking about Mrs Lyons.However,I preferred to keep the reason secret,and we talked about other things for the rest of the journey.
Only one other thing of interest happened that day.In the evening after dinner I had a few words with Barrymore alone.I asked him whether Selden had left the country.
'I don't know,sir,'Barrymore replied.'I hope he has gone.But I've not heard anything of him since I last left food and some clothes for him,and that was three days ago.'
'Did you see him then?'
'No,sir,but the food and clothes were gone when I next went that way,'Barrymore told me.
'Then Selden was certainly there?'I asked.
'I think so,sir,unless the other man took everything.'
I sat very still and looked hard at Barrymore.'You know there is another man,then?Have you seen him?'
'No,sir,but Selden told me about him a week or more ago.He is hiding from someone,too,but he is not an escaped prisoner.I don't like it,sir.Something evil is going to happen,I'm sure.Sir Henry would be much safer in London.'
'Did Selden tell you anything more about the other man?'I asked.
'He looked like a gentleman.He was living in one of the old stone huts on the moor.A boy works for him and brings him all the food and things he needs.That's all Selden told me.'
I thanked him,and he left me.I went to the window and looked out at the rain and the clouds.It was a wild night.I knew the huts Barrymore had spoken about.There were many of them on the moor.They had been built many hundreds of years ago by the people who lived on the moor.They would not keep a man warm and dry in bad weather.Selden could not choose to live anywhere else,but why did the other man live in such conditions?
I sat and thought what I should do next.I decided I must try to find the man who had been watching us.Was he the en emy who had been following us since the very beginning in London? If he was,and I could catch him,perhaps our diffi culties would be at an end.
I also decided to hunt the man on my own.Sir Henry was still shaken by the terrible cry we had heard on the moor.I did not want to add to his troubles or to lead him into more danger.
That morning Sir Henry and Barrymore argued about Selden,the escaped prisoner.Barrymore said that it was wrong to try to catch Selden.
'But the man is dangerous,'said Sir Henry.'He'll do any thing.Nobody is safe until he is in prison again.We must tell the police.'
'I promise he won't break into any house,'said Barrymore,'and he won't cause any trouble.In a few days he will catch a boat for South America.Please don't tell the police about him.If you tell the police,my wife and I will be in serious trouble.'
'What do you say,Watson?' asked Sir Henry,turning to me.
'I don't think he will break into houses,or cause trouble.If he did,the police would know where to look for him and would catch him.He's not a stupid man.'
'I hope you're right,'said Sir Henry.'I'm sure we're breaking the law.But I don't want to get Barrymore and his wife into trouble,so I shall not tell the police.I shall leave Selden in peace.'
Barrymore could not find the words to thank Sir Henry enough.Then he said:'You have been so kind to us that I want to do something for you in return.I have never told any one else.I know something more about poor Sir Charles'death.'
Sir Henry and I jumped up at once.
'Do you know how he died?'Sir Henry asked.
'No,sir,I don't know that,but I know why he was waiting at the gate He was going to meet a woman.'
'Sir Charles was meeting a woman?Who was the woman?'
'I don't know her name,'Barrymore said,'but it begins with L.L.'
'How do you know this,Barrymore?'I asked.
'Well,Sir Charles got a letter on the morning of the day he died.It was from Newtown,and the address was in a woman's writing.I forgot all about it,but some time after Sir Charles died my wife was cleaning the fireplace in his study.She found a letter.Most of it was burned,but the bottom of one page was not burned.On it was written:“Please,please,burn this letter,and be at the gate by ten o'clock.L.L.”The paper fell into pieces as my wife went to move it.We don't know who L.L.is,but if you could find out,you might learn more about Sir Charles'death.We haven't told anyone else.We felt it would not be good for poor,kind Sir Charles.But we thought we ought to tell you,Sir Henry.'
The Barrymores left us and Sir Henry turned to me.'If we can find L.L.,the mystery may be at an end,'he said.'What do you think we should do,Watson?'
'I must write to Holmes at once,'I said,and I went straight to my room and wrote a letter to Holmes,which gave him all the details of Barrymore's story.
On the following day heavy rain fell without stopping.I put on my coat and went for a long walk on the moor.I thought of Selden out on the cold moor in this weather.And I thought of the other man,the mysterious watcher.
As I walked,Dr Mortimer drove past me.He stopped and said he would take me back to the Hall.
'I expect you know almost everybody living near here,'I said.'Do you know a woman whose names begin with the let ters L.L.?'
Dr Mortimer thought for a minute,and then he said:'Yes,Mrs Laura Lyons.She lives in Newtown.'
'Who is she?'I asked.
'She's Mr Frankland's daughter.'
'What,old Frankland who has the large telescope?'
'Yes,'said Dr Mortimer.'Laura married a painter called Lyons who came to paint pictures of the moor.But he was cruel to her,and after a while he left her.Her father will not speak to her,because she married against his wishes.So her husband and her father have made her life very unhappy.'
'How does she live?'I asked.
'Several people who knew her sad story have helped her.Stapleton and Sir Charles gave her some money.I gave a little myself.She used the money to start a typewriting business.'
Dr Mortimer wanted to know why I was asking about Mrs Lyons.However,I preferred to keep the reason secret,and we talked about other things for the rest of the journey.
Only one other thing of interest happened that day.In the evening after dinner I had a few words with Barrymore alone.I asked him whether Selden had left the country.
'I don't know,sir,'Barrymore replied.'I hope he has gone.But I've not heard anything of him since I last left food and some clothes for him,and that was three days ago.'
'Did you see him then?'
'No,sir,but the food and clothes were gone when I next went that way,'Barrymore told me.
'Then Selden was certainly there?'I asked.
'I think so,sir,unless the other man took everything.'
I sat very still and looked hard at Barrymore.'You know there is another man,then?Have you seen him?'
'No,sir,but Selden told me about him a week or more ago.He is hiding from someone,too,but he is not an escaped prisoner.I don't like it,sir.Something evil is going to happen,I'm sure.Sir Henry would be much safer in London.'
'Did Selden tell you anything more about the other man?'I asked.
'He looked like a gentleman.He was living in one of the old stone huts on the moor.A boy works for him and brings him all the food and things he needs.That's all Selden told me.'
I thanked him,and he left me.I went to the window and looked out at the rain and the clouds.It was a wild night.I knew the huts Barrymore had spoken about.There were many of them on the moor.They had been built many hundreds of years ago by the people who lived on the moor.They would not keep a man warm and dry in bad weather.Selden could not choose to live anywhere else,but why did the other man live in such conditions?
I sat and thought what I should do next.I decided I must try to find the man who had been watching us.Was he the en emy who had been following us since the very beginning in London? If he was,and I could catch him,perhaps our diffi culties would be at an end.
I also decided to hunt the man on my own.Sir Henry was still shaken by the terrible cry we had heard on the moor.I did not want to add to his troubles or to lead him into more danger.
The Escaped Prisoner
Mr Stapleton came to the Hall and met Sir Henry that same afternoon.The next morning he took us to the place where the evil Sir Hugo died.Then we had lunch at the House.Sir Henry clearly thought Miss Stapleton was very beautiful.His eyes followed her everywhere.He liked her very much,and I was sure that she felt the same about him.He spoke about her again and again as we walked home.After the first meeting,we met the Stapletons almost every day.
After a short time it was clear that Sir Henry had fallen deeply in love with the beautiful Miss Stapleton.At first I thought that Stapleton would be very pleased if his sister mar ried Sir Henry.However,I soon realized that he did not want their friendship to grow into love.He did everything he could to make sure that they were never alone.On one or two occa sions they did manage to meet alone,but Stapleton followed them and was not pleased to see them together.
I soon met another neighbour of Sir Henry's.His name was Mr Frankland,and he lived about four miles to the south of the Hall.He was an old man with a red face and white hair.He had two hobbies.The first was arguing.He argued with everybody.The second hobby was studying the stars.For this he had a very big telescope.For several days he had been watching the moor through the telescope.He wanted to find Selden,the escaped murderer.Nobody had seen the prisoner for a fortnight,and we all thought that he had probably left the moor.
A few nights later I was woken by a noise at about two in the morning.I heard someone walking softly outside my door.I got up,opened the door and looked out.I saw Barrymore moving carefully and quietly away from me.I followed him,as quietly as I could.He went into one of the empty bedrooms and left the door open.I went quietly up to the door and looked in side.
Barrymore was standing at the window.He was holding a light in his hand and looking out onto the moor.He stood without moving for a few minutes and then he put out the light.
I went quickly back to my room.A few minutes later I heard Barrymore go softly by.
The next morning I told Sir Henry what I had seen.
'We must follow him and find out what he is doing,'said Sir Henry.'He won't hear us if we move carefully.'
That night we sat in Sir Henry's room and waited.At about three o'clock in the morning we heard the sound of footsteps outside the bedroom.We looked out and saw Barrymore.We followed him as quietly as we could.He went into the same room as before.We reached the door and looked in.There was Barrymore,with the light in his hand,looking out across the moor,exactly as I had seen him on the night before.
Sir Henry walked into the room and said:'What are you do ing here,Barrymore?'
Barrymore turned round quickly,surprise and horror on his face.
'Nothing,Sir,'he said.The shadows on the wall from his light were jumping up and down as his hand shook.'It was the window,sir.I go round at night to see that they are closed,and this one wasn't shut.'
'Come now,Barrymore,'said Sir Henry.'No lies.What were you doing with that light?You were holding it up to the window.'
I suddenly had an idea.'I think he was sending a message,' I said.'Let's see if there's an answer from someone on the moor.'
I held the light up to the window,and looked out into the darkness.Suddenly a light answered from the moor.
'There it is,'I cried.I waved my light backwards and for wards across the window.The light on the moor answered by moving in the same way.
'Now,Barrymore,who is your friend on the moor?What's going on?'
'That's my business,'said Barrymore,'I won't tell you.'
'Are you making some criminal plan against me?'Sir Henry said.
'No,it's nothing against you,sir,'said a voice behind us.It was Mrs Barrymore.She had followed us and was standing at the door.'He's doing it for me.My unhappy brother is cold and hungry on the moor.We cannot let him die.Our light is to tell him that food is ready for him.His light shows us where to take it.'
'Then your brother is…'began Sir Henry.
'The escaped prisoner,sir.Selden,the murderer.He is my younger brother.He has done evil things,but to me he is still the little boy I loved and cared for.I had to help him.Every thing my husband has done has been for me.Please don't take his job from him.It's not his fault.'
Sir Henry turned to Barrymore and said:
'I cannot blame you for helping your wife.Go to bed,and we'll talk about this in the morning.'
The Barrymores left us.
'The murderer is waiting out there by that light,' said Sir Henry.'He's a danger to everyone.I'm going to catch him.If you want to come with me,Watson,fetch your revolver and let's go.'
We left the Hall immediately.
'We must surprise him and catch him.'said Sir Henry.'He's a dangerous man.Now,Watson,what would Holmes say about this?Do you remember what the old papers said? They said the Devil does his work when the world is dark.'
Just as he spoke there came a strange cry from across the moor.It was the same cry I had heard when I was with Staple ton on the edge of the Great Grimpen Marsh.
'What is that noise?'asked Sir Henry.He stopped and put his hand on my arm to hold me back.
'I've heard it before,'I said.'Stapleton says it's the cry of a bird.'
'Watson,'said Sir Henry,his voice shaking,'it is the cry of a hound.What do the local people say it is?'
'They say it is the cry of the Hound of the Baskervilles,'I replied.
'Can there possibly be some truth in the story?'said Sir Henry.'Am I really in danger from such an evil thing?I think I am as brave as most men,but that sound froze my blood.But we have come out to catch that prisoner,and the Devil himself will not make me turn back.'
It was difficult to cross the moor in the dark,but at last we reached the light.It was standing on a rock.Suddenly an evil face,more like an animal than a man,looked at us from behind the rock.The escaped prisoner saw us and screamed as he turned to run.
Sir Henry and I were both good runners and very healthy men,but we soon realized that we had no chance of catching Selden.He knew the way,and was running for his life.Soon we had lost him in the dark,so we stopped and sat down,breathing heavily,to rest.
At that moment a very strange thing happened.The moon was low upon our right,and in its light we could see the top of a hill.On that hill,with the moon behind him,stood a tall,thin man.He was standing perfectly still.He was watching us.
It was not Selden,who had been running away from that hill.This man was much taller.With a cry of surprise I turned to Sir Henry.As I turned,the man disappeared.
I wanted to go across to the hill and search for him,but we were tired and I remembered that Sir Henry might be in dan ger.So we went back to Baskerville Hall.
Who was the tall man I had seen standing against the moon? Was he an enemy,or a friend who was watching over us?
I wished more and more that Holmes could leave London and come to Baskerville Hall.I wrote to him every few days and gave him the details of everything that happened and everyone I met
After a short time it was clear that Sir Henry had fallen deeply in love with the beautiful Miss Stapleton.At first I thought that Stapleton would be very pleased if his sister mar ried Sir Henry.However,I soon realized that he did not want their friendship to grow into love.He did everything he could to make sure that they were never alone.On one or two occa sions they did manage to meet alone,but Stapleton followed them and was not pleased to see them together.
I soon met another neighbour of Sir Henry's.His name was Mr Frankland,and he lived about four miles to the south of the Hall.He was an old man with a red face and white hair.He had two hobbies.The first was arguing.He argued with everybody.The second hobby was studying the stars.For this he had a very big telescope.For several days he had been watching the moor through the telescope.He wanted to find Selden,the escaped murderer.Nobody had seen the prisoner for a fortnight,and we all thought that he had probably left the moor.
A few nights later I was woken by a noise at about two in the morning.I heard someone walking softly outside my door.I got up,opened the door and looked out.I saw Barrymore moving carefully and quietly away from me.I followed him,as quietly as I could.He went into one of the empty bedrooms and left the door open.I went quietly up to the door and looked in side.
Barrymore was standing at the window.He was holding a light in his hand and looking out onto the moor.He stood without moving for a few minutes and then he put out the light.
I went quickly back to my room.A few minutes later I heard Barrymore go softly by.
The next morning I told Sir Henry what I had seen.
'We must follow him and find out what he is doing,'said Sir Henry.'He won't hear us if we move carefully.'
That night we sat in Sir Henry's room and waited.At about three o'clock in the morning we heard the sound of footsteps outside the bedroom.We looked out and saw Barrymore.We followed him as quietly as we could.He went into the same room as before.We reached the door and looked in.There was Barrymore,with the light in his hand,looking out across the moor,exactly as I had seen him on the night before.
Sir Henry walked into the room and said:'What are you do ing here,Barrymore?'
Barrymore turned round quickly,surprise and horror on his face.
'Nothing,Sir,'he said.The shadows on the wall from his light were jumping up and down as his hand shook.'It was the window,sir.I go round at night to see that they are closed,and this one wasn't shut.'
'Come now,Barrymore,'said Sir Henry.'No lies.What were you doing with that light?You were holding it up to the window.'
I suddenly had an idea.'I think he was sending a message,' I said.'Let's see if there's an answer from someone on the moor.'
I held the light up to the window,and looked out into the darkness.Suddenly a light answered from the moor.
'There it is,'I cried.I waved my light backwards and for wards across the window.The light on the moor answered by moving in the same way.
'Now,Barrymore,who is your friend on the moor?What's going on?'
'That's my business,'said Barrymore,'I won't tell you.'
'Are you making some criminal plan against me?'Sir Henry said.
'No,it's nothing against you,sir,'said a voice behind us.It was Mrs Barrymore.She had followed us and was standing at the door.'He's doing it for me.My unhappy brother is cold and hungry on the moor.We cannot let him die.Our light is to tell him that food is ready for him.His light shows us where to take it.'
'Then your brother is…'began Sir Henry.
'The escaped prisoner,sir.Selden,the murderer.He is my younger brother.He has done evil things,but to me he is still the little boy I loved and cared for.I had to help him.Every thing my husband has done has been for me.Please don't take his job from him.It's not his fault.'
Sir Henry turned to Barrymore and said:
'I cannot blame you for helping your wife.Go to bed,and we'll talk about this in the morning.'
The Barrymores left us.
'The murderer is waiting out there by that light,' said Sir Henry.'He's a danger to everyone.I'm going to catch him.If you want to come with me,Watson,fetch your revolver and let's go.'
We left the Hall immediately.
'We must surprise him and catch him.'said Sir Henry.'He's a dangerous man.Now,Watson,what would Holmes say about this?Do you remember what the old papers said? They said the Devil does his work when the world is dark.'
