Name: The Sign of the Four
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

In our rooms at Baker Street, Sherlock Holmes took his bottle and his neat morocco case from the corner of the mantelpiece. Three times a day for many months I had watched this performance, and each time my conscience troubled me more, for I had never yet found the courage to protest.

1In our rooms at Baker Street, Sherlock Holmes took his bottle and his neat morocco case from the corner of the mantelpiece. Three times a day for many months I had watched this performance, and each time my conscience troubled me more, for I had never yet found the courage to protest.

He sank into his velvet armchair and rolled back his left shirt-cuff. That afternoon, perhaps because of the Beaune I had taken with lunch, I could bear it no longer. “Which is it to-day,” I asked, “morphine or cocaine?” He raised his eyes languidly. “Cocaine — a seven-per-cent solution. Would you care to try it?”

2He sank into his velvet armchair and rolled back his left shirt-cuff. That afternoon, perhaps because of the Beaune I had taken with lunch, I could bear it no longer. “Which is it to-day,” I asked, “morphine or cocaine?” He raised his eyes languidly. “Cocaine — a seven-per-cent solution. Would you care to try it?”

“Count the cost!” I urged him, as a doctor and a friend. He was not offended, but put his fingertips together. “My mind rebels at stagnation,” he said. “Give me problems, give me work, and I can dispense with artificial stimulants.” That was why, he added, he had created his own profession: the world’s only unofficial consulting detective.

3“Count the cost!” I urged him, as a doctor and a friend. He was not offended, but put his fingertips together. “My mind rebels at stagnation,” he said. “Give me problems, give me work, and I can dispense with artificial stimulants.” That was why, he added, he had created his own profession: the world’s only unofficial consulting detective.

Lighting his brier pipe, Holmes showed off his monographs on tobacco ash and footprints, then turned to my boots. “Observation shows me you have been to the Wigmore Street Post-Office this morning,” he said. Reddish earth thrown up opposite its door clung to my instep; since I had written no letter and had stamps in my desk, I must have sent a telegram.

4Lighting his brier pipe, Holmes showed off his monographs on tobacco ash and footprints, then turned to my boots. “Observation shows me you have been to the Wigmore Street Post-Office this morning,” he said. Reddish earth thrown up opposite its door clung to my instep; since I had written no letter and had stamps in my desk, I must have sent a telegram.

Wishing to put his theories to a harder test, I handed him an old watch that had lately come to me and asked what it told of its late owner. He weighed it, studied the dial, opened the back and peered at the works through a powerful lens. Then he snapped it shut with a crestfallen air: it had been cleaned, robbing him of his best facts.

5Wishing to put his theories to a harder test, I handed him an old watch that had lately come to me and asked what it told of its late owner. He weighed it, studied the dial, opened the back and peered at the works through a powerful lens. Then he snapped it shut with a crestfallen air: it had been cleaned, robbing him of his best facts.

Yet he named its owner: my elder brother, an untidy, careless man who threw away good prospects, lived in poverty with brief spells of plenty, and died of drink. Stung, I sprang up and limped about the room. “This is unworthy of you, Holmes,” I said. “You have made inquiries into my unhappy brother. It has a touch of charlatanism in it.”

6Yet he named its owner: my elder brother, an untidy, careless man who threw away good prospects, lived in poverty with brief spells of plenty, and died of drink. Stung, I sprang up and limped about the room. “This is unworthy of you, Holmes,” I said. “You have made inquiries into my unhappy brother. It has a touch of charlatanism in it.”

“My dear doctor, pray accept my apologies,” Holmes said kindly; he had not even known I had a brother. Then he showed me: dents and scratches from coins and keys, four pawnbrokers’ numbers pin-scratched inside the case, and a keyhole scored all round by an unsteady hand winding it at night. “Where is the mystery in all this?”

7“My dear doctor, pray accept my apologies,” Holmes said kindly; he had not even known I had a brother. Then he showed me: dents and scratches from coins and keys, four pawnbrokers’ numbers pin-scratched inside the case, and a keyhole scored all round by an unsteady hand winding it at night. “Where is the mystery in all this?”

I owned the injustice I had done him and asked whether he had any case on hand. “None. Hence the cocaine,” he said, and stood at the window. “See how the yellow fog swirls down the street. Was ever such a dreary, dismal, unprofitable world? What is the use of having powers, doctor, when one has no field upon which to exert them?”

