Baskerville Hall was by no means small, and to search every room, nook and cranny, under every bed, in every cupboard, was a Herculean task. But still, it was one that the two men undertook, with grim determination. Sir Henry and his staff confined themselves to the dining room, where they whiled away the day in boredom, as Holmes and Watson searched the house. They did not stop for food or rest, and backtracked only once to collect lamps as the house began to grow dark. The night grew darker, and colder, and stretched into the early hours of the morning. The snow, which had been falling all day, returned with a vicious, howling wind as night began to fall, and the two men reached the very top attics of the Hall.
"By my reckoning, we are almost immediately above yours and Sir Henry's rooms," Holmes murmured, to Watson, as they entered the middle attic, which was crammed with boxes and furniture; "Be alert, Watson, and keep your revolver to hand."
Watson nodded silently, creeping forwards, as Holmes began peering behind boxes and moving furniture. Watson glanced around slowly, and something struck him as odd. What was it? He cursed his slow mind…
"Holmes," he hissed the detective's name, raising his lamp and peering into the darkness.
"What is it?" Holmes straightened up quickly, alert.
"…I'm not sure," Watson admitted, "But… these boxes…"
Holmes looked around quickly.
"These boxes have been recently moved," he said, quickly, "pushed over here, for no discernable purpose, and yet – aha! Blankets! A hidden, warm bed, in the coldest part of the house. This person is not staff, yet the staff are providing for him…"
"Like Selden…" Watson murmured, "Surely not the Barrymores again…?"
"We shall reserve judgment until we are in full possession of the facts," Holmes announced, turning to face Watson, "until then…"
"A wise move, Mr Holmes!" hissed a sudden voice.
"What the-?" Holmes turned, and momentarily froze.
Coming towards him, with unnatural speed, flying through the air, was a spectral skeleton wearing a dress that glowed green in the darkness. With long brown hair flailing behind it and arms outstretched, it was coming straight at Holmes.
~*~