Just as he spoke there came a strange cry from across the moor.It was the same cry I had heard when I was with Staple ton on the edge of the Great Grimpen Marsh.
'What is that noise?'asked Sir Henry.He stopped and put his hand on my arm to hold me back.
'I've heard it before,'I said.'Stapleton says it's the cry of a bird.'
'Watson,'said Sir Henry,his voice shaking,'it is the cry of a hound.What do the local people say it is?'
'They say it is the cry of the Hound of the Baskervilles,'I replied.
'Can there possibly be some truth in the story?'said Sir Henry.'Am I really in danger from such an evil thing?I think I am as brave as most men,but that sound froze my blood.But we have come out to catch that prisoner,and the Devil himself will not make me turn back.'
It was difficult to cross the moor in the dark,but at last we reached the light.It was standing on a rock.Suddenly an evil face,more like an animal than a man,looked at us from behind the rock.The escaped prisoner saw us and screamed as he turned to run.
Sir Henry and I were both good runners and very healthy men,but we soon realized that we had no chance of catching Selden.He knew the way,and was running for his life.Soon we had lost him in the dark,so we stopped and sat down,breathing heavily,to rest.
At that moment a very strange thing happened.The moon was low upon our right,and in its light we could see the top of a hill.On that hill,with the moon behind him,stood a tall,thin man.He was standing perfectly still.He was watching us.
It was not Selden,who had been running away from that hill.This man was much taller.With a cry of surprise I turned to Sir Henry.As I turned,the man disappeared.
I wanted to go across to the hill and search for him,but we were tired and I remembered that Sir Henry might be in dan ger.So we went back to Baskerville Hall.
Who was the tall man I had seen standing against the moon? Was he an enemy,or a friend who was watching over us?
I wished more and more that Holmes could leave London and come to Baskerville Hall.I wrote to him every few days and gave him the details of everything that happened and everyone I met
The Stapletons of Pen House
The next morning was sunny,and we were much more cheerful.
I told Sir Henry about the crying I had heard.He rang the bell to call Barrymore,and asked him if he could explain the crying.Barrymore's face went white when he heard Sir Henry's question.
'There are only two women in the house,Sir Henry,'he an swered.'One is the maid,who sleeps on the other side of the house.The other is my wife,and she was certainly not crying.'
But he was telling a lie.I saw Mrs Barrymore after breakfast.The sun was full on her face,and it was clear she had been crying.
Why had Barrymore lied?What deep sadness had made his wife cry?There was a mystery surrounding this black bearded,handsome man.Was it possible that Barrymore was in fact the man who had been watching Sir Henry in London?I decided I must check with the local post office that the tele gram had really been put into Barrymore's own hands.
While Sir Henry worked at some papers,I walked to the post office.It was in the nearest village,which was called Grimpen.I spoke to the boy who had taken the telegram to the Hall.
'Did you give it to Mr Barrymore himself?'I asked.
'Well,'the boy said,'he was working upon the roof,so I couldn't give it to him.I gave it to Mrs Barrymore,and she promised to give it to him at once.'
'Did you see Mr Barrymore?'I asked him.
'No,'said the boy,'but why did his wife say he was upon the roof if he wasn't?'
It was hopeless to ask any more questions.It was clear that Holmes' cleverness with the telegram had not given us the proof we needed.
I was walking away from the post office when I heard some one running after me.A voice called me by name,and I turned.I expected to see Dr Mortimer,as I knew nobody else in the village.To my surprise it was a stranger.He was a small,thin man,between thirty and forty years old,with fair hair and no beard.He was carrying a butterfly net,and a box for putting butterflies in.
'I hope you will excuse me for introducing myself,Dr Wat son,'he said as he came up to me.'My name is Stapleton.I was in Dr Mortimer's house and we saw you.He told me who you are.May I walk along with you? This path back to the Hall goes near my home,Pen House.Please come in and meet my sister,and spend an hour with us.'
I accepted Stapleton's invitation,and we walked together.
'I know that you are a close friend of Sherlock Holmes,'said Stapleton.'Has Mr Holmes any ideas about Sir Charles death?'
'I'm afraid I can't answer that question,'I said.
'Will Mr Holmes visit us himself?'he asked.
'He can't leave London at the moment,'I answered.I was rather surprised that he was asking me these questions
We walked on.Stapleton told me that he and his sister had lived in Devonshire for only two years.They had moved there soon after Sir Charles had begun to live in Baskerville Hall.He also talked about the moor and how it interested him.He told me to look across the moor to a place which was a bright green colour.
'That is the Great Grimpen Marsh,'he said 'If animals or men go into the marsh,they will sink into it and die.But I can find my way to the very centre of it.Look,there is another of those poor horses.'
Something brown was fighting to get out of the bright green of the marsh.Then a terrible cry came across the moor.The horse's head and neck disappeared under the green.
'It's gone,'Stapleton said.'The marsh has caught and killed it.That often happens.It is an evil place,the Great Grimpen Marsh.'
'But you say you can go safely in and out of it?'I asked him.
'Yes,there are a few paths,and I have found them.The low hills you can see are like islands surrounded by the marsh.That is where I can find the unusual plants and butterflies.And that's why I found my way through the marsh.'
'I shall try my luck one day,'I said.
He looked at me in surprise.'Please don't try,'he said.'You would never return alive,and it would be my fault.'
'Listen,'I said.'What is that?'
A long,low cry,very deep and very sad,came over the moor.It filled the whole air.Then it died away.
'What is it?'I asked,with a cold fear in my heart.
Stapleton had a strange look on his face.'The people say it's the Hound of the Baskervilles,which is calling for some thing to hunt and kill.I've heard it once or twice before,but never so loud.'
'You are a man of science,'I said.'You don't believe that,do you?Isn't there a natural explanation for the sound?'
'A marsh makes strange noises sometimes.It is the water and the wet ground moving.'
'But that was the voice of a living creature,'I said.
'Well,perhaps it was.There are some very unusual birds on the moors.It was most probably the cry of one of those.'
At that moment a small butterfly flew across the path in front of us.'Excuse me,Dr Watson,'shouted Stapleton,and ran off to try to catch the butterfly.He ran quickly and fol lowed the butterfly on to the marsh,but he knew exactly where he could go,and was not in any danger.
As I watched him,I heard the sound of steps behind me.I turned and saw a woman near me on the path.I was sure she was Miss Stapleton.She was very beautiful.She was dark and tall,with a lovely face.Before I could say anything,she said:
'Go back!Go straight back to London,immediately.I can not tell you why,but please do what I ask you,and never come near the moor again.But my brother is coming.Not a word to him.'
Stapleton had caught the butterfly,and was walking bath to us.
'Hello,my dear,'he said to his sister,but it seemed to me that his voice was not completely friendly.'I see that you two have already introduced yourselves.'
'Yes,'she said.'I was telling Sir Henry that it was rather late in the year for him to see the true beauty of the moor.'
'I am sorry,'I said.'You have made a mistake.I'm not Sir Henry.I am a friend who is visiting him,and my name is Dr Watson.'
Miss Stapleton was clearly angry with herself.'I'm sorry,' she said.'Please forget what I said.But do come with us to our house.'
The house was lonely and rather grim.I wondered why the two of them had come to live so far away from anyone else.Stapleton seemed to know what I was thinking,and said:'You may think this a lonely,strange place to live,but the moors are very interesting,and we enjoy it here.I owned a school in the north of England,but I had to close it.I miss the boys and girls but thefe is plenty to do here,and we have good neighbours.I hope Sir Henry will become one of tnem.May I visit the Hall this afternoon to meet him,do you think?'
'I'm sure he will be very pleased to meet you,'I said.'I must go back to the Hall now,and I shall tell him immediately.'
I said goodbye to the Stapletons,and continued on the path back to the Hall.I had been walking for only a few minutes when I was surprised to see Miss Stapleton sitting on a rock ahead of me.She was breathing quickly,and I realized she had run by a quicker way to get ahead of me.
'Dr Watson,'she said.'I want to say sorry for the mistake I made.I thought you were Sir Henry.Please forget what I said.I did not mean you were in danger.Now I must go,or my brother will miss me.'
'I cannot forget your words,Miss Stapleton,'I said.'If Sir Henry is in danger,I must tell him.'
'You know the story of the Hound?'she asked me.
'Yes,but I do not believe it,'I replied.
'But I think it's true,'she said.'Please persuade Sir Henry to leave this place.So many of his family have died here mys teriously.He must not put his life in danger by staying here.'
'Sir Henry won't leave this place without a real reason,'I said.
'I can't give you a real reason.I don't know anything for certain.'
'One more question,Miss Stapleton,'I said.'The story of the Hound is well known.Why didn't you want your brother to hear what you said?'
'My brother wants the head of the Baskerville family to live in the Hall,'she said.'He wants Sir Henry to continue the good work that Sir Charles began.He doesn't want Sir Henry to go and live in another place.So he doesn't want me to talk about the Hound.I must go now,or my brother will guess I have been speaking to you.Goodbye!'
She turned and went back towards her house,and I walked on to Baskerville Hall.
I told Sir Henry about the crying I had heard.He rang the bell to call Barrymore,and asked him if he could explain the crying.Barrymore's face went white when he heard Sir Henry's question.
'There are only two women in the house,Sir Henry,'he an swered.'One is the maid,who sleeps on the other side of the house.The other is my wife,and she was certainly not crying.'
But he was telling a lie.I saw Mrs Barrymore after breakfast.The sun was full on her face,and it was clear she had been crying.
Why had Barrymore lied?What deep sadness had made his wife cry?There was a mystery surrounding this black bearded,handsome man.Was it possible that Barrymore was in fact the man who had been watching Sir Henry in London?I decided I must check with the local post office that the tele gram had really been put into Barrymore's own hands.
While Sir Henry worked at some papers,I walked to the post office.It was in the nearest village,which was called Grimpen.I spoke to the boy who had taken the telegram to the Hall.
'Did you give it to Mr Barrymore himself?'I asked.
'Well,'the boy said,'he was working upon the roof,so I couldn't give it to him.I gave it to Mrs Barrymore,and she promised to give it to him at once.'
'Did you see Mr Barrymore?'I asked him.
'No,'said the boy,'but why did his wife say he was upon the roof if he wasn't?'
It was hopeless to ask any more questions.It was clear that Holmes' cleverness with the telegram had not given us the proof we needed.
I was walking away from the post office when I heard some one running after me.A voice called me by name,and I turned.I expected to see Dr Mortimer,as I knew nobody else in the village.To my surprise it was a stranger.He was a small,thin man,between thirty and forty years old,with fair hair and no beard.He was carrying a butterfly net,and a box for putting butterflies in.
'I hope you will excuse me for introducing myself,Dr Wat son,'he said as he came up to me.'My name is Stapleton.I was in Dr Mortimer's house and we saw you.He told me who you are.May I walk along with you? This path back to the Hall goes near my home,Pen House.Please come in and meet my sister,and spend an hour with us.'
I accepted Stapleton's invitation,and we walked together.
'I know that you are a close friend of Sherlock Holmes,'said Stapleton.'Has Mr Holmes any ideas about Sir Charles death?'
'I'm afraid I can't answer that question,'I said.
'Will Mr Holmes visit us himself?'he asked.
'He can't leave London at the moment,'I answered.I was rather surprised that he was asking me these questions
We walked on.Stapleton told me that he and his sister had lived in Devonshire for only two years.They had moved there soon after Sir Charles had begun to live in Baskerville Hall.He also talked about the moor and how it interested him.He told me to look across the moor to a place which was a bright green colour.
'That is the Great Grimpen Marsh,'he said 'If animals or men go into the marsh,they will sink into it and die.But I can find my way to the very centre of it.Look,there is another of those poor horses.'
Something brown was fighting to get out of the bright green of the marsh.Then a terrible cry came across the moor.The horse's head and neck disappeared under the green.
'It's gone,'Stapleton said.'The marsh has caught and killed it.That often happens.It is an evil place,the Great Grimpen Marsh.'
'But you say you can go safely in and out of it?'I asked him.
'Yes,there are a few paths,and I have found them.The low hills you can see are like islands surrounded by the marsh.That is where I can find the unusual plants and butterflies.And that's why I found my way through the marsh.'
'I shall try my luck one day,'I said.
He looked at me in surprise.'Please don't try,'he said.'You would never return alive,and it would be my fault.'
'Listen,'I said.'What is that?'
A long,low cry,very deep and very sad,came over the moor.It filled the whole air.Then it died away.
'What is it?'I asked,with a cold fear in my heart.
Stapleton had a strange look on his face.'The people say it's the Hound of the Baskervilles,which is calling for some thing to hunt and kill.I've heard it once or twice before,but never so loud.'
'You are a man of science,'I said.'You don't believe that,do you?Isn't there a natural explanation for the sound?'
'A marsh makes strange noises sometimes.It is the water and the wet ground moving.'
'But that was the voice of a living creature,'I said.
'Well,perhaps it was.There are some very unusual birds on the moors.It was most probably the cry of one of those.'
At that moment a small butterfly flew across the path in front of us.'Excuse me,Dr Watson,'shouted Stapleton,and ran off to try to catch the butterfly.He ran quickly and fol lowed the butterfly on to the marsh,but he knew exactly where he could go,and was not in any danger.
As I watched him,I heard the sound of steps behind me.I turned and saw a woman near me on the path.I was sure she was Miss Stapleton.She was very beautiful.She was dark and tall,with a lovely face.Before I could say anything,she said:
'Go back!Go straight back to London,immediately.I can not tell you why,but please do what I ask you,and never come near the moor again.But my brother is coming.Not a word to him.'
Stapleton had caught the butterfly,and was walking bath to us.
'Hello,my dear,'he said to his sister,but it seemed to me that his voice was not completely friendly.'I see that you two have already introduced yourselves.'
'Yes,'she said.'I was telling Sir Henry that it was rather late in the year for him to see the true beauty of the moor.'
'I am sorry,'I said.'You have made a mistake.I'm not Sir Henry.I am a friend who is visiting him,and my name is Dr Watson.'
Miss Stapleton was clearly angry with herself.'I'm sorry,' she said.'Please forget what I said.But do come with us to our house.'
The house was lonely and rather grim.I wondered why the two of them had come to live so far away from anyone else.Stapleton seemed to know what I was thinking,and said:'You may think this a lonely,strange place to live,but the moors are very interesting,and we enjoy it here.I owned a school in the north of England,but I had to close it.I miss the boys and girls but thefe is plenty to do here,and we have good neighbours.I hope Sir Henry will become one of tnem.May I visit the Hall this afternoon to meet him,do you think?'
'I'm sure he will be very pleased to meet you,'I said.'I must go back to the Hall now,and I shall tell him immediately.'
I said goodbye to the Stapletons,and continued on the path back to the Hall.I had been walking for only a few minutes when I was surprised to see Miss Stapleton sitting on a rock ahead of me.She was breathing quickly,and I realized she had run by a quicker way to get ahead of me.
'Dr Watson,'she said.'I want to say sorry for the mistake I made.I thought you were Sir Henry.Please forget what I said.I did not mean you were in danger.Now I must go,or my brother will miss me.'
'I cannot forget your words,Miss Stapleton,'I said.'If Sir Henry is in danger,I must tell him.'
'You know the story of the Hound?'she asked me.
'Yes,but I do not believe it,'I replied.
'But I think it's true,'she said.'Please persuade Sir Henry to leave this place.So many of his family have died here mys teriously.He must not put his life in danger by staying here.'
'Sir Henry won't leave this place without a real reason,'I said.
'I can't give you a real reason.I don't know anything for certain.'
'One more question,Miss Stapleton,'I said.'The story of the Hound is well known.Why didn't you want your brother to hear what you said?'
'My brother wants the head of the Baskerville family to live in the Hall,'she said.'He wants Sir Henry to continue the good work that Sir Charles began.He doesn't want Sir Henry to go and live in another place.So he doesn't want me to talk about the Hound.I must go now,or my brother will guess I have been speaking to you.Goodbye!'
She turned and went back towards her house,and I walked on to Baskerville Hall.
Baskerville Hall
Holmes came to Waterloo Station to say goodbye to us.Our friends told him that they were sure nobody had followed them since our last meeting.Sir Henry's other shoe had not reappeared.Holmes repeated his warning that Sir Hen ry should not go on the moor at night,and should not go any where alone.Then Holmes checked with me that I had my gun,an army revolver.
The journey was fast and enjoyable.We were met at New town Station and driven to Baskerville Hall.The countryside we drove through was beautiful,but behind it we could see the long,dark,frightening hills of the moor.
