> "The strange thing is that the very thing which made me suspect his guilt was also the thing which made me realise that I must be wrong."
This quote is often misinterpreted, but it is a key part of the story's puzzle. Here's the breakdown:
* What is hidden: The "special interest" is the truth, which is hidden in plain sight, obscured by seemingly obvious clues that lead Sherlock astray.
* Where they wait: The truth "waits" in the details, the seemingly insignificant observations that Sherlock, with his sharp mind, uncovers.
* Who waits: "They" refers to the culprit and the truth itself, hidden within the story's intricate web.
To understand what's truly "hidden" in "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," one needs to pay attention to the details:
* The Speckled Band itself: The snake is an obvious clue, but it's the *method* of its delivery, the *sound* it makes, and the *timing* of its attack that hold the key.
* The Doctor's statement: The doctor's mention of the "peculiar" habits of the deceased patient is initially dismissed but becomes crucial in revealing the truth.
* The "peculiar" noises: The "hiss" and "rustle" are not just sounds – they reveal the snake's movement and the perpetrator's plan.
By carefully examining these "peculiar" details, Sherlock unravels the "special interest" – the truth that the doctor, through his actions, played a part in the murder, and the snake was merely a tool.
The phrase "where they wait" emphasizes how the truth often lies in the most unexpected places, often disguised as trivial or inconsequential information. Sherlock's genius lies in his ability to see beyond the obvious and discover the hidden truth in the most surprising places.