45930    Sir Charles was a widower, and a man who may be said to have been in some ways of an eccentric habit of mind.

45931    In spite of his considerable wealth he was simple in his personal tastes, and his indoor servants at Baskerville Hall consisted of a married couple named Barrymore, the husband acting as butler and the wife as housekeeper.

45932    Their evidence, corroborated by that of several friends, tends to show that Sir Charles's health has for some time been impaired, and points especially to some affection of the heart, manifesting itself in changes of colour, breathlessness, and acute attacks of nervous depression.

45933    Dr James Mortimer, the friend and medical attendant of the deceased, has given evidence to the same effect.

45934    'The facts of the case are simple.

45935    Sir Charles Baskerville was in the habit every night before going to bed of walking down the famous Yew Alley of Baskerville Hall.

45936    The evidence of the Barrymores shows that this had been his custom.

45937    On the 4th of June Sir Charles had declared his intention of starting next day for London, and had ordered Barrymore to prepare his luggage.

45938    That night he went out as usual for his nocturnal walk, in the course of which he was in the habit of smoking a cigar.

45939    He never returned.

45940    At twelve o'clock Barrymore, finding the hall door still open, became alarmed and, lighting a lantern, went in search of his master.

45941    The day had been wet, and Sir Charles's footmarks were easily traced down the Alley.

45942    Half-way down this walk there is a gate which leads out on to the moor.

45943    There were indications that Sir Charles had stood for some little time here.

45944    He then proceeded down the Alley, and it was at the far end of it that his body was discovered.