As we turned a corner,we were surprised to see a soldier on horseback.He was carrying a gun.
Dr Mortimer asked our driver why the soldier was there.
'A dangerous criminal has escaped from the prison,sir,'he told us.'He's been free for three days now,and people are frightened.His name is Selden.He's the man who did that murder in London.'
I remembered the case well.It had been a very cruel murder.I thought of this killer out on the empty,wild moor,and I felt more and more uncomfortable about my surroundings.The beautiful green fields with their thick hedges were behind us,and we were now on the cold,open moor.Everything was grey,hard and wild Huge rough stones stood on the hard ground.The tops of the hills stood sharply like cruel teeth against the sky.A cold wind was blowing,and night was falling.I saw Sir Henry pull his coat closer round him.
At last we reached the gates of Baskerville Hall.From the gates a long,dark road led up to the house,with the black shapes of old trees on each side of it.At the end of this road we could see the great house standing with a pale light round it like a ghost.
'I can understand why my uncle felt that trouble was com ing to him here.It's not a welcoming place,'said Sir Henry,and his voice shook as he spoke.
As we got closer,we could see that the Hall was a heavy,dark building with a large main entrance.Most of the building was old and was covered in dark green ivy,but some of it had been built more recently and was of grim,black stone.A dull light shone through the heavy windows.Black smoke was com ing from one of the high chimneys of the main building.
'Welcome,Sir Henry!Welcome to Baskerville Hall.'
Barrymore,the butler,and his wife were waiting on the steps at the main entrance They came down and took our suit cases into the house Dr Mortimer left us to go home,and we went into the hall,where a fire was burning.It was a fine room,large and high.
'It's exactly as I imagined an old family home,'Sir Henry said.
Barrymore showed us to our rooms He was a tall,handsome man,with a full black beard.After we had washed and changed our clothes,he brought us to dinner.The diningroom was not very welcoming.It needed more lights to make it brighter.On the walls were the pictures of the Baskervilles of the past.They looked down on us silently,and did nothing to make us feel happier.
After dinner we went to our rooms.Before I got into bed,I looked out of my window A strong wind sang sadly as it bent the trees in front of the Hall.A half moon shone through the dark,flying clouds onto the wild and empty moor.
I could not sleep.Then,suddenly,in the middle of the night I heard very clearly the sound of a woman crying.It was the crying of a person who was hurt by some deep sadness.The sound was not far away,and was certainly in the house.
The journey was fast and enjoyable.We were met at New town Station and driven to Baskerville Hall.The countryside we drove through was beautiful,but behind it we could see the long,dark,frightening hills of the moor.
As we turned a corner,we were surprised to see a soldier on horseback.He was carrying a gun.
Dr Mortimer asked our driver why the soldier was there.
'A dangerous criminal has escaped from the prison,sir,'he told us.'He's been free for three days now,and people are frightened.His name is Selden.He's the man who did that murder in London.'
I remembered the case well.It had been a very cruel murder.I thought of this killer out on the empty,wild moor,and I felt more and more uncomfortable about my surroundings.The beautiful green fields with their thick hedges were behind us,and we were now on the cold,open moor.Everything was grey,hard and wild Huge rough stones stood on the hard ground.The tops of the hills stood sharply like cruel teeth against the sky.A cold wind was blowing,and night was falling.I saw Sir Henry pull his coat closer round him.
At last we reached the gates of Baskerville Hall.From the gates a long,dark road led up to the house,with the black shapes of old trees on each side of it.At the end of this road we could see the great house standing with a pale light round it like a ghost.
'I can understand why my uncle felt that trouble was com ing to him here.It's not a welcoming place,'said Sir Henry,and his voice shook as he spoke.
As we got closer,we could see that the Hall was a heavy,dark building with a large main entrance.Most of the building was old and was covered in dark green ivy,but some of it had been built more recently and was of grim,black stone.A dull light shone through the heavy windows.Black smoke was com ing from one of the high chimneys of the main building.
'Welcome,Sir Henry!Welcome to Baskerville Hall.'
Barrymore,the butler,and his wife were waiting on the steps at the main entrance They came down and took our suit cases into the house Dr Mortimer left us to go home,and we went into the hall,where a fire was burning.It was a fine room,large and high.
'It's exactly as I imagined an old family home,'Sir Henry said.
Barrymore showed us to our rooms He was a tall,handsome man,with a full black beard.After we had washed and changed our clothes,he brought us to dinner.The diningroom was not very welcoming.It needed more lights to make it brighter.On the walls were the pictures of the Baskervilles of the past.They looked down on us silently,and did nothing to make us feel happier.
After dinner we went to our rooms.Before I got into bed,I looked out of my window A strong wind sang sadly as it bent the trees in front of the Hall.A half moon shone through the dark,flying clouds onto the wild and empty moor.
I could not sleep.Then,suddenly,in the middle of the night I heard very clearly the sound of a woman crying.It was the crying of a person who was hurt by some deep sadness.The sound was not far away,and was certainly in the house.
More Mystery
Later,we went on to Sir Henry's hotel.He was pleased to see us,but rather angry because another of his shoes had disappeared.This time it was one shose of an old pair.I could see that holmes found this both interesting and strange.He thought about it for a few moments,but said nothing ex cept that he did not understand why a second shoe had been stolen.
At lunch,Sir henry told Holmes that he had decided to go to Baskerville Hall.
'I think you have decided to do the right thing,'said Holmes.'I know somebody is following you.If someone tries to harm you in London,it will be hard to stop him or catch him afterwards.In the country we have a better chance.'
Holmes went on to tell them about what we had seen that morning.Then he asked Dr Mortimer if anyone with a large black beard lived in or near Baskerville Hall.
'Yes,said Dr Mortimer,'Barrymore,Sir Charles'butler,has a black heard.'
'We must check whether Barrymore is in London or at Baskerville Hall,'said Holmes.'I shall send a telegram to Bar rymore at the Hall,which will say:“Is everything ready for Sir Henry?”Then I'll send another telegram to the local post of fice.This one will say:“please put telegram to Mr Barrymore into his own hand.If he is away,please return telegram to Sir Henry Baskerville.”I'll give your address at this hotel.We shall know before evening whether Barrymore is in Devonshire or not.'
'Barrymore and his wife have a very fine home and nothing to do while the family is not living in the Hall,'said Sir Henry.
'That's true,'said Holmes.'Did the Barrymores receive anything from Sir Chades'will?And did they know that they would get some money when he died?'
'Yes,'said Dr Mortimer.'They each received￡500,and Sir Charles told everyone what he had written in his will.'
'That's very interesting,'said Holmes.
'I hope you don't suspect everyone who got something from the will,'said Dr Mortimer.'I received￡1000.'
'Indeed!'said Holmes.'And who else received money?'
'A lot of people received a little money.He gave a lot of money to a number of hospitals.The rest all went to Sir Henry,who received￡740000.'
'I had no idea it was so much,'said Holmes in surprise.
'The Baskerville lands are worth about one million pounds,' Dr Mortimer said.
'Dear me,'said Holmes.'A man could kill for that much.One more question.If something happened to our young friend here,who would get Baskerville Hall and all its lands?'
'Well,as you know,Sir Charles had two brothers.Sir Henry is the only son of Sir Charles'younger brother.The youngest brother of the three,Roger,was a criminal.The police wanted him,so he had to leave England.They say he looked exactly like the family picture of old Sir Hugo,who first saw the Hound.He was the same kind of man,too.He went to South America,where he died of a fever.So if Sir Henry died,Baskerville Hall would go to James Desmond,who is a cousin of the Baskervilles.James Desmond is an old man,who lives in the north of England.His life is very simple and he would not want to be rich.'
'Thank you,Dr Mortimer,'said Holmes.'Now,Sir Henry,I agree that you should go to Baskerville Hall as quickly as pos sible.But you must not go alone.I myself cannot leave London at the present time.I am working on another case.I am trying to save one of the most important men in England from a diffi cult situation.I hope my friend Watson will go with you.If there is danger,you could not have a better man by your side.'
Sir Henry and I were both very happy with this idea.So we arranged to travel to Devonshire on the following Saturday.
Just as we were leaving Sir Henry's room,he gave a cry and got down on his knees by the table.
'Here's my brown shoe that was lost,'he said,reaching un der the table.
'That's very strange,'said Dr Mortimer.'We both
searched the room before lunch,and it wasn't under the table then.'
None of the people who worked at the hotel could explain how the shoe had got back into the room.
So we had another mystery.On the way back to Baker Street in the taxi,Holmes sat thinking deeply.All through the afternoon and the evening he went on thinking silently,and smoking pipe after pipe.
Just before dinner,a telegram arrived.It was from Sir Henry and said:'Have just heard that Barrymore is at the Hall.'
'So we don't have the answer to the mystery of the man with the beard,'said Holmes.'But perhaps we shall soon have an answer to another question.'
At that moment the door bell rang.It was the driver of the bearded man's taxi.
'I got a message that you wanted to see me,'said the driver.'I hope there's nothing wrong.'
'No,no,my good man,'said Holmes.'In fact I'll give you some money if you can answer my questions clearly.Tell me all about the man in your taxi this morning.He was watching this house at ten o'clock and then told you to follow the two gentlemen who came out of it.'
The taxi driver was surprised at how much Holmes seemed to know.He answered:'The man told me that he was a detec tive,and that I should say nothing about him to anyone.'
'This is a serious business,'said Holmes,'and you will be in trouble if you try to hide anything.What can you tell me?'
'The man told me his name,'said the driver.
Holmes looked like a man who has just won an important game.'That was not very clever of him,'he said.'What was his name?'
'His name,'said the taxi driver,'was Sherlock Holmes.'
I have never seen my friend look more surprised Then he laughed loudly.'Tell me where be got into your taxi and everything that happened.'
We already knew most of what the taxi driver told us.But we learned that after we had lost sight of the taxi,it had gone to Waterloo Station,where the man had caught his train.The taxi driver said that the man was welldressed and had a black beard and pale face.He was about forty and not very tall.The driver did not know the colour of the man's eyes.
Holmes gave the man a pound,and sent him away.Then he said:
'We have a very clever enemy,Watson.He is winning the game at the moment.We have no answers at all to the strange things that have happened in London.I hope you are more suc cessful at Baskerville Hall,but I am not happy about sending you there.There is too much danger in this case.'
At lunch,Sir henry told Holmes that he had decided to go to Baskerville Hall.
'I think you have decided to do the right thing,'said Holmes.'I know somebody is following you.If someone tries to harm you in London,it will be hard to stop him or catch him afterwards.In the country we have a better chance.'
Holmes went on to tell them about what we had seen that morning.Then he asked Dr Mortimer if anyone with a large black beard lived in or near Baskerville Hall.
'Yes,said Dr Mortimer,'Barrymore,Sir Charles'butler,has a black heard.'
'We must check whether Barrymore is in London or at Baskerville Hall,'said Holmes.'I shall send a telegram to Bar rymore at the Hall,which will say:“Is everything ready for Sir Henry?”Then I'll send another telegram to the local post of fice.This one will say:“please put telegram to Mr Barrymore into his own hand.If he is away,please return telegram to Sir Henry Baskerville.”I'll give your address at this hotel.We shall know before evening whether Barrymore is in Devonshire or not.'
'Barrymore and his wife have a very fine home and nothing to do while the family is not living in the Hall,'said Sir Henry.
'That's true,'said Holmes.'Did the Barrymores receive anything from Sir Chades'will?And did they know that they would get some money when he died?'
'Yes,'said Dr Mortimer.'They each received￡500,and Sir Charles told everyone what he had written in his will.'
'That's very interesting,'said Holmes.
'I hope you don't suspect everyone who got something from the will,'said Dr Mortimer.'I received￡1000.'
'Indeed!'said Holmes.'And who else received money?'
'A lot of people received a little money.He gave a lot of money to a number of hospitals.The rest all went to Sir Henry,who received￡740000.'
'I had no idea it was so much,'said Holmes in surprise.
'The Baskerville lands are worth about one million pounds,' Dr Mortimer said.
'Dear me,'said Holmes.'A man could kill for that much.One more question.If something happened to our young friend here,who would get Baskerville Hall and all its lands?'
'Well,as you know,Sir Charles had two brothers.Sir Henry is the only son of Sir Charles'younger brother.The youngest brother of the three,Roger,was a criminal.The police wanted him,so he had to leave England.They say he looked exactly like the family picture of old Sir Hugo,who first saw the Hound.He was the same kind of man,too.He went to South America,where he died of a fever.So if Sir Henry died,Baskerville Hall would go to James Desmond,who is a cousin of the Baskervilles.James Desmond is an old man,who lives in the north of England.His life is very simple and he would not want to be rich.'
'Thank you,Dr Mortimer,'said Holmes.'Now,Sir Henry,I agree that you should go to Baskerville Hall as quickly as pos sible.But you must not go alone.I myself cannot leave London at the present time.I am working on another case.I am trying to save one of the most important men in England from a diffi cult situation.I hope my friend Watson will go with you.If there is danger,you could not have a better man by your side.'
Sir Henry and I were both very happy with this idea.So we arranged to travel to Devonshire on the following Saturday.
Just as we were leaving Sir Henry's room,he gave a cry and got down on his knees by the table.
'Here's my brown shoe that was lost,'he said,reaching un der the table.
'That's very strange,'said Dr Mortimer.'We both
searched the room before lunch,and it wasn't under the table then.'
None of the people who worked at the hotel could explain how the shoe had got back into the room.
So we had another mystery.On the way back to Baker Street in the taxi,Holmes sat thinking deeply.All through the afternoon and the evening he went on thinking silently,and smoking pipe after pipe.
Just before dinner,a telegram arrived.It was from Sir Henry and said:'Have just heard that Barrymore is at the Hall.'
'So we don't have the answer to the mystery of the man with the beard,'said Holmes.'But perhaps we shall soon have an answer to another question.'
At that moment the door bell rang.It was the driver of the bearded man's taxi.
'I got a message that you wanted to see me,'said the driver.'I hope there's nothing wrong.'
'No,no,my good man,'said Holmes.'In fact I'll give you some money if you can answer my questions clearly.Tell me all about the man in your taxi this morning.He was watching this house at ten o'clock and then told you to follow the two gentlemen who came out of it.'
The taxi driver was surprised at how much Holmes seemed to know.He answered:'The man told me that he was a detec tive,and that I should say nothing about him to anyone.'
'This is a serious business,'said Holmes,'and you will be in trouble if you try to hide anything.What can you tell me?'
'The man told me his name,'said the driver.
Holmes looked like a man who has just won an important game.'That was not very clever of him,'he said.'What was his name?'
'His name,'said the taxi driver,'was Sherlock Holmes.'
I have never seen my friend look more surprised Then he laughed loudly.'Tell me where be got into your taxi and everything that happened.'
We already knew most of what the taxi driver told us.But we learned that after we had lost sight of the taxi,it had gone to Waterloo Station,where the man had caught his train.The taxi driver said that the man was welldressed and had a black beard and pale face.He was about forty and not very tall.The driver did not know the colour of the man's eyes.
Holmes gave the man a pound,and sent him away.Then he said:
'We have a very clever enemy,Watson.He is winning the game at the moment.We have no answers at all to the strange things that have happened in London.I hope you are more suc cessful at Baskerville Hall,but I am not happy about sending you there.There is too much danger in this case.'
Sir Henry Baskerville
Dr Mortimer and Sir Henry Baskerville arrived at exactly ten o'clock the following morning.Sir Henry was a small,healthy,wellbuilt man.His face showed that he had a strong character.He wore a country suit of thick,redbrown material,and his skin showed that he spent most of his time in the open air.
'I am glad this meeting was already arranged,'Sir Henry said,after we had shaken hands with our visitors.'I need your help,Mr Holmes.A strange thing happened to me this morning.Look at this letter.'
He put a piece of paper on the table.On it were the words: 'Do not go on to the moor.If you do,your life will be in danger.'The words had been cut out of a newspaper.
'Can you tell me,Mr Holmes,what this means,and who is so interested in me?'Sir Henry asked.
'This is very interesting,'said Holmes.'Look how badly it has been done.I think the writer was in a hurry.Why?Perhaps because he did not want somebody to see him.I think the address was written in a hotel.The pen and the ink have both given the writer trouble.The pen has run dry three times in writing a short address.There was probably very little ink in the bottle.A private pen and bottle of ink are never allowed to get into that condition.Hullo,what's this?'
He was holding the letter only a few centimetres from his eyes.
'Well?'I ashed.
