The Sign of the Four is a detective novel written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and was first published in 1890. It features the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson. The novel is set in London in the late 19th century and follows the duo as they investigate a mysterious case involving a stolen treasure and a series of murders.
The story begins with Dr. Watson introducing his friend Sherlock Holmes to Mary Morstan, a young woman who seeks their help in solving the mystery of her missing father. Mary’s father had disappeared ten years ago after returning from India, leaving her a valuable pearl each year on the same date. This year, she received a letter from an anonymous sender, informing her that she is being watched.
Holmes and Watson agree to take the case and start their investigation. They learn that Mary’s father was a member of the Indian army and had been stationed in Agra during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. They also discover that he had been in possession of a large treasure, known as the Agra treasure, which was stolen during the rebellion.
The duo is joined by Athelney Jones, a police detective, who provides them with additional information about the case. Together, they uncover a connection between the missing treasure and a man named Jonathan Small, who was one of the rebels involved in the theft. Small had been arrested and imprisoned, but he managed to escape and has been on the run ever since.
Holmes deduces that Small is behind the recent series of murders and the threats against Mary. He believes that Small is desperate to find the treasure and will stop at nothing to get his hands on it. Holmes and Watson set a trap for Small, using Mary as bait. They arrange a meeting at an abandoned house, where they plan to capture him.
During the confrontation, Small reveals that the treasure is hidden in a wooden chest, and he agrees to lead Holmes and the others to its location. They travel to a remote island on the Thames River, where Small had buried the chest years ago. With Small’s help, they recover the treasure, but Small is killed in the process.
Back in London, Mary decides to split the treasure between herself and the surviving members of the Agra treasure expedition. Holmes and Watson bid farewell to Mary, satisfied with the successful resolution of the case. Holmes remarks on the importance of justice and the consequences of greed.
In conclusion, The Sign of the Four is a thrilling detective novel that showcases Sherlock Holmes’ exceptional deductive abilities. The story is filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, keeping the readers engaged until the very end. It explores themes of greed, justice, and the consequences of one’s actions. With its well-crafted plot and memorable characters, The Sign of the Four remains a timeless classic in the detective genre.