Cannot stop, can't you? ...third challenge!

THE STOLEN BOOT

Holmes and Watson arrived at Sir Henry's hotel. When they were admitted into Sir Henry's room, they found out that he was furious because someone had stolen an old black boot from him. Holmes was suspicious about this new mystery and asked Sir Henry if he knew anyone with a thick black beard. After a few seconds, he replied: “Yes, Mr. Barrymore fits this description, he’s the butler at Baskerville Hall”. Holmes came to a conclusion: “It is definitely too dangerous for Sir Henry to go to Baskerville Hall alone, but I can't go myself, I have business here in London: Dr. Watson will go there with Sir Henry”. While they were talking, Sir Henry suddenly noticed that another boot had been stolen: only one of his brown boots was hidden underneath a cabinet. 

The first thing Sherlock Holmes needed to check was whether Barrymore was still at Baskerville Hall. Through a telegram, Holmes got confirmation that he had not left Baskerville Hall for London, so he couldn’t be Sir Henry's spy. 

Being confident that they could trust the butler, Dr. Watson and Sir Henry left for the mansion. On their way, Dr. Watson and Sir Henry met some soldiers guarding the area, who told them: “A murderer named Selden has escaped from prison and has gone to the moors, this is not a safe place these days my dear gentlemen”. 

Why do you think Holmes is very worried about the stolen boots? And do you think “Selden” is involved in sir Charles Baskerville’s mysterious death?

HYPOTHESIS N° 1

Holmes was worried about the stolen boots because he thought the thief wanted to use them to kill Sir Henry. Selden was not involved in Sir Charles’ death.

HYPOTHESIS N° 2

Holmes was worried about the mystery of the boots because he feared Sir Henry’s anger about the theft. Selden was embroiled in sir Baskerville’s death.

HYPOTHESIS N° 3

Holmes thought the stolen boots were important because the thief could use them to incriminate sir Henry Baskerville. Selden was implicated in sir Baskerville’s death, he escaped to the moor to run away from the police.