Before I could overcome my surprise and raise objections, Baskerville
had wrung my hand heartily, and there was no escape. I will admit that
the promise of adventure has always had a fascination for me, and I was
complimented by the words of Holmes & by the eagerness with which the
baronet hailed me as a companion. I said I would come with pleasure and
did not know how I could employ my time better. We agreed to meet on
Saturday, at the ten-thirty train from Paddington.
Just as we were leaving, Baskerville dived into a corner and produced a
brown boot. Both he & Mortimer were mystified. Both said they had searched
every inch of the room before lunch. Their German waiter professed to know
nothing of the matter. It was another item to add to the apparently
purposeless series of small mysteries.
All afternoon and late into the evening, Holmes sat lost in tobacco
