August 20th, 1889
The morning held no new solutions, but ended up providing more confusing details and even more vagueness. We met Henry Baskerville, and with him he brought a letter, containing the phrase "As you value your life or your reason keep away from the moor." Holmes discovered quite a few interesting things about the letter. He immediately knew that the words were pasted with gum to the parchment, and their origin was yesterday's Times, simply do to the typeface and the quality of the ink. Sherlock was even able to decipher what article the words came from. He mentioned that the man was decidedly intelligent, but wishing to appear as if he was not, as the Times is not a common-man's paper. From the ink used and the quality of parchment, Holmes stated that the letter was constructed in a hotel, as the ink was obviously low and the pen wasn't in top form, qualities a personal well and pen would rarely have, unless the owner lived in the middle of nowhere and had no access to such supplies on a regular basis. Most importantly, however, is the fact that Sir Henry Baskerville is being followed. Sherlock gave him time to ponder over whether or not he was going to go through with his arrival at the manor, or return back home, a decision of which, not but a few hours later, he chose the latter. At the time, he had been missing one shoe out of a pair, which was such a curious thing! It could not be found anywhere where he was staying, and then, while we were sitting down to lunch before he could make his decision, it reappeared, not without the absence of another.
When they were leaving the first time round, after having been given time, Sherlock saw someone with a ridiculously large beard following Mortimer and Henry. He was able to quickly get theca number, but it was impossible to follow him at such a quick pace. When we called on the taxi driver later, the name given to us, that of the strange pursuer, was Sherlock Holmes. I had to restrain myself from laughing at loud at the look on Sherlock's face, and he quickly admitted to having been the victim of a check-mate.
Another thing about the letter, Sherlock had narrowed the possibility of its origin down to 23 hotels in the area, and sent a boy around to all of them, but no cut-up newspaper could be found. Whoever we're after is unbelievably good at covering their tracks.
Ah, and one more important detail I cannot believe I neglected to mention thus far. I am writing tonight's entry from the Baskerville Manor itself, as I am the ability to sleep. Sherlock readily volunteered me to accompany Sir Henry (without first mentioning the prospect to me, I might add) as he believes me to be trustworthy and fearless. I am to observe everything and report back to him without bias, and so he did not tell me any leads he may have on the case. I was greatly flattered, but this place is strange, and I will be ever so grateful to leave as soon as possible.
John Watson