Story number 8 in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir,
Arthur Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in
the public domain. Story number 8, the adventure of
the Speckled Band. On glancing over my notes of the
seventy odd cases in which I have during the last eight years
study, the methods of my friend Sherlock Holmes.
I find many tragic, some comic, a large number, merely strange,
but non common place for working as he did rather for the love of
his art than for the acquirement of wealth.
He refused to associate himself with any investigation which did
not tend towards the unusual and even the Fantastic of all these
varied case. However, I cannot recall any
which presented more singular features than that, which was
associated with the well-known Surrey family of the roylott's
of stoke. Moran the events in question
occurred in the early days of my association with homes.
When we were sharing rooms as bachelors in Baker Street, it is
possible that I might have placed them upon record before,
but a promise of secrecy was made at the time from which I've
only been freed during the last month by the untimely death of
the lady. He To Whom The Pledge was given.
It is perhaps as well, that the facts should now come to light
for. I have reasons to know that
there are widespread rumors as to the death of dr.
Grimesby roylott. Which tend to make the matter
even more terrible than the truth.
It was early in April, in the year 83 that I woke one morning
to find Sherlock Holmes standing fully dressed by the side of my
bed. He was a late Riser, as a rule
and as the clock on the mantelpiece, showed me that it
was only 7:15. I blinked up at him in some
surprise and perhaps just a little resentment for I Was
Myself regular in my habits. Very sorry to knock you up.
Watson said he but it's the common lot.
This morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up.
She retorted upon me and I on you.
What is it? Then the fire?
No, a client. It seems that a young lady has
arrived in a considerable. State of excitement who insists
upon seeing me. She is waiting now in the
sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander
about the Metropolis at this hour of the morning, Knock
sleepy people up out of their beds.
I presume that it is something very pressing which they should
have to communicate. Should it prove to be an
interesting case you would, I am sure wish to follow it from the
outset. I thought at any rate that I
should call you and give you the chance.
My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything.
I had no Keener pleasure that in following homes in his
professional investigations and in admiring the rapid deductions
as Swift as intuitions and yet always founded on a logical
basis with which he unraveled the problems, which was
submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes
and was ready in a few minutes to accompany my friend down to
the sitting-room, a lady dressed in black and heavily veiled.
Who'd been sitting in the window Rose as we entered.
Good morning. Madam said, Holmes.
Cheerily. My name is Sherlock Holmes.
This is my intimate friend and Associate.
Dr. Watson before whom you can speak as freely as before
myself, huh? I'm glad to see that.
Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the fire.
Pray draw up to it. And I shall order you a cup of
hot coffee for. I observe that you are
shivering. It is not cold, which makes me
shiver said the woman in a low voice changing her seat as
requested. What then it is fear.
Mr. Holmes. It is Terror.
She raised her veil as she spoke and we could see that she was
indeed in a pitiable. State of agitation her face all
drawn and grey with Restless, frightened eyes, like those of
some hunted animal her features and figure with those of a woman
of thirty, but her hair was shot with premature.
And her expression was weary and Haggard.
Sherlock Holmes, ran her over with one of his quick
all-comprehensive glances. You must not fear said he
soothingly bending forward and patting her forearm.
We shall soon set matters, right?
I have no doubt. You have come in by train this
morning. I see.
You know me then. No, but I observe the second
half of a return ticket in the palm of your left glove.
You must have started early and yet you had a good drive in a
dog-cart along heavy roads. Before you reached the station,
the lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my
companion. There is no mystery.
My dear Madam said, he smiling the left.
Arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven
places. The marks are perfectly fresh.
There is no vehicle, save a dog-cart, which throws up mud in
that way. And then only when you sit on
the left-hand side of the driver.
Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly.
Correct said she I started from home before six reached
Leatherhead at twenty past and came in by the first train to
Waterloo sir. I can stand this strain, no
longer. I shall go mad.
If it continues. I have no one to turn to none.
Save only one who cares for me and he poor fellow can be of
little Aid. I have heard of you.
Mr. Holmes, I have heard. You from mrs.
Farintosh whom you helped in the hour of her sore need it was
from her that I had your address.
Oh, sir. Do you not think that you could
help me, too? And at least throw a little
light through the dense darkness, which surrounds me at
present. It is out of my power to reward
you for your services, but in a month or six weeks, I shall be
married with the control of my own income and then, at least
you shall not find me, ungrateful.
Holmes turned to his desk and unlocking it drew out a small
case book, which he consulted farintosh said he.
Oh, yes, I recall the case. It was concerned with an opal
Tiara. I think it was before your time
Watson. I can only say Madam that I
shall be happy to devote. The same care to your case.
As I did to that of your friend as to reward.
My profession is its own reward, but you are at Liberty to defray
whatever expenses, I may be put. At the time, which suits you
best. And now I beg that you will lay
before us everything that may help us in forming an opinion
upon the matter. Alas replied our visitor, the
very horror of my situation lies in the fact that my fears are so
vague. And my suspicions depend so
entirely upon small points which might seem trivial to another,
but even he to whom of all others.
I have a right to look for help and advice.
Looks upon all that. I tell him about it as the
fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so but I can
read it from his soothing answers, and averted eyes.
