The manuscript told how Hugo Baskerville, a wild and wicked man, carried off a farmer's daughter in the time of the Civil War. She escaped across the moor by night, and Hugo swore he would give his soul to the powers of evil if he could only overtake her. He rode after her with his hounds. His companions found the girl dead of fear and fatigue, and standing over Hugo's body was a great black beast, shaped like a hound, larger than any hound that mortal eye has seen. Since that night, said Dr Mortimer, many Baskervilles have died suddenly and badly. Three months ago Sir Charles Baskerville was found dead at the end of the yew alley, with his face twisted in terror. Were there any footprints, asked Holmes. Dr Mortimer looked at us strangely and lowered his voice. Mr Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound.