1 A Sad Tale

The SPECKLED BAND.

Chapter 1 A Sad Tale The case I am about to relate took place in April 1883, during the early days of my friendship with the famous detective Mr. Sherlock Holmes, when we were sharing rooms at 221B Baker Street. Holmes tended to be a late riser, so I was surprised one early April morning to find myself being shaken awake by my roommate. The clock on the mantelpiece stood at just past seven, yet there was Holmes, fully dressed and in a state of some excitement.

"What is it—a fire?" I asked. "No, a client," he answered. "Mrs. Hudson, our landlady, tells me a young lady has arrived. She is waiting for me now in the sitting-room. The fact that she's come alone and at such an early hour suggests it's about something fairly serious. I've a hunch this one may prove to be an interesting case, Watson, and I thought you might wish to be involved." "My dear fellow, I wouldn't miss it for the world," I said, leaping out of bed. For then, as now, nothing gave me greater pleasure than following Holmes in his investigations, watching as he untangled the knottiest problems with his sharp, logical mind. I threw on some clothes and a few minutes later my friend and I entered the sitting-room. The lady was seated near the hearth, dressed in black and with a dark veil covering her face. She rose as we entered.

"Good morning, madam," said Holmes cheerfully. "My name is Sherlock Holmes and this is my partner, Dr. Watson. I'm pleased to see Mrs. Hudson has lit the fire. Shall I order you some hot coffee, for I notice you are shivering." "It is not cold that makes me shiver," said the woman in a low, trembling voice. "What then?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as she spoke, and we could see she was in some distress. Her face was drawn and pale with restless, frightened eyes, like those of a

hunted animal. Although she looked no older than thirty, her hair was flecked with silver. Holmes reached forward and patted her forearm soothingly. "You must not fear, madam," he said. "Whatever trouble you are in, we shall soon set matters right. I see you came by train this morning." "How did you know?" she asked. "I spy the second half of a return ticket in the palm of your left glove," said Holmes. "I also know you took a dogcart to the station along muddy roads and that you sat on the left side of the driver." The lady gave a start of surprise. "Do you have magic powers, Mr. Holmes?" "Not at all, madam, merely the power of eyesight. The left arm of your jacket is spattered

with fresh mud. There is no other vehicle except a dogcart that throws up mud in that way, and only if you sit next to the driver. But enough of this. Please tell us what brought you here." "Sir," she said, "I am in a desperate situation and have no one else to turn to. I was recommended to you by Mrs. Farintosh, who you helped in her hour of need. I hope you can help me, too, or at least throw a little light on the darkness that surrounds me. I have no money at present, but in a month or so I shall be married, with control of my own income, and I shall be happy to reward you generously for your time." "Farintosh," said Holmes with a frown. "Ah yes, I recall the case. It concerned the theft of an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Watson. I assure you, madam, that I am happy to devote the same care to your case as I did to your friend's. As to money, my work is its own reward. If I incur expenses, you can repay them at a time that suits you. Now, please tell us your problem and include as much detail as you can."