'Nothing,'he said,and threw the letter down.'Now,Sir Henry,have you anything else to tell us?'
'No,'said Sir Henry.'Except that I have lost one of my shoes.I put a pair outside my door last night.I wanted the ho tel to clean them,but when I went to get them this morning,one had gone.I only bought them yesterday,and I have never worn them.But I wanted a good shine on them.'
'One shoe seems a useless thing to steal,'said Holmes.'I am sure the shoe will be found in the hotel and returned to you.But now we must tell you some things about the Baskerville family.'
Dr Mortimer took out the old Baskerville papers and read them to Sir Henry.Holmes then told him about the death of Sir Charles.
'So this letter is from someone who is trying to warn me,or frighten me away,'said Sir Henry.
'Yes,'said Holmes.'And we have to decide if it is sensible for you to go to Baskerville Hall.There seems to be danger there for you.'
'There is no man or devil who will stop me from going to the home of my family,'said Sir Henry angrily.'I want some time to think about what you have told me.Will you and Dr Watson join me for lunch at my hotel in two hours'time?By then,I'll be able to tell you what I think.'
Dr Mortimer and Sir Henry said goodbye,and decided to walk back to their hotel.
As soon as our visitors had gone,Holmes changed from the talker to the man of action.
'Quick,Watson.Your coat and hat.We must follow them.'We got ready quickly and went into the street.Our friends were not far ahead of us and we followed.We stayed about a hundred metres behind them.
Suddenly Holmes gave a cry.I saw a taxi driving along very slowly on the other side of the road from our friends.
'That's our man,Watson!Come along!We'll have a good look at him.'
I saw a man with a large black beard looking out of the taxi window.He had been following and watching our friends.But when he saw us running towards him,he shouted something to the driver,and the taxi drove off quickly down the road.Holmes looked round for another taxi,but could not see one.He began to run after the first taxi,but it was soon out of sight.
'Well,I got the number of the taxi,'said Holmes.'So I can find the driver.He may be able to tell us something about his passenger.Would you recognize the man if you saw him again?'
'Only his beard,'I said.
'He wanted us to recognize the beard,'said Holmes.'I think it was a false one.'
'I am glad this meeting was already arranged,'Sir Henry said,after we had shaken hands with our visitors.'I need your help,Mr Holmes.A strange thing happened to me this morning.Look at this letter.'
He put a piece of paper on the table.On it were the words: 'Do not go on to the moor.If you do,your life will be in danger.'The words had been cut out of a newspaper.
'Can you tell me,Mr Holmes,what this means,and who is so interested in me?'Sir Henry asked.
'This is very interesting,'said Holmes.'Look how badly it has been done.I think the writer was in a hurry.Why?Perhaps because he did not want somebody to see him.I think the address was written in a hotel.The pen and the ink have both given the writer trouble.The pen has run dry three times in writing a short address.There was probably very little ink in the bottle.A private pen and bottle of ink are never allowed to get into that condition.Hullo,what's this?'
He was holding the letter only a few centimetres from his eyes.
'Well?'I ashed.
'Nothing,'he said,and threw the letter down.'Now,Sir Henry,have you anything else to tell us?'
'No,'said Sir Henry.'Except that I have lost one of my shoes.I put a pair outside my door last night.I wanted the ho tel to clean them,but when I went to get them this morning,one had gone.I only bought them yesterday,and I have never worn them.But I wanted a good shine on them.'
'One shoe seems a useless thing to steal,'said Holmes.'I am sure the shoe will be found in the hotel and returned to you.But now we must tell you some things about the Baskerville family.'
Dr Mortimer took out the old Baskerville papers and read them to Sir Henry.Holmes then told him about the death of Sir Charles.
'So this letter is from someone who is trying to warn me,or frighten me away,'said Sir Henry.
'Yes,'said Holmes.'And we have to decide if it is sensible for you to go to Baskerville Hall.There seems to be danger there for you.'
'There is no man or devil who will stop me from going to the home of my family,'said Sir Henry angrily.'I want some time to think about what you have told me.Will you and Dr Watson join me for lunch at my hotel in two hours'time?By then,I'll be able to tell you what I think.'
Dr Mortimer and Sir Henry said goodbye,and decided to walk back to their hotel.
As soon as our visitors had gone,Holmes changed from the talker to the man of action.
'Quick,Watson.Your coat and hat.We must follow them.'We got ready quickly and went into the street.Our friends were not far ahead of us and we followed.We stayed about a hundred metres behind them.
Suddenly Holmes gave a cry.I saw a taxi driving along very slowly on the other side of the road from our friends.
'That's our man,Watson!Come along!We'll have a good look at him.'
I saw a man with a large black beard looking out of the taxi window.He had been following and watching our friends.But when he saw us running towards him,he shouted something to the driver,and the taxi drove off quickly down the road.Holmes looked round for another taxi,but could not see one.He began to run after the first taxi,but it was soon out of sight.
'Well,I got the number of the taxi,'said Holmes.'So I can find the driver.He may be able to tell us something about his passenger.Would you recognize the man if you saw him again?'
'Only his beard,'I said.
'He wanted us to recognize the beard,'said Holmes.'I think it was a false one.'
The Problem
I felt a moment of fear as Mortimer spoke these words.Holmes sat forward in his excitement,and his eyes showed he was very interested indeed.
'Why did nobody else see these footprints?'he asked.
'The footprints were about twenty metres from the body,and nobody thought of looking so far away,'Mortimer replied.
'Are there many sheep dogs on the moor?'asked Holmes.
'Yes,but this was no sheep dog.The footprints were very large indeed—enormous,'Mortimer answered.
'But it had not gone near the body?'
'No.'
'What kind of night was it?'Holmes asked.
'It was wet and cold,though it wasn't actually raining.'
'Describe the Alley to me.'
'The Alley is a path between two long yew hedges.The hedges are small trees that were planted very close together.They are about four metres high.The distance between the two yew hedges is about seven metres.Down the middle is a path of small stones.The path is about three metres wide,with grass on each side of it.'
'I understand there is a gate through the hedge in one place,'said Holmes.
'Yes,there is a small gate,which leads to the moor.'
'Is there any other opening through the hedge?'
'No.'
'So you can enter or leave the Yew Alley only from the Hall,or through the moor gate?'asked Holmes.
'There is a way out through a summer house at the far end.'
'Had Sir Charles reached the summer house?'
'No.He lay about fifty metres from it,'said Mortimer.
'Now,Dr Mortimer,this is important.You say that the footprints you saw were on the path and not on the grass?'
'No footprints could show on the grass,'said Mortimer.
'Were they on the same side of the path as the moor gate?'
'Yes.They were.'
'I find that very interesting indeed.Another question:was the moor gate closed?'
'Yes.It was closed and locked.'
'How high is it?'asked Holmes.
'It is just over a metre high.'
'Then anyone could climb over it?'
'Yes.'
'What prints did you see by the moor gate?'
'Sir Charles seems to have stood there for five or ten min utes,'said Mortimer.'I know that because his cigar had burned down and the ash had dropped twice off the end of it.'
'Excellent,'said Holmes.'This man is a very good detective,Watson.'
'Sir Charles had left his footprints all over that little bit of the path where he was standing.I couldn't see any other prints.'
Sherlock Holmes hit his knee with his hand angrily.
'I like to look closely at these things myself,'he said.'Oh,Dr Mortimer,why didn't you call me immediately?'
'Mr Holmes,the best detective in the world can't help with some things,'said Mortimer.
'You mean things that are outside the laws of nature—su pernatural things?'asked Holmes.
'I didn't say so exactly,'replied Mortimer.'But since Sir Charles died,I have heard about a number of things that seem to be supernatural.Several people have seen an animal on the moor that looks like an enormous hound.They all agree that it was a huge creature,which shone with a strange light like a ghost.I have questioned these people carefully.They are all sensible people.They all tell the same story.Although they have only seen the creature far away,it is exactly like the hell hound of the Baskerville story.The people are very frightened,and only the bravest man will cross the moor at night.'
'And you,a man of science,believe that the creature is supernatural—something from another world?'asked Holmes.
'I don't know what to believe,'said Dr Mortimer.
'But you must agree that the footprints were made by a liv ing creature,not a ghost?'
'When the hound first appeared two hundred and fifty years ago,it was real enough to tear out Sir Hugo's throat…but it was a supernatural hellhound,'said Dr Mortimer.
'If you think that Sir Charles' death was caused by some thing supernatural,my detective work can't help you,'said Holmes,rather coldly.
'Perhaps,'said Mortimer.'But you can help me by advis ing me what to do for Sir Henry Baskerville.He arrives in Lon don by train in exactly,'Dr Mortimer looked at his watch,'one hour and a quarter.'
'Sir Henry is now head of the Baskerville family?'asked Holmes.
'Yes,'said Dr Mortimer.'He is the last of the Baskervilles.The family lawyers contacted him in the USA.He has come to England immediately by ship.He landed this morning.Now,Mr Holmes,what do you advise me to do with him?'
'Why should he not go to the family home?'asked Holmes.
'Because so many Baskervilles who go there die horrible deaths.But Sir Charles'good work must go on.If it doesn't,all the people on the Baskerville lands will be much poorer.If the Baskerville family leaves the Hall,that is what will happen.I don't know what to do.That is why I came to you for advice.'
Holmes though for a little while.Then he said:'You think it is too dangerous for any Baskerville to live at the Hall because of this supernatural hellhound.Well,I think you should go and meet Sir Henry Baskerville.Say nothing to him about this.I shall give you my advice in twentyfour hours.At ten o'clock tomorrow morning,Dr Mortimer,I would like you to bring Sir Henry Baskerville here.'
Dr Mortimer got up from his chair.As he was leaving the room,Holmes said:'One more question,Dr Mortimer.You said that before Sir Charles'death several people saw this strange creature on the moor?'
'Three people did,'said Mortimer.
'Did anyone see it after the death?'
'I haven't heard of anyone.'
'Thank you,Dr Mortimer.Good morning.'
After Mortimer had left us,Holmes sat down in his chair.He looked pleased.He always looked pleased when a case interest ed him.
I knew that he needed to be alone to think about all that he had heard.I went out for the day,and came back to find the room full of thick smoke from Holmes'pipe.
'What do you think of this case?'I asked him.
'It is hard to say.Take,for example,the change in the foot prints.Did Sir Charles walk on his toes down the Alley?Only a stupid person is likely to believe that.The truth is he was run ning—running for his life.He ran until his heart stopped and he fell dead.'
'What was he running from?'I asked.
'That is the difficult question,'said Holmes.'I think he was mad with fear before he began to run.He didn't know what he was doing.That explains why he ran away from the house instead of towards it.He was running away from help.The next question:who was he waiting for that night?And why was he waiting in the Yew Alley and not in the house?'
'You think he was waiting for someone?'
'Sir Charles was old and unwell.We can understand why he took a walk each evening.But why did he stand in the cold,on wet ground,for five or ten minutes?Dr Mortimer cleverly noted the cigar ash,so we know how long Sir Charles stood there.We know that he kept away from the moor,so it's un likely that he waited at the moor gate every evening.I am be ginning to understand some things,Watson.But I'll think no more about it until we meet Dr Mortimer and Sir Henry Baskerville in the morning.Please give me my violin.'
And Holmes began to play his violin.He had done all the thinking he could.Now he needed more details of the case to help him.
'Why did nobody else see these footprints?'he asked.
'The footprints were about twenty metres from the body,and nobody thought of looking so far away,'Mortimer replied.
'Are there many sheep dogs on the moor?'asked Holmes.
'Yes,but this was no sheep dog.The footprints were very large indeed—enormous,'Mortimer answered.
'But it had not gone near the body?'
'No.'
'What kind of night was it?'Holmes asked.
'It was wet and cold,though it wasn't actually raining.'
'Describe the Alley to me.'
'The Alley is a path between two long yew hedges.The hedges are small trees that were planted very close together.They are about four metres high.The distance between the two yew hedges is about seven metres.Down the middle is a path of small stones.The path is about three metres wide,with grass on each side of it.'
'I understand there is a gate through the hedge in one place,'said Holmes.
'Yes,there is a small gate,which leads to the moor.'
'Is there any other opening through the hedge?'
'No.'
'So you can enter or leave the Yew Alley only from the Hall,or through the moor gate?'asked Holmes.
'There is a way out through a summer house at the far end.'
'Had Sir Charles reached the summer house?'
'No.He lay about fifty metres from it,'said Mortimer.
'Now,Dr Mortimer,this is important.You say that the footprints you saw were on the path and not on the grass?'
'No footprints could show on the grass,'said Mortimer.
'Were they on the same side of the path as the moor gate?'
'Yes.They were.'
'I find that very interesting indeed.Another question:was the moor gate closed?'
'Yes.It was closed and locked.'
'How high is it?'asked Holmes.
'It is just over a metre high.'
'Then anyone could climb over it?'
'Yes.'
'What prints did you see by the moor gate?'
'Sir Charles seems to have stood there for five or ten min utes,'said Mortimer.'I know that because his cigar had burned down and the ash had dropped twice off the end of it.'
'Excellent,'said Holmes.'This man is a very good detective,Watson.'
'Sir Charles had left his footprints all over that little bit of the path where he was standing.I couldn't see any other prints.'
Sherlock Holmes hit his knee with his hand angrily.
'I like to look closely at these things myself,'he said.'Oh,Dr Mortimer,why didn't you call me immediately?'
'Mr Holmes,the best detective in the world can't help with some things,'said Mortimer.
'You mean things that are outside the laws of nature—su pernatural things?'asked Holmes.
'I didn't say so exactly,'replied Mortimer.'But since Sir Charles died,I have heard about a number of things that seem to be supernatural.Several people have seen an animal on the moor that looks like an enormous hound.They all agree that it was a huge creature,which shone with a strange light like a ghost.I have questioned these people carefully.They are all sensible people.They all tell the same story.Although they have only seen the creature far away,it is exactly like the hell hound of the Baskerville story.The people are very frightened,and only the bravest man will cross the moor at night.'
'And you,a man of science,believe that the creature is supernatural—something from another world?'asked Holmes.
'I don't know what to believe,'said Dr Mortimer.
'But you must agree that the footprints were made by a liv ing creature,not a ghost?'
'When the hound first appeared two hundred and fifty years ago,it was real enough to tear out Sir Hugo's throat…but it was a supernatural hellhound,'said Dr Mortimer.
'If you think that Sir Charles' death was caused by some thing supernatural,my detective work can't help you,'said Holmes,rather coldly.
'Perhaps,'said Mortimer.'But you can help me by advis ing me what to do for Sir Henry Baskerville.He arrives in Lon don by train in exactly,'Dr Mortimer looked at his watch,'one hour and a quarter.'
'Sir Henry is now head of the Baskerville family?'asked Holmes.
'Yes,'said Dr Mortimer.'He is the last of the Baskervilles.The family lawyers contacted him in the USA.He has come to England immediately by ship.He landed this morning.Now,Mr Holmes,what do you advise me to do with him?'
'Why should he not go to the family home?'asked Holmes.
'Because so many Baskervilles who go there die horrible deaths.But Sir Charles'good work must go on.If it doesn't,all the people on the Baskerville lands will be much poorer.If the Baskerville family leaves the Hall,that is what will happen.I don't know what to do.That is why I came to you for advice.'
Holmes though for a little while.Then he said:'You think it is too dangerous for any Baskerville to live at the Hall because of this supernatural hellhound.Well,I think you should go and meet Sir Henry Baskerville.Say nothing to him about this.I shall give you my advice in twentyfour hours.At ten o'clock tomorrow morning,Dr Mortimer,I would like you to bring Sir Henry Baskerville here.'
Dr Mortimer got up from his chair.As he was leaving the room,Holmes said:'One more question,Dr Mortimer.You said that before Sir Charles'death several people saw this strange creature on the moor?'
'Three people did,'said Mortimer.
'Did anyone see it after the death?'
'I haven't heard of anyone.'
'Thank you,Dr Mortimer.Good morning.'
After Mortimer had left us,Holmes sat down in his chair.He looked pleased.He always looked pleased when a case interest ed him.
I knew that he needed to be alone to think about all that he had heard.I went out for the day,and came back to find the room full of thick smoke from Holmes'pipe.
'What do you think of this case?'I asked him.
'It is hard to say.Take,for example,the change in the foot prints.Did Sir Charles walk on his toes down the Alley?Only a stupid person is likely to believe that.The truth is he was run ning—running for his life.He ran until his heart stopped and he fell dead.'
'What was he running from?'I asked.
