Chapter 8: First Report of Dr. Watson

In Chapter 8, Dr. Watson makes his first report on his investigation into the case of the Hound of the Baskervilles. He and Sir Henry travel to Coombe Tracey to meet with Laura Lyons, who was a friend of Sir Charles and may have information about his death. Laura Lyons is hesitant to speak at first but eventually reveals that she was planning to meet Sir Charles the night he died to ask him for money to help her leave her unhappy marriage. She also reveals that she met a mysterious stranger who she believes is the same man who gave Sir Charles the note that led to his death.

After their meeting with Laura Lyons, Dr. Watson and Sir Henry go to Baskerville Hall, where they find Barrymore acting suspiciously. They follow him to the window of the room where Selden was being kept, and Barrymore tells them that Selden has escaped. Sir Henry decides to offer a reward for Selden’s capture, hoping to draw him out into the open.

Meanwhile, Dr. Watson continues his investigation into the case, gathering information from various sources. He learns that there is a convict named Selden who escaped from prison and is believed to be hiding on the moors. He also learns that a man matching the description of the mysterious stranger who Laura Lyons met was seen on the night of Sir Charles’s death.

As Dr. Watson continues his investigation, he begins to suspect that Stapleton may be involved in the case. He discovers that Stapleton has been collecting rare butterflies, and that he is an expert on the moors. He also notices that Stapleton is trying to keep him and Sir Henry away from a certain area of the moors.

In this chapter, the mystery surrounding the case of the Hound of the Baskervilles deepens, with new information about Laura Lyons, Selden, and the mysterious stranger coming to light. Dr. Watson’s investigation becomes more focused, as he begins to suspect that Stapleton may be involved in the case. The tension and suspense continue to build, as the reader is left wondering what will happen next.