The Adventure of the Speckled Band that of Dr Roylott. Holmes and Watson arrange to spend the night in Helen's room. In darkness they wait; suddenly, a slight metallic noise and a dim light through the ventilator prompt Holmes to action. Quickly lighting a candle, he discovers on the bell cord the "speckled band"—a venomous snake. He strikes the snake with a stick, driving it back through the ventilator. Agitated, it attacks Roylott, who had been waiting for it to return after killing Helen. Holmes identifies the snake as a "swamp adder" and reveals to Watson the motive: the late wife's will had provided an annual
Mute (short story) he adds a few extra Our Fathers and Hail Marys. Mute (short story) "Mute" is a horror short story by author Stephen King, first published in "Playboy Magazine" in 2007 and included in his collection "Just After Sunset" (2008). In 2012, it was adapted into a short film by the British screenwriter Gemma Rigg, directed by Jacqueline Wright and starring Patrick Ryecart. Monette, a middle-aged traveling book salesman (his first name is never given), goes to confession. When the priest asks him what sin he has committed, Monette admits that he believes he has sinned in some way but is