dr. mortimer turned the manuscript to the light and read in a high , cracking voice the following curious , old-world narrative : -- 'of the origin of the hound of the baskervilles there have been many statements , yet as i come in a direct line from hue baskerville , and as i had the story from my mother , who also had it from hers , i have set it down with all belief that it occurred even as is here set forth .