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“How about poison?”

“The doctors examined her for it, but without any result.”

“What do you think your sister died of, then?”

“I believe she died of fear and nervous shock, though what frightened her I cannot imagine.”

“Were there gypsies in the park at the time?”

“Yes, there are nearly always some there.”

“Ah, and what did you think of her last words – a speckled band?”

“Sometimes I have thought that she spoke of some band of people, perhaps of the gypsies in the park. So many of them wear the speckled handkerchiefs over their heads.”

Holmes shook his head like a man who was not satisfied.

“Two years have passed since then, and my life has been lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, whom I have known for many years, asked my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage – Percy Armitage. My stepfather has nothing against the marriage, and we are to be married in spring. Two days ago some repairs were started in the house, and I had to move into the room in which my sister died, and to sleep in the bed in which she slept. Imagine, then, terror when last night I suddenly heard the low whistle which my sister had heard before her death. I got up and lit the lamp, but saw nothing unusual in the room. I was too frightened to go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was daylight I left the house, got a dog-cart and drove to the station, from where I have come on this morning to see you and to ask your advice.”

“You have done well,” said my friend. “But have you told me all?”

“Yes, all.”

“Miss Roylott, you have not.”

“Why, what do you mean?”

For answer Holmes took her hand that lay upon our visitor’s knee. The marks of a very strong hand were printed on it.

“Your stepfather has been cruel to you,” said Holmes.

“He is a hard man,” she said, “and perhaps he hardly knows his own strength.”

There was a long silence, during which Holmes looked into the fire.

“This is a very deep business,” he said at last. “There are a thousand details which I should like to know before I decide what to do. We have not a moment to lose. If we come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for us to see these rooms without the knowledge of your stepfather?”

“He spoke of going to town to-day upon some most important business. It is probable that he will be away all day. We have a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish.”

“Perfect. You are not against this trip, Watson?”

“No, I am not.”

“Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?”

“I have one or two things to do now in town. But I shall return by the twelve o’clock train, and I shall be there in time for your coming.”

Exercises

1. Answer the questions:

1. Why couldn’t Helen sleep that night?

2. What sounds did Helen Stoner hear that night?

3. What did Julia look like when she came into the corridor?

4. How did Julia die?

5. What did Helen think Julia’s last words meant?

6. What did the police investigation show? Was it careful?