But I've heard mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply
into the manifold wickedness of the human heart.
You may advise me how to walk amid the dangers, which
Encompass me. I am all attention.
Madam. My name is Helen Stoner and I am
living with my stepfather who is the last survivor of one of the
oldest Saxon families in England?
The roylott's of stoke, Moran on the Western border of Surrey
Holmes, nodded his head. The name is familiar to me said
he, the family was at one time among the richest in England and
the estate's extended over the borders into Berkshire in the
north and Hampshire in the West in the last century.
However, four successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful
disposition and the family ruin was eventually completed by a
Blur in the days of the Regency. Nothing was left.
Save a few Acres of ground and the two-hundred-year-old house,
which is itself crushed under a heavy mortgage.
The last Squire dragged out, his existence.
There living the horrible life of an aristocratic Pauper, but
his only son, my stepfather seeing that he must adapt
himself to the new conditions obtained.
An advance from a relative which enabled him to take a medical
degree. The and went out to Calcutta,
where by his professional skill and his force of character.
He established a large practice in a fit of anger.
However, caused by some robberies, which have been
perpetrated in the house. He beat his native, Butler's
death and narrowly escaped, a capital sentence as it was he
suffered a long term of imprisonment and afterwards
returned to England a morose and disappointed man.
When dr. Roylott was in India, he married
my mother mrs. Stoner, the young Widow of
major-general Stoner of the Bengal artillery.
My sister Julia and I were Twins and we were only two years old
at the time of my mother's remarriage.
She had a considerable sum of money, not less than 1,000
pounds a year. And this, she bequeathed to dr.
Roylott entirely while we resided with him with a
provision that a certain An annual sum should be allowed to
each of us in the event of our marriage.
Shortly after I returned to England.
My mother died. She was killed eight years ago
in a railway accident near Crewe.
Dr. Roylott then abandoned his attempts to establish himself,
in practice, in London and took us to live with him in the old
ancestral house. At Stoke, Moran the money, which
my mother had left was enough for all our wants and there seem
to be no obstacle to our happiness.
But a terrible change, came over our stepfather about this time,
instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our
neighbors, who had at first been Overjoyed to see a roylott of
stoke, Moran, back in the old family seat.
He shut himself up in his house and seldom came out.
Save to indulge in ferocious quarrels with whoever might
cross his path violence of temper approaching to Mania has
been hereditary in the men of the family and Stepfather's case
it had, I Believe been intensified by his long
residence. In the tropics, a series of
disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the
police-court until at last. He became the terror of the
village and the folks would fly at his approach for years.
A man of immense strength and absolutely uncontrollable in his
anger. Last week, he hurled the local
blacksmith over a parapet into a stream and it was only by paying
over all the money which I could gather together that I was able
to avert another public exposure.
He had no friends at all. Save the wandering gipsies and
he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few
Acres of Bramble covered land. Which represent the family
estate and would accept in return.
The hospitality of their tents wandering away with them.
Sometimes for weeks on end. He has a passion.
Also, for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a
correspondent. And he has at this moment, a
cheetah and a baboon which wander freely over his grounds
and are feared by the villagers. Almost as much as their master.
You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I
had no great pleasure in our lives.
No servant would stay with us. And for a long time.
We did all the work of the house.
She was but 30 at the time of her death and yet her hair had
already begun to whiten. Even as mine has your sister is
dead. Then she died just two years ago
and it is of her death, but I wish to speak to you.
You can understand that living the life, which I have
described. We were little likely to see any
one of our own age and position. We had however, an aunt, my
mother's maiden sister, Miss honoria West fail, who lives
near Harrow? And we were occasionally allowed
to pay short visits at this lady's house.
Julia went there at Christmas two years ago and met there a
half-pay, major of Marines to whom she became engaged.
My stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister
returned and offered no objection to the marriage but
within a fortnight of the day, Have been fixed for the wedding.
The terrible event occurred, which has deprived me of my only
companion. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning
back in his chair with his eyes closed and his head sunk in a
cushion, but he half opened his Lids now and glanced across at
his visitor. Pray, be precise.
As to details said he it is easy for me to be.
So for every event of that Dreadful time is seared into my
memory. The manor house is, as I have
already said very old and Only One Wing is now inhabited.
The bedrooms in this Wing are on the ground floor, the
sitting-rooms being in the central block of the buildings
of these bedrooms. The first is dr.
Roylott's. The second, my sisters and the
third. My own there is no communication
between them, but they all open out into the same Corridor.
Do I make myself plain perfectly.
So the windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn.
That fatal night. Dr. Roylott had gone to his room
early, though. We knew that he had not retired
to rest. For my sister was troubled by
the smell of the strong, Indian cigars, which it was his custom
to smoke. She left her room, therefore,
and came into mine where she sat, for some time chatting
about her approaching wedding at 11:00, she Rose to leave me, but
she paused at the door and looked back.
Tell me, Helen said, she have you ever heard anyone whistle in
the dead of the night? Never said, I I suppose that you
could not possibly whistle yourself in your sleep,
certainly not. But why?
Because during the last few nights, I have always about 3:00
in the morning, heard a low clear whistle.
I'm a light sleeper, and it has awakened me.
I cannot tell where it came from.
Perhaps from the Next Room, perhaps from the lon.