'That is the difficult question,'said Holmes.'I think he was mad with fear before he began to run.He didn't know what he was doing.That explains why he ran away from the house instead of towards it.He was running away from help.The next question:who was he waiting for that night?And why was he waiting in the Yew Alley and not in the house?'
'You think he was waiting for someone?'
'Sir Charles was old and unwell.We can understand why he took a walk each evening.But why did he stand in the cold,on wet ground,for five or ten minutes?Dr Mortimer cleverly noted the cigar ash,so we know how long Sir Charles stood there.We know that he kept away from the moor,so it's un likely that he waited at the moor gate every evening.I am be ginning to understand some things,Watson.But I'll think no more about it until we meet Dr Mortimer and Sir Henry Baskerville in the morning.Please give me my violin.'
And Holmes began to play his violin.He had done all the thinking he could.Now he needed more details of the case to help him.
How Sir Charles Died
When Dr Mortimer had finished reading this strange story,he looked across at Sherlock Holmes.Holmes looked bored.
'Did you find the story interesting?'asked Dr Mortimer.
'It may interest a collector of stories to frighten children,' said Holmes.
Dr Mortimer took a newspaper from another pocket.
'Now,Mr Holmes,let me read you something which was written only three months ago.It is from the Devonshire County Newspaper,and it is about the death of Sir Charles Baskerville.'
Holmes looked more interested.Dr Mortimer began to read:
The sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville has caused great sadness in the county.Although he had lived at Baskerville Hall for only two years,everyone liked him.Sir Charles had lived abroad and made his money there.He came back to spend his fortune on repairing Baskerville Hall and its farms and villages,as the buildings and lands were in very poor condition.He was a friendly and generous man,who gave freely to the poor.
The official report of his death does not explain every thing that happened.However,it does show that there was no question of murder.Sir Charles died from natural causes,and the strange stories people are telling about his death are not true.His friend and doctor,Dr James Mor timer,said that Sir Charles'heart had been weak for some time.
The facts are simple.Every night before going to bed,Sir Charles went for a walk in the gardens of Baskerville Hall.His favourite walk was down a path between two hedges of yew trees,the famous Yew Alley of Baskerville Hall.On the night of 4th June he went out for his walk to think and to smoke his usual cigar.
Sir Charles was going to London on the next day,and Barrymore,his butler,was packing his suitcases.By mid night Barrymore was worried that Sir Charles had not re turned,so he went to look for him.He found the door of the Hall open.The day had been rainy and wet so Barry more saw the prints left by Sir Charles'shoes as he had walked down the Alley.Half way down the Alley is a gate,which leads to the moor.There were signs that Sir Charles had stood there for some time.Barrymore fol lowed the footprints to the far end of the Alley.And there he found Sir Charles'body.
Barrymore reported something interesting about the footprints.He said that they changed between the moor gate and the end of the Alley.As far as the moor gate there was a whole footprint for each of Sir Charles'steps.After he passed the gate,only toe prints could be seen.Barrymore thought that Sir Charles had walked on his toes.
A man called Murphy,who buys and sells horses,was not far away at the time of Sir Charles'death.He had been drinking a lot of beer,but he says he heard cries.He is not sure where they came from.
Dr Mortimer was called to look at Sir Charles'body.There were no signs that Sir Charles had been murdered,but Dr Mortimer did not recognize his friend's face.The whole shape of it was changed.However,this often hap pens with deaths which are caused by weak hearts.When Dr Mortimer looked at the body,he found that this was,in fact,what had happened.Sir Charles'weak heart had failed,and this had caused his death.
Everyone hopes that the new head of the Baskerville family will move quickly into the Hall.Sir Charles good work must go on.
The new head of the Baskerville family will be Sir Hen ry Baskerville,if he is still alive and if the lawyers can find him.He is the son of Sir Charles Baskerville's younger brother,who died some years ago.The young man has been living in the USA.The Baskerville lawyers are trying to contact him to tell him about his good fortune.
Dr Mortimer put the newspaper back into his pocket.
'Those are the official facts about the death of Sir Charles.They are the facts that everyone knows,Mr Holmes,'he said.
'Thank you for informing me about this interesting case,'Holmes said.'I read about it at the time,but I heard none of the details.The newspaper gives the facts that everybody knows.Now I want you to tell me all the other facts that you know.What do you know about the strange stories?'
'I haven't told anyone these other facts,'said Dr Mortimer.'I am a man of science,as you know.I have always believed that there are sensible explanations for everything.I didn't want to say anything that could stop Sir Henry from coming to live at the Hall.But I will tell you tile details that were not in the report.'
'In the months before his death,'Dr Mortimer went on,'Sir Charles was a very worried man.He was near to breaking down.He believed the story of the Hound of the Baskervilles.He refused to go out at night.He often asked me whether I had seen any strange animal or heard the cry of a hound on the moor at night.He always got very excited when he asked this question.
'I remember driving up to the Hall one evening about three weeks before he died.He was standing at the door.I went up to him,and saw him staring at something behind me.There was a look of horror on his face.I turned quickly and saw something moving between the trees.It looked like a small black cow.He was so frightened that I went to look for the animal.It had disappeared but Sir Charles was very worried.I stayed with him all the evening.It was then he gave me the old papers I have read to you.What I saw that evening may be im portant when you consider what happened on the night of his death.
'When Barrymore,the butler,found Sir Charles'body,he sent someone to fetch me.I checked all the facts.I have just read them to you,and they are all true.
'But Barrymore said one thing that was not true.He said that there were no other prints on the ground around the body.He did not notice any.But I did.They were not close to the body,but they were fresh and clear.'
'Footprints?'asked Holmes.
'Yes.Footprints,'said Mortimer.
'A man's or a woman's?'asked Holmes.
Dr Mortimer looked at us strangely for a moment.His voice became a whisper as he answered:
'Mr Holmes,they were the footprints of a huge hound!'
'Did you find the story interesting?'asked Dr Mortimer.
'It may interest a collector of stories to frighten children,' said Holmes.
Dr Mortimer took a newspaper from another pocket.
'Now,Mr Holmes,let me read you something which was written only three months ago.It is from the Devonshire County Newspaper,and it is about the death of Sir Charles Baskerville.'
Holmes looked more interested.Dr Mortimer began to read:
The sudden death of Sir Charles Baskerville has caused great sadness in the county.Although he had lived at Baskerville Hall for only two years,everyone liked him.Sir Charles had lived abroad and made his money there.He came back to spend his fortune on repairing Baskerville Hall and its farms and villages,as the buildings and lands were in very poor condition.He was a friendly and generous man,who gave freely to the poor.
The official report of his death does not explain every thing that happened.However,it does show that there was no question of murder.Sir Charles died from natural causes,and the strange stories people are telling about his death are not true.His friend and doctor,Dr James Mor timer,said that Sir Charles'heart had been weak for some time.
The facts are simple.Every night before going to bed,Sir Charles went for a walk in the gardens of Baskerville Hall.His favourite walk was down a path between two hedges of yew trees,the famous Yew Alley of Baskerville Hall.On the night of 4th June he went out for his walk to think and to smoke his usual cigar.
Sir Charles was going to London on the next day,and Barrymore,his butler,was packing his suitcases.By mid night Barrymore was worried that Sir Charles had not re turned,so he went to look for him.He found the door of the Hall open.The day had been rainy and wet so Barry more saw the prints left by Sir Charles'shoes as he had walked down the Alley.Half way down the Alley is a gate,which leads to the moor.There were signs that Sir Charles had stood there for some time.Barrymore fol lowed the footprints to the far end of the Alley.And there he found Sir Charles'body.
Barrymore reported something interesting about the footprints.He said that they changed between the moor gate and the end of the Alley.As far as the moor gate there was a whole footprint for each of Sir Charles'steps.After he passed the gate,only toe prints could be seen.Barrymore thought that Sir Charles had walked on his toes.
A man called Murphy,who buys and sells horses,was not far away at the time of Sir Charles'death.He had been drinking a lot of beer,but he says he heard cries.He is not sure where they came from.
Dr Mortimer was called to look at Sir Charles'body.There were no signs that Sir Charles had been murdered,but Dr Mortimer did not recognize his friend's face.The whole shape of it was changed.However,this often hap pens with deaths which are caused by weak hearts.When Dr Mortimer looked at the body,he found that this was,in fact,what had happened.Sir Charles'weak heart had failed,and this had caused his death.
Everyone hopes that the new head of the Baskerville family will move quickly into the Hall.Sir Charles good work must go on.
The new head of the Baskerville family will be Sir Hen ry Baskerville,if he is still alive and if the lawyers can find him.He is the son of Sir Charles Baskerville's younger brother,who died some years ago.The young man has been living in the USA.The Baskerville lawyers are trying to contact him to tell him about his good fortune.
Dr Mortimer put the newspaper back into his pocket.
'Those are the official facts about the death of Sir Charles.They are the facts that everyone knows,Mr Holmes,'he said.
'Thank you for informing me about this interesting case,'Holmes said.'I read about it at the time,but I heard none of the details.The newspaper gives the facts that everybody knows.Now I want you to tell me all the other facts that you know.What do you know about the strange stories?'
'I haven't told anyone these other facts,'said Dr Mortimer.'I am a man of science,as you know.I have always believed that there are sensible explanations for everything.I didn't want to say anything that could stop Sir Henry from coming to live at the Hall.But I will tell you tile details that were not in the report.'
'In the months before his death,'Dr Mortimer went on,'Sir Charles was a very worried man.He was near to breaking down.He believed the story of the Hound of the Baskervilles.He refused to go out at night.He often asked me whether I had seen any strange animal or heard the cry of a hound on the moor at night.He always got very excited when he asked this question.
'I remember driving up to the Hall one evening about three weeks before he died.He was standing at the door.I went up to him,and saw him staring at something behind me.There was a look of horror on his face.I turned quickly and saw something moving between the trees.It looked like a small black cow.He was so frightened that I went to look for the animal.It had disappeared but Sir Charles was very worried.I stayed with him all the evening.It was then he gave me the old papers I have read to you.What I saw that evening may be im portant when you consider what happened on the night of his death.
'When Barrymore,the butler,found Sir Charles'body,he sent someone to fetch me.I checked all the facts.I have just read them to you,and they are all true.
'But Barrymore said one thing that was not true.He said that there were no other prints on the ground around the body.He did not notice any.But I did.They were not close to the body,but they were fresh and clear.'
'Footprints?'asked Holmes.
'Yes.Footprints,'said Mortimer.
'A man's or a woman's?'asked Holmes.
Dr Mortimer looked at us strangely for a moment.His voice became a whisper as he answered:
'Mr Holmes,they were the footprints of a huge hound!'
The Baskerville Papers
'These papers were given to me by Sir Charles Baskerville,'said Dr Mortimer.'He asked me to take good care of them.You may remember that Sir Charles died suddenly three months ago.His death caused much excite ment in Devonshire,the county where Baskerville Hall is.Sir Charles was a sensible man,but he believed the story which is told in these papers.'
Dr Mortimer went on:'The story is about the Baskerville family.I have come to see you because I need your help.I think that something terrible is going to happen in the next twenty four hours.But you can't help me unless you know the story in these papers.May I read them to you?'
'Please continue,Dr Mortimer,'said Holmes,and sat back in his chair with his eyes shut.
Mortimer began to read in his high,rather strange,voice:
I,William Baskerville,write this for my sons in the year 1742.My father told me about the Hound of the Baskervilles.He told me when it was first seen,and I be lieve his story was true.I want you,my sons,to read this story carefully.I want you to know that God punishes those who do evil.But never forget that He will forgive those who are sorry for any evil they have done.
Over a hundred years ago,in 1640,the head of the Baskerville family was Sir Hugo Baskerville.He was a wild and evil man.He was cruel and enjoyed hurting peo ple.Sir Hugo fell in love with the daughter of a farmer who was a neighbour of his.The young woman was afraid of the evil Hugo,and avoided him.One day,Hugo heard that her father and brothers were away.He knew that she would be alone.So he rode to the farm with five or six of his evil friends.They made the girl go back to Baskerville Hall with them,and locked her in a room upstairs.Then they sat down in the great dining hall to drink.As usual,they drank bottle after bottle and soon they began to sing and laugh and shout evil words.
The girl upstairs,who was already very frightened,felt desperate when she heard the terrible things they were shouting.So she did a very brave thing.She opened the window,climbed out of the room and down the ivy on the wall.Then she started to run across the moor towards her home.
A little while later,Hugo left his friends and went up stairs to the room to take her some food and drink.When he found an open window and an empty room,he behaved like a man who was mad.He ran down the stairs.He screamed that he would give himself to the Devil if he caught the girl before she reached home.Some of Hugo's drunken friends told him to let the hounds chase her,and so he ran from the house and unlocked the dogs.Then he jumped onto his black horse,and rode off over the moor with the hounds running and crying around him.
Hugo's friends fetched their horses and followed him.There were thirteen of them.After a mile or two they passed an old farmer and asked him if he had seen Sir Hugo and the hounds.The man looked half mad with fear and spoke with difficulty.He said that he had seen the girl and the hounds running close behind her.Sir Hugo had been riding just behind the hounds.'But I have seen more than that,'the old man said.'Behind Sir Hugo I saw a huge and terrible hound running silently.May God keep me safe from that hound of hell.'
The thirteen men laughed at the old man and rode on.But their laughter soon stopped when they saw Sir Hugo's horse running wildly towards them without a rider.
The thirteen men moved closer together as they rode on.They were suddenly afraid.Over the moor they went until,at last,they caught up with the hounds.
Everyone in the county knew that the Baskerville hounds were brave and strong.But now they were stand ing at the head of a deep valley in the moor with their ears and tails down.They were very frightened.Hugo's friends stopped.Most of them would not go on,but three were brave enough to go down into the valley.
The valley had a wide flat floor.In the middle of the flat ground stood two great stones.They had stood there for thousands of years.The moon was shining brightly on the great stones,and between them,on the flat ground,lay the girl.She had fallen there,dead of fear and exhaus tion.Sir Hugo's body was lying near her.But it was not the sight of Sir Hugo or the girl that filled the men with fear.It was the sight of the huge animal that was standing over Sir Hugo.Its teeth were at his throat.It was a great black creature that looked like a hound.But it was larger than any hound they had ever seen.
As they watched,it tore out Hugo Baskerville's throat.Then it turned towards them.Its eyes were burning brightly.Its body shone with a strange light.Blood ran from its mouth.The men screamed and kicked their horses.They rode back up the valley as fast as they could go.Later that night one died from the horror he had seen.The other two were mad for the rest of their lives.
That was the first time the Hound appeared,my sons.It has been seen many times since then,and many of the Baskervilles have died in strange and terrible ways.Be cause of this I warn you not to cross the moors at night.The Devil finds it easy to do his work when the world is dark.
Dr Mortimer went on:'The story is about the Baskerville family.I have come to see you because I need your help.I think that something terrible is going to happen in the next twenty four hours.But you can't help me unless you know the story in these papers.May I read them to you?'
'Please continue,Dr Mortimer,'said Holmes,and sat back in his chair with his eyes shut.
Mortimer began to read in his high,rather strange,voice:
I,William Baskerville,write this for my sons in the year 1742.My father told me about the Hound of the Baskervilles.He told me when it was first seen,and I be lieve his story was true.I want you,my sons,to read this story carefully.I want you to know that God punishes those who do evil.But never forget that He will forgive those who are sorry for any evil they have done.
Over a hundred years ago,in 1640,the head of the Baskerville family was Sir Hugo Baskerville.He was a wild and evil man.He was cruel and enjoyed hurting peo ple.Sir Hugo fell in love with the daughter of a farmer who was a neighbour of his.The young woman was afraid of the evil Hugo,and avoided him.One day,Hugo heard that her father and brothers were away.He knew that she would be alone.So he rode to the farm with five or six of his evil friends.They made the girl go back to Baskerville Hall with them,and locked her in a room upstairs.Then they sat down in the great dining hall to drink.As usual,they drank bottle after bottle and soon they began to sing and laugh and shout evil words.
The girl upstairs,who was already very frightened,felt desperate when she heard the terrible things they were shouting.So she did a very brave thing.She opened the window,climbed out of the room and down the ivy on the wall.Then she started to run across the moor towards her home.
A little while later,Hugo left his friends and went up stairs to the room to take her some food and drink.When he found an open window and an empty room,he behaved like a man who was mad.He ran down the stairs.He screamed that he would give himself to the Devil if he caught the girl before she reached home.Some of Hugo's drunken friends told him to let the hounds chase her,and so he ran from the house and unlocked the dogs.Then he jumped onto his black horse,and rode off over the moor with the hounds running and crying around him.