8I owned the injustice I had done him and asked whether he had any case on hand. “None. Hence the cocaine,” he said, and stood at the window. “See how the yellow fog swirls down the street. Was ever such a dreary, dismal, unprofitable world? What is the use of having powers, doctor, when one has no field upon which to exert them?”

I had opened my mouth to reply when there came a crisp knock, and our landlady entered with a card on the brass salver. “A young lady for you, sir.” Holmes read it: “Miss Mary Morstan. Hum! I have no recollection of the name. Ask the young lady to step up, Mrs. Hudson. Don’t go, doctor. I should prefer that you remain.”

9I had opened my mouth to reply when there came a crisp knock, and our landlady entered with a card on the brass salver. “A young lady for you, sir.” Holmes read it: “Miss Mary Morstan. Hum! I have no recollection of the name. Ask the young lady to step up, Mrs. Hudson. Don’t go, doctor. I should prefer that you remain.”

Miss Mary Morstan came into the room with a firm step. She wore a plain grey dress, and she had a sweet face and quiet manner. Her employer, Mrs. Cecil Forrester, had once been helped by Holmes. As she sat down, Watson saw that her lip trembled.

10Miss Mary Morstan came into the room with a firm step. She wore a plain grey dress, and she had a sweet face and quiet manner. Her employer, Mrs. Cecil Forrester, had once been helped by Holmes. As she sat down, Watson saw that her lip trembled.

In 1878 her father, Captain Morstan, came home on leave from India and wired her to meet him at the Langham Hotel. He went out the night before she arrived and never came back. His only friend in England, Major Sholto, said he had not even known Morstan was in the country.

11In 1878 her father, Captain Morstan, came home on leave from India and wired her to meet him at the Langham Hotel. He went out the night before she arrived and never came back. His only friend in England, Major Sholto, said he had not even known Morstan was in the country.

Then, on the 4th of May 1882, an advertisement in the Times asked for her address. By then Mary was a governess with Mrs. Forrester, and on her advice she answered it. That same day a small box came in the post. Inside was one large, gleaming pearl, with no note at all.

12Then, on the 4th of May 1882, an advertisement in the Times asked for her address. By then Mary was a governess with Mrs. Forrester, and on her advice she answered it. That same day a small box came in the post. Inside was one large, gleaming pearl, with no note at all.

Every year on the same date another pearl arrived, never with any clue to who sent it. An expert said they were rare and very valuable. Mary opened a flat box and showed them six of the finest pearls Watson had ever seen.

13Every year on the same date another pearl arrived, never with any clue to who sent it. An expert said they were rare and very valuable. Mary opened a flat box and showed them six of the finest pearls Watson had ever seen.

That morning a letter had come: be at the third pillar from the left outside the Lyceum Theatre at seven tonight, and bring two friends if you are distrustful. "You are a wronged woman, and shall have justice. Do not bring police," Holmes read aloud.

14That morning a letter had come: be at the third pillar from the left outside the Lyceum Theatre at seven tonight, and bring two friends if you are distrustful. "You are a wronged woman, and shall have justice. Do not bring police," Holmes read aloud.

"Then we shall most certainly go," said Holmes. Dr. Watson would be the second friend. When Mary looked to him, Watson said he would be proud and happy to help. She promised to come back at six, gave them both a bright, kind look, and hurried away.

15"Then we shall most certainly go," said Holmes. Dr. Watson would be the second friend. When Mary looked to him, Watson said he would be proud and happy to help. She promised to come back at six, gave them both a bright, kind look, and hurried away.

Watson watched from the window until her grey turban vanished into the crowd. "What a very attractive woman!" he said. Holmes, puffing his pipe, said he had not noticed. "You really are an automaton, a calculating machine!" cried Watson.

16Watson watched from the window until her grey turban vanished into the crowd. "What a very attractive woman!" he said. Holmes, puffing his pipe, said he had not noticed. "You really are an automaton, a calculating machine!" cried Watson.

Holmes went out, and Watson sat by the window with a book he could not read, thinking only of Mary. Then he pulled himself up short. Who was he, an army surgeon with a weak leg and a weaker bank account, to dream of her? He buried himself in a medical book.