I thought that I would just ask you whether you had heard it.
No, I have not. It must be those wretched
gipsies in the plantation. Very likely.
And yet, if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you did not hear.
It also are, but I sleep more heavily than you.
Well, it is of no great consequence at any rate.
She smiled back at me, closed my door and a few moments later.
I heard her key turn in the lock.
Indeed said Holmes was it your custom always to lock yourselves
in at night? Always and why I think that I
mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and a baboon.
We had no feeling of security unless our doors were locked.
Quite so pray proceed with your statement.
I could not sleep that night, a vague feeling of impending,
Misfortune impressed me my sister and I you will recollect
were Twins and you know how subtle other links which bind
Two Souls which are so closely Allied it was a wild night.
The wind was howling outside and the rain was beating and
splashing against the windows suddenly amid, all the hubbub of
the Gale there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified
woman. I knew that it was my sister's
voice. I sprang from my bed wrapped a
shawl around me and rushed into the corridor.
As I opened my door. I seemed to hear a low whistle
such as my sister described and a few moments later, a clanging
sound as if a mass of metal had fallen, as I ran down, the
passage, my sister's door was unlocked and revolved slowly
upon its hinges. I stared at it horror-stricken
not knowing what was about to issue from it.
By the Light of the corridor lamp.
I saw my sister appear at the opening.
Her face, blanched with Terror, her hands groping for help her
whole figure swaying to, and fro like that of a drunkard.
I ran to her and threw my arms around her.
But at that moment, her knees seemed to give way, and she fell
to the ground. She writhed as one who is in
terrible pain and her limbs were dreadfully convulsed.
At first, I thought that she had not recognize me.
But as I bent over her, she suddenly shrieked out in a voice
which I shall never forget. Oh my God Helen.
It was the band. The Speckled Band.
That was something else which she would Fain have said, and
she stabbed with her finger into the air, in the direction of the
doctors room, but a fresh convulsion, seized her, and
choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for
my stepfather and I met him hastening from his room in his
dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's
side. She was unconscious.
And though he poured, Brandy down, her throat and sent for
Medical Aid, from the village. All efforts were in vain.
For she slowly, sank and died without having recovered her
Consciousness, such was the Dreadful end of my beloved
sister. One moment said, Holmes.
Are you sure about this whistle in the metallic sound.
Could you swear to it? That was what the County coroner
asked me at the inquiry. It is my strong impression that
I heard it and yet among the crash of the Gale and the
creaking of the old house. I may possibly have been
deceived. Was your sister dressed?
No, she was in her nightdress in her right.
Hand was found the charred stump of a match and in her left.
A matchbox showing that she had struck a light and looked about
her. When the alarm took place that
is important. And what conclusions did the
coroner come to? He investigated the case with
great care for dr. Roylott's conduct had long been
notorious in the county. But he was unable to find any
satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that the door
had been fastened upon the inner side and the windows were
blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars,
which was secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded
and was shown to be quite solid all round.
And the flooring was also thoroughly examined with the
same result. The chimney is wide but is
barred up by four large Staples. It is certain therefore that my
sister was quite alone when she met her end.
Besides there were no marks of any violence upon her.
How about poison? The doctors examined her for it,
but without success. What do you think that this
unfortunate lady died of then? It is my belief that she died of
pure fear and nervous shock though.
What? It was that frightened her, I
cannot imagine were there gipsies in the plantation at the
time. Yes, there are nearly always
some there. Ah, and what did you gather from
this allusion to a band? A Speckled Band?
Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the Wild Talk of
delirium. Sometimes that it may have
referred to some band of people, perhaps to these very gipsies in
the plantation. I do not know whether the
spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them.
Wear over their heads might have suggested the strange adjectives
which she used. Holmes shook his head, like a
man who is far from being satisfied?
These are very deep Waters said he pray go on with your
narrative. Two years have passed since then
and my life has been until lately lonelier than ever a
month ago. However, a dear friend whom have
known for many years has done me.
The honor to ask my hand in marriage.
His name is Armitage, Percy Armitage.
The Second Son of mr. Armitage of crane water near
Reading. My stepfather has offered no
opposition to the match. And we are to be married in the
course of the spring. Two days ago, some repairs were
started in the west wing of the building.
And my bedroom wall has been pierced.
So that I've had to move into the chamber, in, which my sister
died, and to sleep in the very bed in which she slept imagine.
Then my thrill of Terror when last night as I lay awake
thinking over her terrible fate. I suddenly heard in the Silence
of the night, the low whistle which had been the herald of her
own death. I sprang up and lit the lamp,
but nothing was to be seen in the room.
I was too shaken to go to bed again.
However, So I dressed and as soon as it was Daylight, I
slipped down got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which is opposite
and drove to Leatherhead from whence.
I have come on this morning with the one object of seeing you and
asking your advice. You have done wisely said my
friend, but have you told me all?
Yes, all Miss. Roy alert you have not.
You are screening your stepfather.
Why, what do you mean? For answer Holmes, pushed back
the frill of black lace, which fringed the hand that lay upon
our visitors knee, five little livid spots.
The marks of four fingers and a thumb were printed upon the
white wrist. You have been cruelly used said
Holmes the lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured
wrist. He is a hard man.