Hugo's friends fetched their horses and followed him.There were thirteen of them.After a mile or two they passed an old farmer and asked him if he had seen Sir Hugo and the hounds.The man looked half mad with fear and spoke with difficulty.He said that he had seen the girl and the hounds running close behind her.Sir Hugo had been riding just behind the hounds.'But I have seen more than that,'the old man said.'Behind Sir Hugo I saw a huge and terrible hound running silently.May God keep me safe from that hound of hell.'
The thirteen men laughed at the old man and rode on.But their laughter soon stopped when they saw Sir Hugo's horse running wildly towards them without a rider.
The thirteen men moved closer together as they rode on.They were suddenly afraid.Over the moor they went until,at last,they caught up with the hounds.
Everyone in the county knew that the Baskerville hounds were brave and strong.But now they were stand ing at the head of a deep valley in the moor with their ears and tails down.They were very frightened.Hugo's friends stopped.Most of them would not go on,but three were brave enough to go down into the valley.
The valley had a wide flat floor.In the middle of the flat ground stood two great stones.They had stood there for thousands of years.The moon was shining brightly on the great stones,and between them,on the flat ground,lay the girl.She had fallen there,dead of fear and exhaus tion.Sir Hugo's body was lying near her.But it was not the sight of Sir Hugo or the girl that filled the men with fear.It was the sight of the huge animal that was standing over Sir Hugo.Its teeth were at his throat.It was a great black creature that looked like a hound.But it was larger than any hound they had ever seen.
As they watched,it tore out Hugo Baskerville's throat.Then it turned towards them.Its eyes were burning brightly.Its body shone with a strange light.Blood ran from its mouth.The men screamed and kicked their horses.They rode back up the valley as fast as they could go.Later that night one died from the horror he had seen.The other two were mad for the rest of their lives.
That was the first time the Hound appeared,my sons.It has been seen many times since then,and many of the Baskervilles have died in strange and terrible ways.Be cause of this I warn you not to cross the moors at night.The Devil finds it easy to do his work when the world is dark.
The Case Begins
The September sun was shining brightly into the windows of 221B Baker Street,and London was enjoying a beautiful late summer.I had finished my breakfast and was reading the newspaper.As usual,Holmes had got up late,and was still eating.We were expecting a visitor at half past ten,and I wondered whether Holmes would finish his breakfast be fore our visitor arrived.
Holmes was in no hurry.He was reading once again a letter he had received three days ago.It was from Dr James Mortimer,who asked for an appointment with Holmes.
'Well,Watson,'Holmes said to me,'I'm afraid that a doc tor from Devonshire won't bring us anything of real interest.His letter doesn't tell us anything about his business though he says it's very important.I hope we can help him.'
At exactly half past ten there was a knock on our front door.
'Good,'said Holmes.'Dr Mortimer is clearly a man who will not waste our time.'
We stood up as our visitor was brought into the room.
'Good morning,gentlemen,'he said.'I'm Dr James Mor timer,from Grimpen in Devonshire,and I think you must be Mr Sherlock Holmes.'He shook hands with Holmes,who said:
'How do you do,Dr Mortimer?May I introduce my good friend,Dr John Watson,who helps me with my cases.I hope you will allow him to listen to our conversation.'
'Of course,'said Mortimer,as he turned to me and shook hands.'I need your help very badly,Mr Holmes.If it will be useful for Dr Watson to hear what I have to say,please let him stay and listen.'
Mortimer did not look like a country doctor.He was very tall and thin.He had a long thin nose.His grey eyes were bright,and he wore gold glasses.His coat and trousers were old and worn.His face was young,but his shoulders were bent like an old man's and his head was pushed forward.He took some pa pers from his pocket,and said:
'Mr Holmes,I need your help and advice.Something very strange and frightening has been happening.'
'Sit down,Dr Mortimer,'said Holmes,'and tell us your problem.I'll help you if I can.'
Holmes was in no hurry.He was reading once again a letter he had received three days ago.It was from Dr James Mortimer,who asked for an appointment with Holmes.
'Well,Watson,'Holmes said to me,'I'm afraid that a doc tor from Devonshire won't bring us anything of real interest.His letter doesn't tell us anything about his business though he says it's very important.I hope we can help him.'
At exactly half past ten there was a knock on our front door.
'Good,'said Holmes.'Dr Mortimer is clearly a man who will not waste our time.'
We stood up as our visitor was brought into the room.
'Good morning,gentlemen,'he said.'I'm Dr James Mor timer,from Grimpen in Devonshire,and I think you must be Mr Sherlock Holmes.'He shook hands with Holmes,who said:
'How do you do,Dr Mortimer?May I introduce my good friend,Dr John Watson,who helps me with my cases.I hope you will allow him to listen to our conversation.'
'Of course,'said Mortimer,as he turned to me and shook hands.'I need your help very badly,Mr Holmes.If it will be useful for Dr Watson to hear what I have to say,please let him stay and listen.'
Mortimer did not look like a country doctor.He was very tall and thin.He had a long thin nose.His grey eyes were bright,and he wore gold glasses.His coat and trousers were old and worn.His face was young,but his shoulders were bent like an old man's and his head was pushed forward.He took some pa pers from his pocket,and said:
'Mr Holmes,I need your help and advice.Something very strange and frightening has been happening.'
'Sit down,Dr Mortimer,'said Holmes,'and tell us your problem.I'll help you if I can.'
Monday, May 12, 2008
An Honest Look At Chinese Traditional Medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM is a comprehensive holistic medical approach that dates back for thousands of years. The practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine is premised on Taoism and its philosophy. It takes its approach from aspects of nature and applies it to the human body in treating illness and disease. Western-based medicine on the other hand treats illnesses according to the symptoms they manifest.
The whole idea of healing in Chinese Traditional Medicine is founded on the idea that just as in nature the body needs to be in harmony with its self to be healthy. Therefore there are certain polarities in the body that must be in balance to maintain health. Signs of disharmony prevail as illness, ailments and disease. Chinese Traditional Medicine uses the principals of yin and yang, which are negative and positive polarities, Blood Jing, which is bodily fluids, the five elements, which are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water (with the elements are seasons that correspond to them). Emotions, Shen, which is ones spiritual essence in being, Zang Fu Theory of Body Organs, which is the physical organs and their functions and interactions in the body, Meridians, which are interconnective channels to which ones life fore or Qi flows through and the Three Jiaos all play a part in healing an imbalance.
A person is treated with various practices to restore a balanced healthy body. Disharmony and unbalance is believed to be the direct result of blockages in various strategic points along the Meridians. These points are treated with Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Cupping. Acupuncture is the use of needles that are inserted into various points along the meridians and manipulated to release the Qi that is blocked in those areas. Moxibustion is the use of a Mugwart cigar that is heated and place on the needles to stimulate them. Cupping involves heating glasses and placing them on various points to create suction for healing. Massage and bodily manipulation may also be used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition to these techniques Herbs that correspond with the various aspects of the condition including the organ, its element and polarity are given to be taken internally as medicine.
I have been treated for various conditions by Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioners that western medicine only gave me pills for. With TCM you have to be willing to go over a period of time, which I did and take some bitter herbal concoctions as part of the healing process. I have to admit that I preferred them to put my herbs in capsules, which they did for me. I am about 85 to 90 percent improved since my last session, which was in August 2006. I was being treated for arthritis in my spine, which debilitated me. When I went I could not walk and had to take arthritis medicine around the clock. Now I only have flair ups in bad weather to which I take one pill and can manage.
The whole idea of healing in Chinese Traditional Medicine is founded on the idea that just as in nature the body needs to be in harmony with its self to be healthy. Therefore there are certain polarities in the body that must be in balance to maintain health. Signs of disharmony prevail as illness, ailments and disease. Chinese Traditional Medicine uses the principals of yin and yang, which are negative and positive polarities, Blood Jing, which is bodily fluids, the five elements, which are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water (with the elements are seasons that correspond to them). Emotions, Shen, which is ones spiritual essence in being, Zang Fu Theory of Body Organs, which is the physical organs and their functions and interactions in the body, Meridians, which are interconnective channels to which ones life fore or Qi flows through and the Three Jiaos all play a part in healing an imbalance.
A person is treated with various practices to restore a balanced healthy body. Disharmony and unbalance is believed to be the direct result of blockages in various strategic points along the Meridians. These points are treated with Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Cupping. Acupuncture is the use of needles that are inserted into various points along the meridians and manipulated to release the Qi that is blocked in those areas. Moxibustion is the use of a Mugwart cigar that is heated and place on the needles to stimulate them. Cupping involves heating glasses and placing them on various points to create suction for healing. Massage and bodily manipulation may also be used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition to these techniques Herbs that correspond with the various aspects of the condition including the organ, its element and polarity are given to be taken internally as medicine.
I have been treated for various conditions by Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioners that western medicine only gave me pills for. With TCM you have to be willing to go over a period of time, which I did and take some bitter herbal concoctions as part of the healing process. I have to admit that I preferred them to put my herbs in capsules, which they did for me. I am about 85 to 90 percent improved since my last session, which was in August 2006. I was being treated for arthritis in my spine, which debilitated me. When I went I could not walk and had to take arthritis medicine around the clock. Now I only have flair ups in bad weather to which I take one pill and can manage.
Home and Herbal Remedies for Depression Treatment
Depression is an illness that involves both body and mind(thoughts). It is not like physical weakness that will vanish within days but its the state that interferes with the daily chores of life resulting in poor performance or output. It give rise to a negative feeling for each and every thing. It can be due to emotional or mental stress and strain or due to high intake of antibiotics. The major risk in extreme cases of depression is suicide or attempt to suicide.
Types of Depression
* Bipolar Disorder: It is known as manic-depressive illness and is not only the common one. It is usually characterized with frequent changes of mood sometimes leading to high depression and sometimes low.
* Major Depression: This type of depression may occur only once but commonly occurs several times in life span. It usually interferes with the normal routine of ones life like work, eating patterns, sleep and other entertainment activities.
* Dysthymia: It is a less severe type of depression that shows chronic symptoms and is not washed with the time but interfere with the well functioning, good and bad moods of the person.
Causes of Depression
* Early life experiences * Environmental factors * Deficiency of vitamin B complex * Genetic causes * Biochemical causes * Hormonal changes * Trauma and stress * Other physiological disorders like anxiety disorders and also eating disorders
Home Remedies
* Add some fresh Rose petals in the cup of boiling water. Add sugar and drink it whenever feeling depressed. * An Apple eaten with milk and honey is good enough to uplift a mood. * Powder the seeds of 2 green cardamoms in cup. Add to 1 cup of boiling water, add sugar and drink this tea twice in a day. * A neutral immersion bath for one hour daily is helpful in the treatment of depression. * Various yogic asanas such as halasana, paschimottanasana, sarvangasana, shavasana, shalabhasana, vakrasana and pranayamas like kapalbhati, bhastrika are highly beneficial in the treatment of depression. * Relaxation and meditation are also effective measures in depression treatment. The best method of relaxation is to practice shavasana . Meditation involves training the mind to remain fixed on a particular external or internal locations. * Diet has a profound effect on the depression treatment. So, the diet of a depressed person should be well balanced as the single nutritional deficiency can aggravate the situation.
Some foods for depressed people
* Herbal Teas Infuse one tablespoon of chamomile in one cup boiling water. * Another domestic remedy for depression is a tea made of Holy Basil and sage. Use teaspoon holy basil and teaspoon of sage per cup of hot water; drink twice a day. * Orange juice Drink fresh orange juice in morning time with breakfast. * Almonds Almonds are a good food for the brain. Ten to eleven almonds should be immersed in water overnight and taken with outer skins removed.
Types of Depression
* Bipolar Disorder: It is known as manic-depressive illness and is not only the common one. It is usually characterized with frequent changes of mood sometimes leading to high depression and sometimes low.
* Major Depression: This type of depression may occur only once but commonly occurs several times in life span. It usually interferes with the normal routine of ones life like work, eating patterns, sleep and other entertainment activities.
* Dysthymia: It is a less severe type of depression that shows chronic symptoms and is not washed with the time but interfere with the well functioning, good and bad moods of the person.
Causes of Depression
* Early life experiences * Environmental factors * Deficiency of vitamin B complex * Genetic causes * Biochemical causes * Hormonal changes * Trauma and stress * Other physiological disorders like anxiety disorders and also eating disorders
Home Remedies
* Add some fresh Rose petals in the cup of boiling water. Add sugar and drink it whenever feeling depressed. * An Apple eaten with milk and honey is good enough to uplift a mood. * Powder the seeds of 2 green cardamoms in cup. Add to 1 cup of boiling water, add sugar and drink this tea twice in a day. * A neutral immersion bath for one hour daily is helpful in the treatment of depression. * Various yogic asanas such as halasana, paschimottanasana, sarvangasana, shavasana, shalabhasana, vakrasana and pranayamas like kapalbhati, bhastrika are highly beneficial in the treatment of depression. * Relaxation and meditation are also effective measures in depression treatment. The best method of relaxation is to practice shavasana . Meditation involves training the mind to remain fixed on a particular external or internal locations. * Diet has a profound effect on the depression treatment. So, the diet of a depressed person should be well balanced as the single nutritional deficiency can aggravate the situation.
Some foods for depressed people
* Herbal Teas Infuse one tablespoon of chamomile in one cup boiling water. * Another domestic remedy for depression is a tea made of Holy Basil and sage. Use teaspoon holy basil and teaspoon of sage per cup of hot water; drink twice a day. * Orange juice Drink fresh orange juice in morning time with breakfast. * Almonds Almonds are a good food for the brain. Ten to eleven almonds should be immersed in water overnight and taken with outer skins removed.
Acupuncture and Male Infertility
Acupuncture has a long track record given its origins. There are many health issues acupuncture is good at treating and male infertility is one.
Acupuncture and Male Infertility
Infertility in males involves the failure to fertilize the female egg with sperm. Three things must take place for successful fertilization. Sperm must be produced in the testes. The sperm must travel through the spermatic ducts. The sperm must find an egg. The Western medicine approach to the treatment of male infertility will naturally focus on those three factors to determine the disorder and the treatment indicated. There are times when it seems almost like a miracle that fertilization ever takes place. A normal ejaculation should produce around 200 million sperm, yet only one or two ever get close to an egg.
The four factors commonly used to assess infertility cases are low sperm counts, the total volume of ejaculate, the mobility of the sperm, and the morphology of the sperm. A rather depressing list of items that could have a negative impact on one or more of those four factors contained 23 items. These items ranged from tight underwear to nicotine. There is even a chance that the male's own body could produce antibodies that will attack his own sperm. Blockage of the spermatic ducts requires corrective surgery, but outside this the majority of treatments involve lifestyle changes. This includes avoiding what is harmful and supplementation with vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
Acupuncture and male fertility views the entire situation from a completely different perspective. As is typical when comparing the treatment approaches of Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, the first will attempt to treat and correct the symptoms, and the second will treat the cause. Traditional Chinese Medicine sees infertility as a result of a completely different set of circumstances. Such thing as low sperm counts and abnormal shaped sperm are symptoms of these circumstances.
The acupuncturist will see male fertility as having one of five causes. It could be a result of Kidney Yang deficiency, Kidney Yin deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Damp/Heat in the low Jiao, or a Qi and Blood deficiency. Each of these possible causative factors will have there own set of symptoms to guide the practitioner in the selection of the proper acupuncture points to use in the treatment. Many of these symptoms will have nothing to do with the sperm or reproductive organs at all.
Acupuncture is a good option for the treatment of male infertility. With the exception of corrective surgery for blocked spermatic ducts, Western Medicine appears to have little ability to improve the production, condition, or shape of male sperm. Their major treatments of lifestyle changes and herbal supplementation would most likely be part of the acupuncture overall treatment approach anyway. In our era, overpopulation is a major problem and more research is going into the prevention of fertility. In earlier times, fertility was a matter of species survival. What this means is that Chinese Medicine has been successfully treating male infertility for thousands of years. It is very possible that they have learned a bit about it in all that time.
Natural Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure Treatment
High blood pressure also known as hypertension is a disease of the modern age.We can call it as silent killer. The fast pace of life and the mental and physical pressure increases the adrenaline in the blood stream and this causes the blood pressure to rise. The force exerted by the heart as it pumps the blood the blood into the large arteries creates a pressure within them and known as blood pressure. When the pressure becomes high, it causes high blood pressure, which is further caused by narrowing of the small blood vessels known as capillaries.