17Holmes went out, and Watson sat by the window with a book he could not read, thinking only of Mary. Then he pulled himself up short. Who was he, an army surgeon with a weak leg and a weaker bank account, to dream of her? He buried himself in a medical book.

Holmes returned at half-past five in excellent spirits. In old files of the Times he had found that Major Sholto died in April 1882, and within a week Mary's first pearl had arrived. "Sholto's heir knows something of the mystery," he said, "and desires to make compensation."

18Holmes returned at half-past five in excellent spirits. In old files of the Times he had found that Major Sholto died in April 1882, and within a week Mary's first pearl had arrived. "Sholto's heir knows something of the mystery," he said, "and desires to make compensation."

Watson pointed out the difficulties, and Holmes admitted there were some, but said the night's expedition would settle them. Mary's four-wheeler was already at the door. Watson took his hat and his heaviest stick, but he noticed Holmes slip his revolver from the drawer into his pocket. The night's work might be serious.

19Watson pointed out the difficulties, and Holmes admitted there were some, but said the night's expedition would settle them. Mary's four-wheeler was already at the door. Watson took his hat and his heaviest stick, but he noticed Holmes slip his revolver from the drawer into his pocket. The night's work might be serious.

Mary sat pale but composed in a dark cloak. Her father and Major Sholto had commanded the troops in the Andaman Islands together, she said, and she had brought a strange paper found in his desk. Holmes smoothed it on his knee and went over it with his lens. It was Indian paper, he said, and had once been pinned to a board.

20Mary sat pale but composed in a dark cloak. Her father and Major Sholto had commanded the troops in the Andaman Islands together, she said, and she had brought a strange paper found in his desk. Holmes smoothed it on his knee and went over it with his lens. It was Indian paper, he said, and had once been pinned to a board.

It showed a plan of part of a large building, all halls and passages. A small red cross was marked '3.37 from left.' In one corner were four crosses in a row with their arms touching, and beside them in rough writing: 'The sign of the four—Jonathan Small, Mahomet Singh, Abdullah Khan, Dost Akbar.' Holmes said the matter might be deeper than he had thought.

21It showed a plan of part of a large building, all halls and passages. A small red cross was marked '3.37 from left.' In one corner were four crosses in a row with their arms touching, and beside them in rough writing: 'The sign of the four—Jonathan Small, Mahomet Singh, Abdullah Khan, Dost Akbar.' Holmes said the matter might be deeper than he had thought.

It was not yet seven, but a dense, drizzly fog lay over London. Down the Strand the lamps were only misty smudges on the slimy pavement, and an endless stream of faces passed from gloom into the yellow shop-light and back into gloom. Watson and Mary felt low and uneasy. Holmes alone stayed calm, jotting figures in his note-book.

22It was not yet seven, but a dense, drizzly fog lay over London. Down the Strand the lamps were only misty smudges on the slimy pavement, and an endless stream of faces passed from gloom into the yellow shop-light and back into gloom. Watson and Mary felt low and uneasy. Holmes alone stayed calm, jotting figures in his note-book.

At the Lyceum Theatre, cabs were setting down men in evening dress and women in diamonds. They had hardly reached the third pillar when a small, dark coachman came up to them. "I was to ask you to give me your word," he said, "that neither of your companions is a police-officer." Mary gave it.

23At the Lyceum Theatre, cabs were setting down men in evening dress and women in diamonds. They had hardly reached the third pillar when a small, dark coachman came up to them. "I was to ask you to give me your word," he said, "that neither of your companions is a police-officer." Mary gave it.

At the coachman's shrill whistle, a street boy brought up a four-wheeler, and they were off at a furious pace. To cheer Mary, Watson told stories of Afghanistan, but he was so excited that he got them muddled. She still says he once told her how a musket looked into his tent at night and he fired a double-barrelled tiger cub at it.

24At the coachman's shrill whistle, a street boy brought up a four-wheeler, and they were off at a furious pace. To cheer Mary, Watson told stories of Afghanistan, but he was so excited that he got them muddled. She still says he once told her how a musket looked into his tent at night and he fired a double-barrelled tiger cub at it.