She said and perhaps he hardly knows his own strength.
There was a long silence during which Holmes leaned his chin
upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire.
This is a very deep business. He said at last, there are a
thousand details, which I should desire to know before I decide
upon our course of action yet. We have not a moment to lose.
If we were to come to stoke Moran today.
Would it be possible for us to see over these rooms without the
knowledge of your stepfather? As it happens, he spoke of
coming into town today upon some most important business.
It is probable that he will be away all day and that they would
be nothing to disturb you. We have a housekeeper now, but
she is old and foolish and I could easily get her out of the
way. Excellent.
You are not averse to this trip. Watson by no means, then we
shall both come. What are you going to do
yourself? I have one or two things, which
I would wish to do now that I'm in town, but I shall return by
The Twelve O'clock train. So as to be there in time for
your coming. And you may expect us early in
the afternoon. I have myself some small
business matters to attend to will you not wait and breakfast?
No. I must go.
My heart is lightened already. Since I have confided my trouble
to you. I shall look forward to seeing
you again this afternoon. She dropped her thick, black
veil, over her face and glided from the room.
And what do you think of it? All Watson, asked, Sherlock,
Holmes leaning back in his chair?
It seems to me to be a most dark and Sinister business, dark
enough and Sinister enough. It if the lady is correct in
saying that the flooring and walls are sound and that the
door window and chimney are impassable and a sister must
have been undoubtedly alone when she met her mysterious end.
What becomes then of these nocturnal whistles and what of
the very peculiar words of the dying woman?
I cannot think when you combine the ideas of whistles at night,
the presence of a band of gypsies who are on intimate
terms with this old doctor, the fact that we have every reason
to believe that the doctor has an interest in preventing his
stepdaughters marriage, the dying allusion to a band.
And finally, the fact that That miss Helen Stoner heard a
metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of those
metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its
place. I think that there is good
ground to think that the mystery may be cleared along those
lines. But what then did the gipsies
do? I cannot imagine I see many
objections to any such Theory and so do I it is precisely for
that reason that we are going to start.
Talk more on this day. I want to see whether the
objections are fatal or if they may be explained away.
But what in the name of the devil?
Did Jackie Elation have been drawn from my companion by the
fact that our door had been suddenly dashed open and that a
huge man had framed himself in the aperture.
His costume was a peculiar mixture of the professional and
of the Agricultural. Having a black top-hat, a long
frock-coat and a pair of high gaiters with a hunting-crop
swinging in his hand. So tall was he?
But his hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway and his
breadth seemed to span it across from side to side.
Made a large face seared with a thousand wrinkles burned yellow
with the sun. And marked with every evil
passion was turned from one to the other of us while his
deep-set. Bile shot eyes and his high thin
fleshless nose, gave him somewhat.
The resemblance to a fierce old bird of prey which of you is
Holmes asked this Apparition my name sir, but you have the
advantage of me said my companion quietly.
I am dr. Grimesby.
Roylott of stoke. Moran.
Indeed. Doctor said Holmes, blandly.
Pray. Take a seat.
I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here.
I have traced her. What has she been saying to you?
It is a little cold for the time of year said Holmes.
What has she been saying to you? Screamed the old man furiously,
but I have heard that the crocuses promise.
Well continued my companion imperturbably.
You put me off to you, sit down. You visitor taking a step
forward and shaking his hunting-crop.
I know you you scoundrel. I've heard of you before, you
are Holmes. The meddler.
My friend smiled Holmes the busybody his smile broadened
Holmes the Scotland Yard jack-in-office Holmes.
Chuckled heartily. Your conversation is most
entertaining said he when you go out close the door for there is
a decided draft. I will go when I've said my say,
don't you dare to meddle with my Affairs?
I know that Miss Stoner has been here.
I traced her. I am a dangerous man to fall
foul. See here.
He stepped. Swiftly, forward seized the
poker, and bent it into a curve, with his huge brown hands.
See that you keep yourself out of my grip.
He snarled and hurling the Twisted, poker into the
fireplace. He Strode out of the room.
He seems a very amiable person, said Holmes laughing.
I'm not quite so bulky. But if he had remained, my might
have shown him that my grip was not much more feeble than his
own, as he spoke. He picked up the steel poker and
with a sudden effort straightened it out again fancy
his, having the insolence to confound me with the official
detective Force. This incident gives zest to our
investigation. However, and I only trust that
our little friend will not suffer from Her imprudence in
allowing this brute to trace her.
And now, Watson, we shall order breakfast.
And afterwards, I shall walk down to doctors Commons where I
hope to get some data, which may help us in this matter.
It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock, Holmes returned from
his Excursion. He held in his hand, a sheet of
blue paper scrawled over with notes and figures.
I have seen the will of the deceased wife said, he to
determine its exact meaning. I have been obliged to work out
the present prices of the Investments with which it is
concerned. The total income, which at the
time of the wife's death was little short of 1,100 pounds.
His now, through the fall. Of agricultural prices, not more
than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an
income of 250 pounds in case of marriage.
It is evident. Therefore that if both girls
have married, this beauty would have had a mere pittance while
even. One of them would cripple him to
a very serious extent. My mornings work has not been
wasted. Since it has proved that, he has
the very strongest motives for standing in the way of anything
of the sort. And now Watson, this is too
serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is aware that we
are interesting ourselves in his Affairs.