Causes of High Blood pressure
* Obesity * Stress * Hormonal changes in women * High intake of sodium
Home Remedies for High Blood pressure
* Garlic is known as one of the most effective remedy in lowering the blood pressure. * Squeeze half a lemon in 100-150 grams of water and drink it every two hours for immediate relief. * Indian gooseberry (amla) is also effective food remedy for high blood pressure. One tablespoonful each of fresh amla juice and honey mixed should be taken every morning. * Watermelon is safeguard against hypertension. * Grind equal amounts of watermelon seeds and khas khas. Take one teaspoonful with an empty stomach in the evening with water for lowering blood pressure. This can be taken 4-5 weeks according to the requirement. * Take one teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds morning and evening with an empty stomach for 20-25 days with water. * One or two pieces of garlic rolled in raisin lowers blood pressure. * Take four leaves of Tulsi (Holy Basil) and two leaves of Neem with 3-4 teaspoonfuls of water, empty stomach for 6-7 days. * Take fresh papayas daily on an empty stomach for a month regularly to decrease hypertension. * Amla taken along with milk daily also helps in lowering the blood pressure. * Walking barefoot on green grass for 20-25 minutes daily improves blood circulation and helps to maintain the blood pressure at normal. * Hot foot or leg bath for 10-15 minutes and hot compress over the heart are the water treatments that have been proved beneficial for blood pressure. * Yogic asanas such as suryanamaskar, makarasana, matsyasana, vajrasana, ardhpadmasana, pavanmuktasana, shavasana and simple pranayama like anuloma-viloma and abdominal breathing are too beneficial. * Mix half onion juice and half of honey. Take 2-3 tablespoons twice daily to lower the blood pressure. * Baked potatoes can be used for lowering the blood pressure. * The vitamin P content in grapefruit is very helpful in toning up the arteries and lowers the blood pressure.
Causes of High Blood pressure
* Obesity * Stress * Hormonal changes in women * High intake of sodium
Home Remedies for High Blood pressure
* Garlic is known as one of the most effective remedy in lowering the blood pressure. * Squeeze half a lemon in 100-150 grams of water and drink it every two hours for immediate relief. * Indian gooseberry (amla) is also effective food remedy for high blood pressure. One tablespoonful each of fresh amla juice and honey mixed should be taken every morning. * Watermelon is safeguard against hypertension. * Grind equal amounts of watermelon seeds and khas khas. Take one teaspoonful with an empty stomach in the evening with water for lowering blood pressure. This can be taken 4-5 weeks according to the requirement. * Take one teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds morning and evening with an empty stomach for 20-25 days with water. * One or two pieces of garlic rolled in raisin lowers blood pressure. * Take four leaves of Tulsi (Holy Basil) and two leaves of Neem with 3-4 teaspoonfuls of water, empty stomach for 6-7 days. * Take fresh papayas daily on an empty stomach for a month regularly to decrease hypertension. * Amla taken along with milk daily also helps in lowering the blood pressure. * Walking barefoot on green grass for 20-25 minutes daily improves blood circulation and helps to maintain the blood pressure at normal. * Hot foot or leg bath for 10-15 minutes and hot compress over the heart are the water treatments that have been proved beneficial for blood pressure. * Yogic asanas such as suryanamaskar, makarasana, matsyasana, vajrasana, ardhpadmasana, pavanmuktasana, shavasana and simple pranayama like anuloma-viloma and abdominal breathing are too beneficial. * Mix half onion juice and half of honey. Take 2-3 tablespoons twice daily to lower the blood pressure. * Baked potatoes can be used for lowering the blood pressure. * The vitamin P content in grapefruit is very helpful in toning up the arteries and lowers the blood pressure.
Herbal Home Remedies for Heart Care
The heart main function is to pump the oxygenated blood to all parts of the body and send back the deoxygenated blood to the lungs for purification.Any kind of malfunctioning in the heart work leads to various other complications. Study shows that men are more prone to heart problems than women. The main disorders of heart are:
* Coronary heart disease
* Arteriosclerosis
* Cardiomyopathy
* Angina pectoris
Causes
The main causes of heart diseases are:
* High blood pressure
* Obesity
* Hardening of the arteries
* Thrombosis (formation of clot in the blood)
* Vitamin B deficiency
Home Remedies
* Being a good source of vitamin C, Emblica myrobalan (amla) prevents all heart problems.
* Daily use of lemon prevents heart problems as it prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels.
* Beet juice is considered the most effective for heart ailments.
* Daily intake of 2-3 pieces of garlic boiled in milk is recommended for the prevention of heart problems.
* Parsley is effective remedy that keeps the heart in a healthy condition. Parsley tea can be taken 3-4 times a day.
* Fresh grape fruits are very beneficial in the treatment of heart disease as they tone up the heart.
* Apples have heart-stimulating properties and good in heart care. Apple juice and apple jam can be taken for heart care.
* A prolonged immersion bath at room temperature taken at bedtime on alternative days is very beneficial for the heart patients.
* Regular exercise is the most important for healthy heart.
* People with heart problems should increases the intake of vitamin E as it improves the oxygenation of the cells.
* Smoking increases the chances of heart diseases so avoid smoking.
* Intake of more salt should be restricted.
* A well balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables and cereals with natural fibre is highly recommended.
* Excess intake of alcohol should be avoided for heart care.
* The two popular enemies of the heart are high blood pressure and diabetes. So a proper check should be maintained on these problems.
* Coronary heart disease
* Arteriosclerosis
* Cardiomyopathy
* Angina pectoris
Causes
The main causes of heart diseases are:
* High blood pressure
* Obesity
* Hardening of the arteries
* Thrombosis (formation of clot in the blood)
* Vitamin B deficiency
Home Remedies
* Being a good source of vitamin C, Emblica myrobalan (amla) prevents all heart problems.
* Daily use of lemon prevents heart problems as it prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels.
* Beet juice is considered the most effective for heart ailments.
* Daily intake of 2-3 pieces of garlic boiled in milk is recommended for the prevention of heart problems.
* Parsley is effective remedy that keeps the heart in a healthy condition. Parsley tea can be taken 3-4 times a day.
* Fresh grape fruits are very beneficial in the treatment of heart disease as they tone up the heart.
* Apples have heart-stimulating properties and good in heart care. Apple juice and apple jam can be taken for heart care.
* A prolonged immersion bath at room temperature taken at bedtime on alternative days is very beneficial for the heart patients.
* Regular exercise is the most important for healthy heart.
* People with heart problems should increases the intake of vitamin E as it improves the oxygenation of the cells.
* Smoking increases the chances of heart diseases so avoid smoking.
* Intake of more salt should be restricted.
* A well balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables and cereals with natural fibre is highly recommended.
* Excess intake of alcohol should be avoided for heart care.
* The two popular enemies of the heart are high blood pressure and diabetes. So a proper check should be maintained on these problems.
Scalp Acupuncture
Acupuncture is about manipulating appropriate parts of the body to facilitate flow. Scalp acupuncture is one approach to such treatment.
Scalp Acupuncture
Although acupuncture is a treatment form that has existed for over 2000 years, it is still evolving and changing. One of the most significant developments in the field of acupuncture is the concept of holistic systems. This idea is based on ancient Taoist philosophical conclusions about the make-up and nature of the Universe. There is a common thread based on the idea that the whole is contained within the parts. What this means is that there are miniature systems within certain parts of the body that contain the characteristics of the whole body.
This concept can be applied to acupuncture by identifying acupuncture points in these miniature systems that relate to the body as a whole. Some examples of this are Korean Hand Acupuncture and Auricular Acupuncture (Ear Acupuncture). Another example is Scalp Acupuncture. Scalp Acupuncture is popular in Japan, but has been spreading rapidly over the World in the last couple of decades.
Scalp Acupuncture, like the other holistic systems, maps the skull to find points that relate to the Meridians of the entire body. Although some traditional Meridians pass through the skull, and several well known and useful body acupuncture points are located there, Scalp Acupuncture has its own miniature body map. There are over 80 different conditions that have been identified that seem to respond especially well to Scalp Acupuncture. Pain is one of these. Conditions that involve brain functions seem a natural for this form of treatment, and very good results have been obtained with stroke patients.
Scalp Acupuncture uses extremely small and thin needles. The insertion angle is between 15 and 30 degrees and penetration is very minimal compared to body acupuncture. It is quite normal to apply stimulation to the needles during the treatment. This is done either by manual twisting or by electro-stimulation. The needles are stimulated for three or four minutes, followed by five or more minutes of rest. Patients are instructed to focus their attention and mental energy on the stimulation points during the treatments.
There are several different schools of Scalp Acupuncture that have been developing separately over the last 30 years. Each uses a slightly different mapping of the skull although the actual insertion and stimulation techniques are very similar. There is still much research and experimentation taking place in this field. The holistic system forms of acupuncture are often used in conjunction with the more time honored body acupuncture techniques. The advantage of Scalp Acupuncture is the fact that the treatments can take place in a sitting position and involve considerably less discomfort.
Scalp Acupuncture
Although acupuncture is a treatment form that has existed for over 2000 years, it is still evolving and changing. One of the most significant developments in the field of acupuncture is the concept of holistic systems. This idea is based on ancient Taoist philosophical conclusions about the make-up and nature of the Universe. There is a common thread based on the idea that the whole is contained within the parts. What this means is that there are miniature systems within certain parts of the body that contain the characteristics of the whole body.
This concept can be applied to acupuncture by identifying acupuncture points in these miniature systems that relate to the body as a whole. Some examples of this are Korean Hand Acupuncture and Auricular Acupuncture (Ear Acupuncture). Another example is Scalp Acupuncture. Scalp Acupuncture is popular in Japan, but has been spreading rapidly over the World in the last couple of decades.
Scalp Acupuncture, like the other holistic systems, maps the skull to find points that relate to the Meridians of the entire body. Although some traditional Meridians pass through the skull, and several well known and useful body acupuncture points are located there, Scalp Acupuncture has its own miniature body map. There are over 80 different conditions that have been identified that seem to respond especially well to Scalp Acupuncture. Pain is one of these. Conditions that involve brain functions seem a natural for this form of treatment, and very good results have been obtained with stroke patients.
Scalp Acupuncture uses extremely small and thin needles. The insertion angle is between 15 and 30 degrees and penetration is very minimal compared to body acupuncture. It is quite normal to apply stimulation to the needles during the treatment. This is done either by manual twisting or by electro-stimulation. The needles are stimulated for three or four minutes, followed by five or more minutes of rest. Patients are instructed to focus their attention and mental energy on the stimulation points during the treatments.
There are several different schools of Scalp Acupuncture that have been developing separately over the last 30 years. Each uses a slightly different mapping of the skull although the actual insertion and stimulation techniques are very similar. There is still much research and experimentation taking place in this field. The holistic system forms of acupuncture are often used in conjunction with the more time honored body acupuncture techniques. The advantage of Scalp Acupuncture is the fact that the treatments can take place in a sitting position and involve considerably less discomfort.
Using All Natural Cure For Acne Treatments
Some prescription drugs, particularly antibiotics, may disrupt the bacteria normally present in the intestine and vagina, causing the unpleasant symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, or vaginitis. Because Lactobacillus acidophilus is one such regular inhabitant that can prevent bacterial or yeast overgrowth, consumption of yogurt or L. bacillus capsules or tablets has been found to be effective in decreasing the incidence of candidiasis.
Some people believe that candida infection causes, or at least contributes to, fibromyalgia. Dr. William Crook, MD, originally proposed the concept of candidiasis as a contributing factor to a number of difficult-to-diagnose disorders. There is still some controversy about Dr. Crooks work, but more people are beginning to agree that candida may have a role in fibromyalgia and other illnesses.
Not all women experience a discharge. The easiest way to tell if a woman has yeast infection is if she experiences itchiness in and around her vagina. The itchiness may go hand in hand with a burning sensation. The outer area and the vulva area can become swollen and red, this can result in painful urination and sexual intercourse may also be painful too.
An abundance of candida may also cause vaginitis, commonly known as a yeast infection. Ordinary symptoms are vaginal itching, a white discharge, sensitive skin at the vaginal opening and pain during urination or intercourse. This condition is especially common in women who are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women using contraceptives with a high estrogen level are also more susceptible to yeast infections. Because the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections is responsible for thrush, it may also be spread through oral sex.
The extensive use of broad spectrum antibiotics destroys much of the good bacteria in our gut that would otherwise keep candida in its place. Many women are aware that taking antibiotics for a bladder infection virtually guarantees an onset of a vaginal yeast infection.
Factors that can be major causes of yeast infections in women include the use of douches, scented feminine hygiene products, feminine sprays, and regular use of spermicidal creams. The combination of some or all of these products will sometimes ruin the delicate balance of the vagina which in turn can create a yeast infection.
There are a wide variety of creams, lotions and other products that claim to help in providing yeast infection relief and eliminate the problem. Monistat 7 is a very well known product, as is others such as Vagistat. The main ingredients in these products are designed to break up the fungus and provide relief as soon as possible. So, do they work? Yes, these types of over-the-counter products can help in fighting the infection, but keep in mind that none of these will treat the root cause of yeast infection.
Some people believe that candida infection causes, or at least contributes to, fibromyalgia. Dr. William Crook, MD, originally proposed the concept of candidiasis as a contributing factor to a number of difficult-to-diagnose disorders. There is still some controversy about Dr. Crooks work, but more people are beginning to agree that candida may have a role in fibromyalgia and other illnesses.
Not all women experience a discharge. The easiest way to tell if a woman has yeast infection is if she experiences itchiness in and around her vagina. The itchiness may go hand in hand with a burning sensation. The outer area and the vulva area can become swollen and red, this can result in painful urination and sexual intercourse may also be painful too.
An abundance of candida may also cause vaginitis, commonly known as a yeast infection. Ordinary symptoms are vaginal itching, a white discharge, sensitive skin at the vaginal opening and pain during urination or intercourse. This condition is especially common in women who are pregnant or taking antibiotics. Women using contraceptives with a high estrogen level are also more susceptible to yeast infections. Because the same fungus that causes vaginal yeast infections is responsible for thrush, it may also be spread through oral sex.
The extensive use of broad spectrum antibiotics destroys much of the good bacteria in our gut that would otherwise keep candida in its place. Many women are aware that taking antibiotics for a bladder infection virtually guarantees an onset of a vaginal yeast infection.
Factors that can be major causes of yeast infections in women include the use of douches, scented feminine hygiene products, feminine sprays, and regular use of spermicidal creams. The combination of some or all of these products will sometimes ruin the delicate balance of the vagina which in turn can create a yeast infection.
There are a wide variety of creams, lotions and other products that claim to help in providing yeast infection relief and eliminate the problem. Monistat 7 is a very well known product, as is others such as Vagistat. The main ingredients in these products are designed to break up the fungus and provide relief as soon as possible. So, do they work? Yes, these types of over-the-counter products can help in fighting the infection, but keep in mind that none of these will treat the root cause of yeast infection.
Asthma - Home Remedies for Asthma Cure
Asthma is an ancient Greek word which means panting or short drawn breath. It is the most troublesome of all the respiratory diseases. It affects twice as many boys as girls in childhood; more girls than boys in teenage and in adulthood, the ratio become 1:1 males to females.
Causes of Asthma
* Lack of exercise
* Genetic factors
* Dietary changes
* Occupational exposure
* Environmental factors
Home Remedies for Asthma cure
* In asthma treatments The patient should perspire through steam bath, hot footbath, hot hipbath and sunbath as this will stimulate the skin and relieve congested lungs.
* Honey is considered highly beneficial in asthma cure. At the time of asthma attack a jug full of honey should be placed under the nose of patient, within few minutes the patient would start breathing easily. The patient should be given garlic cloves boiled in thirty grams of milk daily.
* Steaming ginger tea with minced garlic cloves should be given twice in a day for asthma cure.
* A teaspoonful of turmeric powder with a glass of milk 2-3 times a day is recommended in asthma treatments. It is beneficial when taken empty stomach.
* During the attack mustard oil mixed with little camphor should be massaged over the back of the chest as this helps in asthma treatments.
* For asthma cure the patient should also be made to inhale steam from boiling water mixed with ajwain.
* Air, sun and water are great healing agents. The patient should sit in fresh air for sometime daily. Try to avoid dusty places, exposure to cold.
* Boil 5-6 cloves in 125 ml of water. Add one teaspoonful of honey and drink the mixture twice or thrice a day for asthma cure.
* 1-2 teaspoonfuls of Spiegel seed with warm water twice in a day helps in asthma treatments.
