How we cite our quotes: (Chapter. Paragraph)
Quote #1
Of the origin of the Hound of the Baskervilles there have been many statements, yet as I come in a direct line from Hugo Baskerville, and as I had the story from my father, who also had it from his, I have set it down with all belief that it occurred even as is here set forth. And I would have you believe, my sons, that the same Justice which punishes sin may also most graciously forgive it, and that no ban is so heavy but that by prayer and repentance it may be removed. Learn then from this story not to fear the fruits of the past, but rather to be circumspect in the future, that those foul passions whereby our family has suffered so grievously may not again be loosed to our undoing. (2.16)
Doctor Mortimer takes this old account of the Hound as absolute truth. But the writer wants to use the story to teach a lesson to his sons not to give in to "those foul passions" that have caused the family so much trouble. It's a story with a moral, which makes its objective truth seem a little doubtful. A scare tactic, maybe. This manuscript also gives us our first glimpse of the suspicion and fear that pervades Dartmoor.
Quote #2
"I could not call you in, Mr. Holmes, without disclosing these facts to the world, and I have already given my reasons for not wishing to do so. Besides, besides—"
"Why do you hesitate?"
"There is a realm in which the most acute and most experienced of detectives is helpless."
"You mean that the thing is supernatural?"
"I did not positively say so."
"No, but you evidently think it." (3.52-7)
Out on the moors, it is possible to believe in anything, even demon dogs. Holmes, a city boy, will never admit that there's a "realm in which the most acute and most experienced of detectives is helpless." The two settings of the novel represent completely different world views: one that allows the supernatural and another that emphasizes rationality and science. Anyone who's ever turned on the night light (because of that monster under the bed) can relate to this.
Quote #3
"Put into plain words, the matter is this," said he. "In your opinion there is a diabolical agency which makes Dartmoor an unsafe abode for a Baskerville—that is your opinion?"
"At least I might go the length of saying that there is some evidence that this may be so."
"Exactly. But surely, if your supernatural theory be correct, it could work the young man evil in London as easily as in Devonshire. A devil with merely local powers like a parish vestry would be too inconceivable a thing." (3.75-7)
In this passage, Holmes teases Doctor Mortimer for thinking that, if Sir Henry is really being pursued by the devil, he'll be safer in London than in Devonshire. As Holmes says, "a devil with merely local powers" would be pretty lame. However, once Watson gets out to Baskerville Hall, the notion that Dartmoor and the Grimpen Mire might actually be places where evil thrives seems more possible to him. Maybe that's because Watson is more imaginative and superstitious than Holmes. Dartmoor is starting to seem a lot like Sleepy Hollow.