So if you are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to
Waterloo. I should be very much obliged.
If you would slip your revolver into your pocket and ely's
number 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen, who can
twist steel pokers into knots that and a toothbrush are?
I think all that we need At Waterloo.
We were fortunate in catching a train for Leatherhead where we
hide a trap at the station in and drove for four or five miles
through the lovely Surrey Lanes. It was a perfect day with a
bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the heavens.
The trees and Wayside Hedges were just throwing out their
first green shoots. And the air was full of a
pleasant smell of the moist Earth.
To me at least there was a strange contrast between the
sweet promise of the spring. And this Sinister Quest upon
which we were engaged. My companion, sat in the front
of the Trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over his
eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast buried in the deepest
thought. Suddenly, however, he started
tapped me on the shoulder and pointed Over The Meadows.
Look there said he a heavily timbered Park stretched up in a
gentle slope thickening into a Grove at the highest point from
amid the branches, there jutted out the grey Gables and high
roof-tree of a very old mansion. Stoke Moran said he?
Yes sir. That be the house of dr.
Grimesby. Roylott remark the driver.
There is some building going on there said Holmes, that is where
we are going. There's the village said, the
driver pointing to a cluster of roofs, some distance to the
left. But if you want to get to the
house, you'll find it shorter to get over this style.
And so, by the footpath over the fields, there it is where the
lady is, walking. And the lady I fancy is Miss
Stoner, observed Holmes shading his eyes.
Yes. I think we had better do as you
suggest. We got off paid our fare and the
trap rattle back on its way to Leatherhead.
I thought it as well. Said, Holmes as we climbed the
style that this fellow should think we had come here as
Architects or on some definite business.
It may stop his gossip. Good afternoon, Miss Stoner.
You see that we had been as good as our word.
I'll climb to the morning, had hurried forward to meet us with
a face which spoke her Joy. I have been waiting.
So eagerly for you. She cried shaking hands with us
warmly. All has turned out splendidly.
Dr. Roylott has gone to town and it is unlikely that he will be
back before evening. We have had the pleasure of
making, the doctors acquaintance said, Holmes.
And in a few words. He sketched out what had
occurred Miss Stoner, turned white to the lips.
As she listened, good Heavens. She cried.
He has followed me then, so it appears he is.
So cunning that I never know. When I am safe from him.
What will he say when he returns?
He must guard himself for he may find that there is someone more
cunning than himself upon his track.
You must lock yourself up from him tonight.
If he is violent, we should take you away to your aunt's at
Harrow. Now we must make the best use of
our time. So kindly take us at once to the
rooms, which we are to examine. The building was of Grey like
and blocked stone with a high central portion and two curving
wings, like the claws of a crab. Thrown out on each side, in One
of These Wings, the windows were broken and blocked with wooden
boards. While the roof was partly caved
in a picture of ruin. The central portion was in
little better repair, but the right-hand block was
comparatively modern and the blinds in the windows with the
blue smoke curling up from the chimneys showed that this was
where the family resided. Some scaffolding have been
erected against the end wall and the stonework had been broken
into but Were no signs of any workmen at the moment of our
visit Holmes, walked slowly up and down the ill.
Trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention, the outsides of
the windows, this, I take it belongs to the room in which you
used to sleep the center, one to your sisters and the one next to
the main building to dr. Roylott's chamber.
Exactly. So but I am now sleeping in the
middle one. Pending the alterations.
As I understand. By the way, there does not seem
to be any very pressing need for repairs.
At that end wall. There were none.
I believe that it was an excuse to move me from my room.
Ah, that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this
narrow Wing, runs the corridor from which these three rooms
open. There are windows in it.
Of course, yes, but very small ones too narrow for anyone to
pass through. As you both locked, your doors
at night, your rooms were unapproachable, from that side.
Now, would you have the kindness to go into your room and bar
your shutters? Miss Stoner, did so and homes.
After a careful examination, through the open window
endeavoured in every way to force the shutter open, but
without success, there was no slit through, which a knife
could be passed to raise the bar.
Then with his lens. He tested the hinges, but they
were a solid iron. Built firmly into the massive
Masonry. Hum said he scratching his chin
in some perplexity. My theory, certainly presents
some difficulties. No one could pass these
shutters. If they were bolted.
Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the
matter. A small side door, led into the
whitewashed corridor from which the three bedrooms opened homes
refused to examine the third chamber.
So we passed at once to the second that, in which Miss
Stoner was now sleeping and in, which her sister had With her
fate. It was a homely little room with
a low ceiling and a gaping fireplace.
After the fashion of Old Country House, has a brown chest of
drawers, stood in one corner and narrow white, counterpane bed in
another. And a dressing-table on the left
hand side of the window, these articles with two, small
wickerwork chairs, made up all the furniture in the room.
Save for a square of Wilton Carpet in the center.
The board's round and the panelling of the walls were of
brown worm-eaten oak. So old and discoloured that it
may have dated from the original building of the house Holmes,
Drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat silent.
While his eyes travelled round and round and up and down taking
in every detail of the apartment.
What does that Bell communicate with?