* Soak dry grapes in water at night and keep in cold milk for half an hour and chew them to cure asthma.
* Take fresh dry grapes with seeds and soak them in 150-200 grams of water at night. Remove the seeds in the morning and chew them slowly, one by one. In the remaining water add a little sugar and drink it for asthma treatment.
* For asthma cure mix one gram of dry ginger powder and one gram of black pepper in one teaspoon of molasses of honey.
* Boil some fenugreek seeds in 250-300 ml of water; remove from flame when one-third of it is left. Add one teaspoonful of ginger juice and one teaspoonful of honey. It is highly beneficial asthma cure.
* For asthma cure turmeric can be taken along with honey in the morning on empty stomach to reduce the intensity of attack.
* Peel dry pomegranate and keep them in a jar. Boil two raisins and some part of the peel in 250-300 ml of milk. Drink this milk twice in a day.
* Boil 20 grams of linseed in 300-350 grams of water. When one-third of water is left, sieve and add 10-15 grams of sugar candy. Drink one teaspoonful many times in an hour. This will help in the excretion of mucous that has dried up in the chest and thus helps in asthma cure.
Home and Herbal Remedies for Hemorrhoids Treatment
Hemorrhoids are the inflamed condition of the veins inside or outside the rectum also known as piles. It is associated with pain, itching and bleeding. Piles can be defined as the enlarged and swollen blood vessels in or around the anus region. The condition is common among all age groups but the most sufferers are women during their pregnancy time.
Causes of Piles
* Constipation
* Pregnancy- due to increased blood flow.
* Overeating of low fibre diet
* Heavy lifting jobs
* Chronic diarrhea
* Excessive intake of spices and condiments.
Home Remedies for Piles
* Dry figs are most important food remedy for piles. 3-4 figs should be soaked overnight in water and taken empty stomach in morning along with the water in which they were soaked.
* Mango seeds are effective remedy for bleeding piles. The seeds should be dried and powdered and can be taken in the doses of about one and a half gram to two grams with or without honey.
* White radish is considered highly valuable in the treatment of piles. Grated radish mixed with honey can be taken.
* White radish juice with a pinch of salt is beneficial. It should be taken in doses of 70-90 ml in the morning and evening.
* Make a paste of well-grounded radish with milk and apply over piles to get relief from pain and swelling.
* Cold-water treatment helps the veins to shrink and tones up the walls. The treatment should be taken twice in a day by sitting in a tub filled with cold-water up to the chin level.
* Cold compress applied to the rectal area for about an hour before going to bed at night is very beneficial.
* Yogic kriyas like jalneti and vamandhouti are beneficial.
* Various yogasanas such as sarvangasana, vipritakarani, halsana and gomukhasana are useful. Sarvangasana is beneficial as it drains the stagnant blood from the anus.
* A cup of milk boiled with mashed banana and taken thrice a day is beneficial.
* The jambul fruit is also effective food remedy. The fruits should be taken with salt every morning for 3-4 months in the season.
* Make a mixture of half-teaspoon fresh ginger juice, half-teaspoon fresh limejuice, a tablespoon honey, and a half-teaspoon mint leaves and take this mixture once in a day.
Ayurvedic Remedies Helps You to Solve Your General Health Problems
Ayurvedic remedies are the time-tested procedures that were devised after observing their effect on the body. Ayurveda is an age-old health science that has a history of 5000 yeas in developing. Various learned men in ancient India made certain remedies and processes that were very much applicable in providing cure to a variety of diseases.
All these procedures were made as per the availability of things in the surroundings especially vegetations. They after observing all the actions of a particular herb or a plant applied it to various diseases. Hence a full references and data was generated and then documented in various ancient texts. Some of these texts are Charka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Ashtaang samgraha.
These three books possess the complete ayurvedic remedies along with the complete references of diseases and their various sign and symptoms. In these texts there is a complete explanation of diseases along with their diagnostic methods. After this there is a complete treatment with single herbs and certain herbal combinations.
Below are certain ayurvedic remedies that are very helpful in treating a number of diseases with the remedies available around us:
Constipation for getting relieved from constipation one can use triphala powder three to five grams daily with warm water or hot milk. One more remedy is also very effective in treating constipation. Take castor oil one to two table spoons at night with warm water or milk. This will not only helps in relieving the constipation but will also improve your digestion. You can also take three to five grams of Haritaki powder that is also a good laxative agent.
Indigestion ayurveda has lots of remedies that deal in treating indigestion. Mint or pudina paste is very effective in treating all kinds of indigestion. One table spoon of pudina paste helps in relieving from all kind of digestive disorders and a condition of hyperacidity. Cumin seeds are another herbal drug that is very effective in treating indigestion. 8 to 10 seeds with plane water increasing the peristaltic movement and is also very helpful in avoiding the feeling of nausea.
Arthritis ayurveda has great herbals remedies in treating arthritis. Ashwagandha is considered as the greatest herb that is very helpful in treating pains and inflammation in any part of the body. 3 to 5 grams of powder of Ashwagandha is taken twice daily with warm water. Guggul is another ayurvedic herb thats immensely used in treating the arthritis. A dose of 3 grams of Guggul is enough to get relived from pains. Various Guggul preparations are available in the market. Some of the Guggul preparations that are used are yoga raja Guggul, mahayograja Guggul, kaishore Guggul, triyodashang Guggul etc. Shallaki is another herb which is very similar to Guggul is also widely used to suppress pain and relive from inflammation.
Skin problems whenever there is a talk of skin related problems there is only a single herb that is most extensively used. It is neem or azadirachita indica. This is also known as margosa in common language. 3 to 5 grams of neem powder with cold water or milk is to be taken twice daily. Neem has an antibacterial property that helps in curbing any kind of infections that occurs in the body. Turmeric is another herb that is widely used in skin related problems. It is known as curcuma longa in technical terms is very effective in curing all skin problems. It is antimicrobial agent and helps in purifying blood. Khadir is another herb that is also very good in treating skin problems and irritation. It also relives from allergies and infection. It can be applied locally on the skin as well as can be used orally.
Ear problem ayurveda has certain oils and juices that are very effective in curbing ear aches and their various other troubles. Bakuchi tail is a wonderful remedy for treating ear aches and its problems. Even sarso oil is also useful in treating ear problems.
All these procedures were made as per the availability of things in the surroundings especially vegetations. They after observing all the actions of a particular herb or a plant applied it to various diseases. Hence a full references and data was generated and then documented in various ancient texts. Some of these texts are Charka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Ashtaang samgraha.
These three books possess the complete ayurvedic remedies along with the complete references of diseases and their various sign and symptoms. In these texts there is a complete explanation of diseases along with their diagnostic methods. After this there is a complete treatment with single herbs and certain herbal combinations.
Below are certain ayurvedic remedies that are very helpful in treating a number of diseases with the remedies available around us:
Constipation for getting relieved from constipation one can use triphala powder three to five grams daily with warm water or hot milk. One more remedy is also very effective in treating constipation. Take castor oil one to two table spoons at night with warm water or milk. This will not only helps in relieving the constipation but will also improve your digestion. You can also take three to five grams of Haritaki powder that is also a good laxative agent.
Indigestion ayurveda has lots of remedies that deal in treating indigestion. Mint or pudina paste is very effective in treating all kinds of indigestion. One table spoon of pudina paste helps in relieving from all kind of digestive disorders and a condition of hyperacidity. Cumin seeds are another herbal drug that is very effective in treating indigestion. 8 to 10 seeds with plane water increasing the peristaltic movement and is also very helpful in avoiding the feeling of nausea.
Arthritis ayurveda has great herbals remedies in treating arthritis. Ashwagandha is considered as the greatest herb that is very helpful in treating pains and inflammation in any part of the body. 3 to 5 grams of powder of Ashwagandha is taken twice daily with warm water. Guggul is another ayurvedic herb thats immensely used in treating the arthritis. A dose of 3 grams of Guggul is enough to get relived from pains. Various Guggul preparations are available in the market. Some of the Guggul preparations that are used are yoga raja Guggul, mahayograja Guggul, kaishore Guggul, triyodashang Guggul etc. Shallaki is another herb which is very similar to Guggul is also widely used to suppress pain and relive from inflammation.
Skin problems whenever there is a talk of skin related problems there is only a single herb that is most extensively used. It is neem or azadirachita indica. This is also known as margosa in common language. 3 to 5 grams of neem powder with cold water or milk is to be taken twice daily. Neem has an antibacterial property that helps in curbing any kind of infections that occurs in the body. Turmeric is another herb that is widely used in skin related problems. It is known as curcuma longa in technical terms is very effective in curing all skin problems. It is antimicrobial agent and helps in purifying blood. Khadir is another herb that is also very good in treating skin problems and irritation. It also relives from allergies and infection. It can be applied locally on the skin as well as can be used orally.
Ear problem ayurveda has certain oils and juices that are very effective in curbing ear aches and their various other troubles. Bakuchi tail is a wonderful remedy for treating ear aches and its problems. Even sarso oil is also useful in treating ear problems.
Natural Home Remedies for Indigestion Cure
Indigestion also known as dyspepsia is a condition of the stomach in which digestive juices are not secreted properly and results in discomfort in stomach. This condition is mainly the result of consumption of variety of foodstuffs and eatables.
Causes of Indigestion
* Overeating
* Eating hurriedly without chewing properly
* Food allergies like beans, onions, seafood etc.
* Due to Lack of Exercise
* Due to Improperly cooked food
Home Remedies for Indigestion
* Half glass of pineapple juice taken after every meal is very beneficial in treating indigestion. ZoneChefs - Let us do the dieting for you !
* An orange is effective home remedy as it gives rest to the digestive organs and supplies nutrition.
* Grapes are effective in indigestion cure and irritation from the stomach.
* Lemon juice helps in indigestion cure as it fights against bacteria. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of hot water before a meal to prevent indigestion.
* Yogic asanas such as ardhmatsyasana, sarvangasana, uttanpadasana, pavanmuktasana, vajrasana, yogamudra, bhujangasana, shalabhasana and shavasana are very beneficial.
* Yogic kriyas like jalnati, kunjal and pranayamas like kapalbhati, anulomaviloma and ujjai are very beneficial in the treatment of indigestion.
* Application of ice bag over the stomach for half an hour after meals is highly recommended.
* Mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a glass for immediate relief from indigestion.
* Mix one teaspoon of cumin seeds (known as jeera) in a glass of water and drink it.
* Add one teaspoon of fresh coriander leaf juice and add it a pinch of salt and drink it twice in a day.
* A teaspoon of seeds of ajwain with a little rock salt is a good remedy for indigestion.
* One or two teaspoon of coriander juice, when added to fresh buttermilk, is very beneficial in treating digestive disorders.
* Chewing a small piece of fresh ginger with salt, six to twelve minutes before meals, stimulates digestion.
* A tablespoon of cinnamon water, taken after meals after one hour relieves flatulence and indigestion.
* Ground cardamom seed mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander is also an effective remedy for indigestion.
* Clove promotes enzymatic flow in stomach and boost digestive functioning.
* Drink one cup of ginger tea after meals to promote a good digestion and also for heartburn, nausea, etc.
* Peppermint is also good for indigestion so it can be taken for indigestion cure.
Causes of Indigestion
* Overeating
* Eating hurriedly without chewing properly
* Food allergies like beans, onions, seafood etc.
* Due to Lack of Exercise
* Due to Improperly cooked food
Home Remedies for Indigestion
* Half glass of pineapple juice taken after every meal is very beneficial in treating indigestion. ZoneChefs - Let us do the dieting for you !
* An orange is effective home remedy as it gives rest to the digestive organs and supplies nutrition.
* Grapes are effective in indigestion cure and irritation from the stomach.
* Lemon juice helps in indigestion cure as it fights against bacteria. Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of hot water before a meal to prevent indigestion.
* Yogic asanas such as ardhmatsyasana, sarvangasana, uttanpadasana, pavanmuktasana, vajrasana, yogamudra, bhujangasana, shalabhasana and shavasana are very beneficial.
* Yogic kriyas like jalnati, kunjal and pranayamas like kapalbhati, anulomaviloma and ujjai are very beneficial in the treatment of indigestion.
* Application of ice bag over the stomach for half an hour after meals is highly recommended.
* Mix equal parts of baking soda and water in a glass for immediate relief from indigestion.
* Mix one teaspoon of cumin seeds (known as jeera) in a glass of water and drink it.
* Add one teaspoon of fresh coriander leaf juice and add it a pinch of salt and drink it twice in a day.
* A teaspoon of seeds of ajwain with a little rock salt is a good remedy for indigestion.
* One or two teaspoon of coriander juice, when added to fresh buttermilk, is very beneficial in treating digestive disorders.
* Chewing a small piece of fresh ginger with salt, six to twelve minutes before meals, stimulates digestion.
* A tablespoon of cinnamon water, taken after meals after one hour relieves flatulence and indigestion.
* Ground cardamom seed mixed with ginger, cloves and coriander is also an effective remedy for indigestion.
* Clove promotes enzymatic flow in stomach and boost digestive functioning.
* Drink one cup of ginger tea after meals to promote a good digestion and also for heartburn, nausea, etc.
* Peppermint is also good for indigestion so it can be taken for indigestion cure.
Natural Home Remedies for Jaundice Treatment
Jaundice means the yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes caused due to the high level of pigment bilirubin in the body. It is the most common liver disorder that results from an obstruction in the bile duct or the loss of function of the bile producing liver cells. The person becomes very weak in jaundice. Bile is a vital digestive fluid that is essential for proper nutrition.
Causes of jaundice
* Hemolytic anemia
* Blockage in bile ducts
* Due to Acute hepatitis
* Due to Pancreatic cancer
* Alcoholic liver disease
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms, other than that of the jaundice itself, will relate to the underlying cause. For example someone with haemolysis might also be anaemic and tired. If a gallstone were responsible there would probably have been a preceding history of pain in the abdomen. A cancer might be accompanied by weight loss, and so on.
Home Remedies for jaundice
* The juice of bitter luffa is very effective home remedy against jaundice. It can be obtained by pounding and squeezing through cloth. The juice obtained should be placed on the palm and then drawn through the nostrils.
* Another effective food remedy for jaundice is the raddish juice.
* Mash one ripe banana with one tablespoon of honey and eat it twice in a day.
* High intake of limejuice is beneficial.
* Take one pinch of black pepper mixed in buttermilk for at least 7-9 days.
* Carrot juice is beneficial for the jaundice patients.
* Prune is one of the most favorable fruits for the patients suffering from jaundice disease.
* Take half teaspoon of ginger juice with one teaspoon of fresh lime and mint added.
* Drinking tomato juice with a pinch of salt early in the morning is very beneficial.
* 4 grams of Indian gooseberry taken with water thrice a day for at least 20-25 days cures all liver problems.
* Minerals like calcium and iron should be included in the diet.
* Daily intake of pinch of roasted alum with buttermilk, twice or thrice in a day treats jaundice.
* Oils, fried foods, butter, turmeric, spicy food, pickles and sour products should not be taken.
Causes of jaundice
* Hemolytic anemia
* Blockage in bile ducts
* Due to Acute hepatitis
* Due to Pancreatic cancer
* Alcoholic liver disease
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms, other than that of the jaundice itself, will relate to the underlying cause. For example someone with haemolysis might also be anaemic and tired. If a gallstone were responsible there would probably have been a preceding history of pain in the abdomen. A cancer might be accompanied by weight loss, and so on.
Home Remedies for jaundice
* The juice of bitter luffa is very effective home remedy against jaundice. It can be obtained by pounding and squeezing through cloth. The juice obtained should be placed on the palm and then drawn through the nostrils.
* Another effective food remedy for jaundice is the raddish juice.
* Mash one ripe banana with one tablespoon of honey and eat it twice in a day.
* High intake of limejuice is beneficial.
* Take one pinch of black pepper mixed in buttermilk for at least 7-9 days.
* Carrot juice is beneficial for the jaundice patients.
* Prune is one of the most favorable fruits for the patients suffering from jaundice disease.
* Take half teaspoon of ginger juice with one teaspoon of fresh lime and mint added.
* Drinking tomato juice with a pinch of salt early in the morning is very beneficial.
* 4 grams of Indian gooseberry taken with water thrice a day for at least 20-25 days cures all liver problems.
* Minerals like calcium and iron should be included in the diet.
* Daily intake of pinch of roasted alum with buttermilk, twice or thrice in a day treats jaundice.
* Oils, fried foods, butter, turmeric, spicy food, pickles and sour products should not be taken.
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