"What do 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 any gypsies in the woods at that time?"

"Yes, they are nearly always some there."

"And what did you gather from this reference to a band - a speckled band? "

"Sometimes I have thought it was merely the words of delerium, sometimes that it may have referred to a band of people, Perhaps to those same gypsies in the woods. I do not know if the spotted handkerchiefs which many of them wear on their heads might have suggested the strange adjective 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."