He asked at last pointing to a thick bell-rope, which hung down
beside the bed. The tassel actually lying upon
the pillow. It goes to the housekeeper's
room. It looks newer than the other
things. Yes.
It was only put there a couple of years ago.
Your sister asked for it. I suppose.
No, I never heard of her using it.
We used always to get what we wanted for ourselves.
Indeed. It seemed unnecessary to put so
nice a bellpull there you, excuse me for a few minutes
while I satisfy myself. As to this floor.
He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in his hand
and crawled swiftly backward, and forward examining minutely.
The cracks between the boards. Then he did.
The same with the Work with which the chamber was panelled.
Finally, he walked over to the bed and spent some time in
staring at it and in running his eye up and down the wall.
Finally. He took the bell-rope in his
hand and gave it a Brisk. Tug, why it's a dummy said he
won't it ring. No, it is not even attached to a
wire. This is very interesting.
You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above Of
where the little opening for the ventilator is how very absurd.
I never noticed that before very strange, muttered Holmes.
Pulling at the Rope. There are one or two, very
singular points about this room. For example, what a fool, a
builder must be to open a ventilator into another room.
When with the same trouble. He might have communicated with
the outside, sir. That is also quite modern said
the lady done about the same time as the bell-rope remarked
Holmes. Yes, there were several little
changes carried out about that time.
They seem to have been of a most interesting character dummy
bell-ropes and ventilators, which do not ventilate with your
permission Miss Stoner. We shall now carry our
researches into the inner apartment.
Dr. Grimesby roylott's, chamber was larger than that of his
stepdaughter, but was as plainly furnished, a camp bed, a small
wooden Shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character,
an armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the
wall around table and a large iron.
Safe were the principal things which met the eye.
Holmes walked, slowly round and examined each and all of them
with the keenest interest. What's in here?
He asked, tapping the safe. My stepfather's business papers.
Oh you have been inside. Then only once some years ago.
I remember that it was full of papers.
There isn't a cat in it, for example, know what a strange
idea. Well, look at this.
He took up a small saucer of milk, which stood on top of it.
No, we don't keep a cat but there is a cheetah and a baboon.
Oh, yes, of course. Well a cheetah is just a big cat
and yet a saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying.
Its wants I dare say there is one point which I should wish to
determine. He squatted down in front of the
wooden chair and examined the seat of it with the greatest
attention. Thank you.
That is quite settled. Said he rising and putting his
lens in his pocket. Hello.
There is something interesting, the object which had caught.
His eye was a small dog lash hung on one corner of the bed.
The Lash however was curled upon itself and tied.
So as to make a loop of whipcord, what do you make of
that Watson? It's a common enough flash, but
I don't know why it should be tied.
That is not quite so. Common.
Is it me? It's a wicked world.
And when a clever man turns his brains to Crime.
It is the worst of all. I think that I have seen enough
now miss Stoner and with your permission we shall walk out
upon the lawn. I had never seen my friends
face. So Grim or his brows.
So dark as it was when we turned from the scene of this
investigation. We had walked several times up
and down the lawn. Neither Miss Stoner nor myself
liking to break in upon his thoughts before he roused
himself from his reverie. It is very essential Mist, owner
said he, that you should absolutely follow my advice in
every respect. I shall most certainly do.
So the matter is too serious, for any hesitation, your life
may depend upon your compliance. I assure you that I am in your
hands in the first place, both my friend, and I'm a, spend the
night in your room, both Miss Stoner, and I gazed at him in
astonishment. Yes, it must be.
So let me explain. I believe that this is the
village in over there. Yes.
That is the crown. Very good.
Your windows will be visible from there.
Certainly. You must confine yourself to
your room on pretence of a headache.
When your stepfather comes back, then when you hear him retire
for the night, you must open the shutters of your window.
Undo, the hasp put your lamp there as a signal to us and then
withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want
into the room, which you used to occupy.
I have no doubt that in spite of the repairs, you could manage
there for one night. Oh, yes.
Easley the rest. You will leave in our hands.
But what will you do? We shall spend the night in your
room and we shall investigate the cause of this noise, which
has Disturbed you, I believe, mr.
Holmes, that you've already made up your mind, said, Miss Stoner,
laying her hand upon my companion sleeve, perhaps I
have, then for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my
sister's death? I should prefer to have clearer
proofs before I speak. You can at least tell me whether
my own soldiers, correct. And if she died from some sudden
fright, no, I do not think so. I think that there was probably
some more tangible cause and now miss Stoner we must leave you
for if dr. Roylott returned and saw us.
Our journey would be in vain. Goodbye and be brave for.
If you'll do what I have told you you may rest assured that we
shall soon drive away the dangers that threaten you
Sherlock Holmes. And I had no difficulty in
engaging a bedroom and sitting-room had the crown in,
they were on the Upper Floor. And from our window.
We could command a view of the Avenue gate and of the inhabited
wing of stoke. Moran, manor house at dusk.
We saw dr. Grimesby roylott drive past his
huge form. Looming up beside the little
figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some slight
difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates.
And we heard the hoarse. Hoarse Roar of the doctors voice
and saw the fury was, which he shook his clinched fists at him,
the Trap drove on. And a few minutes later.
We saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the lamp was
lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Do you know what sun' said,
Holmes, as we sat together in the Gathering Darkness?
I have really some Scruples as to taking you tonight.
There is a distinct element of danger.
Can I be of assistance? Your presence might be
invaluable? Then I shall certainly come.
It is very kind of you. You speak of danger.
You've evidently seen more in these rooms and was visible to
me. No, but I fancy that.
I may have deduced a little more.
I imagine that. You saw all that I did.
I saw nothing remarkable. Save the bell rope and what
purpose that could answer. I confess is more than I
imagined. You sold a ventilator to yes,
but I don't think that it's such a very unusual thing to have a
small opening between two rooms. It was so small as a rat could
hardly pass through. I knew that we should find a
ventilator before ever. We came to stoke, Moran, idea,
homes. Oh, yes.
I did. You remember in her statement?
She said that her sister could smell.
Dr. Roylott's, cigar. Now, of course that suggested at
once that there must be a communication between the two
rooms. It could only be a small one, or
it would have been remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry.
I deduced a ventilator. What harm can there be in that?
Well, there is at least a curious Coincidence of dates.
A ventilator is made a cord. Is hung, and a lady who sleeps
in the bed dies does not that strike you.
I can't as yet. See any connection.
Did You observe anything? Very peculiar about that bed.
No, it was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened
like that before? I can't say that I have.
The lady could not move her bed. They must always be in the same
relative position to the ventilator and to the Rope or
so. We may call it since it was
clearly never meant for a bellpull Holmes.
I cried I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at.
We're only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible
crime. Subtle enough and horrible
enough. When a doctor does go wrong, he
is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has
knowledge Palmer, and Pritchard were among the heads of their
profession. This man strikes even deeper,
but I think Watson that we shall be able to strike deeper still,
but we shall have Horrors enough before the night is over for
goodness sake. Let us have a quiet pipe and
turn our minds for a few hours to something more cheerful.
About nine. The light among the trees was
extinguished and always dark in the direction of the manor
house, two hours passed slowly away and then suddenly just at
the stroke of eleven a single bright light Shone out right in
front of us. That is our signal said Holmes
springing to his feet. It comes from the middle window,
as we passed out. He exchanged a few words with
the landlord explaining that we were going on a late visit.
To an acquaintance. And that it was possible that we
might spend the night there. A moment later.
We were out on the dark Road, a chill.
Wind blowing in our faces and one yellow light twinkling in
front of us through the Gloom to guide us on our sombre errand.
There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for
unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall.
Making our way among the trees. We reached the lawn crossed it
and we're about to enter through the window when out from a clump
of Laurel bushes there. Darted.
What seemed to be a hideous and distorted child who threw itself
upon the grass with writhing, Limbs, and then ran swiftly
across the lawn into the darkness.
My God, I was but did you see it?
Holmes was for the moment as startled.
As I, his hand closed like a vice, upon my wrist in his
agitation, and he broke into a low laugh and put his lips to my
ear. It is a nice household.
He murmured that is the bun. I'd forgotten the strange pets,
which the doctor affected. It was a cheetah, too.
Perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders at any moment.
I confess that, I felt easier in my mind, when after following
homes is example, and slipping off my shoes.
I found myself inside the bedroom.
My companion, noiselessly closed, the shutters move the
lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes round.
The room. All was, as we have seen it in
the daytime, been creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his
hand. He whispered into my ear again,
so gently, but it was all that I could do to distinguish the
words. The least sound would be fatal
to our plans. I nodded to show that I had
heard, we must sit without light.
He would see it through the ventilator.
I nodded again. Do not go asleep.
Your very life, may depend upon it.
Have your pistol ready in case we should need it.
I will sit on the side of the bed and you in that chair.
I took out my revolver and ladies on the corner of the
table, Holmes had bought of a long thin cane and this he
placed upon the bed beside him by it.
He laid the box of matches and the stump of a candle then he
turned down the lamp and we were left in darkness.
How shall I ever forget that? Dreadful vigil, I could not hear
a sound. Not even the drawing of a breath
and yet I knew that my companion, sat open died within
a few feet of me in the same state of nervous tension in
which I was myself. The shutters cut off the least
ray of light and we waited in absolute Darkness.
From outside came the occasional Cry of a nightbird and once that
are very window, a long drawn, cat-like, whine, which told us
that the Cheeto is indeed at Liberty far away.
We could hear the Deep tones of the parish clock which boomed
out every quarter of an hour, how long they seemed those
quarters. 12 struck, and one, and two, and three, and still,
we sat waiting silently, for whatever might befall suddenly,
there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the direction of
the ventilator, which vanished immediately.
But was succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated
metal. Someone in the Next Room, had
lit, a dark Lantern. I heard a gentle sound of
movement and then Silent once more oh the smell grew stronger
for half an hour. I sat with straining ears.
Then suddenly another sound became audible a very gentle
soothing sound like that of a small jet of steam escaping
continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it
Holmes sprang from the bed, struck a match and lashed
furiously with his Cane at the bellpull.
You see it? Watson.
He yelled, you see it. But I saw nothing at the moment.
When Holmes struck the light, I heard a low clear whistle, but
the sudden glare flashing into my weary eyes.
