46114    'Why should he not go to the home of his fathers?'

46115    'It seems natural, does it not?

46116    And yet, consider that every Baskerville who goes there meets with an evil fate.

46117    I feel sure that if Sir Charles could have spoken with me before his death he would have warned me against bringing this the last of the old race, and the heir to great wealth, to that deadly place.

46118    And yet it cannot be denied that the prosperity of the whole poor, bleak country-side depends upon his presence.

46119    All the good work which has been done by Sir Charles will crash to the ground if there is no tenant of the Hall.

46120    I fear lest I should be swayed too much by my own obvious interest in the matter, and that is why I bring the case before you and ask for your advice.'

46121    Holmes considered for a little time.

46122    'Put into plain words, the matter is this,' said he.

46123    'In your opinion there is a diabolical agency which makes Dartmoor an unsafe abode for a Baskerville - that is your opinion?'

46124    'At least I might go the length of saying that there is some evidence that this may be so.'

46125    'Exactly.

46126    But surely if your supernatural theory be correct, it could work the young man evil in London as easily as in Devonshire.

46127    A devil with merely local powers like a parish vestry would be too inconceivable a thing.'

46128    'You put the matter more flippantly, Mr Holmes, than you would probably do if you were brought into personal contact with these things.