Section 8 Summary

Watson briefly recounts what occurred after the events of the previous section. The men broke the news of her stepfather's death to Helen Stoner, then sent her off by morning train to her aunt's house in Harrow. The narrator informs us that the official inquiry was a slow process and eventually concluded that Roylott was killed while playing carelessly with one of his dangerous pets. Watson then recounts what he learned from Holmes on the ride back to their home the next day.

Holmes begins by chastising himself for jumping to conclusions. His original theory that "the speckled band" referred to the gypsies was wrong. If he had clung to that theory, it could have been dangerous. But Holmes credits himself for quickly adapting and revising his theory once he was personally convinced that no danger could enter the room from the window...