Made it impossible for me to tell what it was at, which my
friend lashed so savagely, I could however see that his face
was deadly pale and filled with horror and Loathing.
He had ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when
suddenly there broke from The Silence of the night, the most
horrible cry to, which I have ever listened.
It swelled up louder and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear
and anger all mingled in the one Dreadful shriek.
They say that a way down in the village and even in the distant
parsonage, that cry raised a sleepers from their beds.
It's struck cold to our hearts. And I stood gazing at homes and
he at me until the last Echoes of it had died away into the
Silence from which it Rose. What can it mean?
I gasped. It means that it is all over,
Holmes, answered. And perhaps after all it is for
the best, take your pistol and we will enter dr.
Roylott's room. With a grave face, he lit the
lamp and led the way down the corridor twice.
He struck at the chamber door without any reply from within
and he turned the handle and entered I at his heels.
With the cocked pistol in my hand.
It was a singular sight, which met our eyes on the tables to
the dark lantern with the shutter.
Half open, throwing a brilliant beam of light, upon the iron
safe, the door of which was ajar.
Beside this table on the wooden chair, sat, dr.
Grimesby roylott clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare
ankles protruding beneath and his feet.
Thrust into red. Heelless, Turkish slippers
across his lap. Play the short stock with a long
lash, which we had noticed. During the day.
His chin was cocked upward and his eyes were fixed in a
dreadful. Rigid stare at the corner of the
ceiling round his brow. He had a peculiar yellow band
with brownish. Speckles, which seemed to be
bound tightly around his head as we entered.
He made neither sound nor motion the band.
The Speckled Band whispered Holmes.
I took a step forward in an instant, his strange headgear
began to move and there reared itself from among his hair.
The squat diamond-shaped head, and puffed neck of a loathsome
servant. It is a swamp Adder, cried
Holmes, the deadliest snake in India.
He has died within 10 seconds of being bitten violence.
Does in truth recoil upon the violent and the schemer falls
into the pit, which he digs for another.
Let us thrust this creature back into its den and we can then
remove Miss Stoner to some place of shelter and let the County
Police know what has happened. As he spoke.
He drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap.
I'm throwing the Noose around the reptiles neck.
He drew it from its horrid perch and carrying it at arm's length.
Threw it into the iron safe, which he closed upon it.
Such are the true facts of the death of dr.
Grimesby. Roylott of stoke Moran.
It is not necessary that I should prolong a narrative,
which is already run to to Greater lengths by telling how
we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed
her by the morning? Train to the care of her good.
Aunt, at Harrow of how the slow process of official inquiry came
to the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while
indiscreetly, playing with a dangerous pet.
But little, which I had yet to learn of the case.
Was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back next day.
I had said he come to an entirely erroneous conclusion,
which shows my dear Watson, how dangerous it is.
Always to reason from insufficient data, the presence
of the gipsies and the use of the word band, which was used by
the poor girl. No doubt to explain the
appearance, which she had caught A hurried glimpse of, by the
light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an
entirely. Wrong scent.
I can only claim the Merit that I instantly reconsidered my
position. When, however, it became clear
to me that whatever danger threatened, an occupant of the
room could not come either from the window or the door.
My attention was speedily drawn as I have already remarked, to
you to this ventilator and to the bell-rope which hung down to
the bed, the discovery that this was a dummy and that the bed was
clamped to the floor instantly gave rise to the suspicion.
That the Rope was there as a bridge for something passing
through the hole and coming to the bed, the idea of a snake
instantly occurred to me. And when I coupled it with my
knowledge that the doctor was furnished with a supply of
creatures from India. I felt that I was probably on
the right track the idea of using a form of poison, which
could not possibly be discovered by any chemical test.
Was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless
man who had had an Eastern training.
The rapidity with which such a poison would take effect would
also from his point of view, be an advantage.
It would be a sharp-eyed coroner indeed, who could distinguish
the two little dark punctures, which would show where the
poison fangs had done their work.
Then I thought of the whistle, of course, he must recall the
snake before, the Morning, Light revealed it to the victim.
He had trained it probably by the use of the milk, which we
saw to return to him when summoned, he would put it
through this ventilator. Ventilator at the hour that he
thought best with the certainty that it would crawl down the
rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the
occupant, perhaps she might Escape every night for a week,
but sooner or later she must fall a victim.
I had come to these conclusions before ever.
I had entered his room inspection of his chair showed
me that. He had been in the habit of
standing on it, which of course would be necessary in order that
he should reach the ventilator. The site of the safe, the saucer
of milk and the loop of whipcord were enough to finally dispel
any doubts, which may have remained.
The metallic clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by
her stepfather. Hastily closing.
The door of his safe upon its terrible occupant having once
made up my mind, you know, the steps which I took in order to
put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss as I
have. No doubt that you did also and I
instantly lit the light and attacked it.
With the result of driving through the ventilator.
And also, with the result of causing it to turn upon its
Master at the other side, some of the blows of my cane came
home and roused, its snakish temper.
So that it flew upon the first person.
It's, or in this way. I am.
No doubt. Indirectly responsible for dr.
Grimesby roylott's, death. And I cannot say that it is
likely to weigh very heavily upon my conscience end of the
adventure of the Speckled Band.