Watson soon lost his bearings, but Holmes named every turning: Rochester Row, Vincent Square, the Vauxhall Bridge Road. "Now we are on the bridge," he said. For a moment they glimpsed the broad, silent Thames under its lamps. Then the cab plunged into a maze of streets on the Surrey side.

25Watson soon lost his bearings, but Holmes named every turning: Rochester Row, Vincent Square, the Vauxhall Bridge Road. "Now we are on the bridge," he said. For a moment they glimpsed the broad, silent Thames under its lamps. Then the cab plunged into a maze of streets on the Surrey side.

Past gaudy public houses and new rows of raw brick, the cab stopped at the third house in an empty new terrace. A servant in a yellow turban and sash opened the door at once. "The Sahib awaits you," he said, and a high piping voice called from inside: "Show them straight in to me, khitmutgar!"

26Past gaudy public houses and new rows of raw brick, the cab stopped at the third house in an empty new terrace. A servant in a yellow turban and sash opened the door at once. "The Sahib awaits you," he said, and a high piping voice called from inside: "Show them straight in to me, khitmutgar!"

The Indian servant led them down a mean, ill-lit passage and threw open a door. Yellow light poured out. Standing in it was a small, twitching man with a shining bald head ringed by red hair, wringing his hands. "Your servant, Miss Morstan," he piped. "Pray step into my little sanctum."

27The Indian servant led them down a mean, ill-lit passage and threw open a door. Yellow light poured out. Standing in it was a small, twitching man with a shining bald head ringed by red hair, wringing his hands. "Your servant, Miss Morstan," he piped. "Pray step into my little sanctum."

Learning that Watson was a doctor, Thaddeus begged him to listen to his mitral valve. Watson found nothing wrong except plain terror. Then Thaddeus remarked that Captain Morstan might still be alive if he had not strained his heart. Mary turned white to the lips. "I knew in my heart that he was dead," she said.

28Learning that Watson was a doctor, Thaddeus begged him to listen to his mitral valve. Watson found nothing wrong except plain terror. Then Thaddeus remarked that Captain Morstan might still be alive if he had not strained his heart. Mary turned white to the lips. "I knew in my heart that he was dead," she said.

Thaddeus lit his bubbling hookah and chattered about his Corot and his Bouguereau and his delicate health, until Mary politely asked him to come to the point. Begging them to keep the police out of it, he began at last: his father was Major John Sholto, late of the Indian army, who lived in fear at Pondicherry Lodge.

29Thaddeus lit his bubbling hookah and chattered about his Corot and his Bouguereau and his delicate health, until Mary politely asked him to come to the point. Begging them to keep the police out of it, he began at last: his father was Major John Sholto, late of the Indian army, who lived in fear at Pondicherry Lodge.

In 1882 a letter from India shocked the Major so badly that he sickened and lay dying. He called his twin sons to his bedside and told them to lock the door. "The cursed greed which has been my besetting sin," he said, had kept poor Morstan's daughter from her share of the Agra treasure.

30In 1882 a letter from India shocked the Major so badly that he sickened and lay dying. He called his twin sons to his bedside and told them to lock the door. "The cursed greed which has been my besetting sin," he said, had kept poor Morstan's daughter from her share of the Agra treasure.

Morstan, the Major confessed, had come to claim his share. The two quarrelled over the division. Morstan sprang up in anger, clutched his weak heart, and fell dead, cutting his head on the chest. Afraid he would be charged with murder, the Major and his servant Lal Chowdar hid the body, and the treasure as well.

31Morstan, the Major confessed, had come to claim his share. The two quarrelled over the division. Morstan sprang up in anger, clutched his weak heart, and fell dead, cutting his head on the chest. Afraid he would be charged with murder, the Major and his servant Lal Chowdar hid the body, and the treasure as well.

"Put your ears down to my mouth. The treasure is hidden in—" All at once the Major's eyes stared wildly. "Keep him out! For Christ's sake keep him out!" At the dark window behind them a bearded, hairy face was pressed against the glass, glaring with cruel eyes.

32"Put your ears down to my mouth. The treasure is hidden in—" All at once the Major's eyes stared wildly. "Keep him out! For Christ's sake keep him out!" At the dark window behind them a bearded, hairy face was pressed against the glass, glaring with cruel eyes.

The brothers ran to the window, but the man was gone, and when they turned back their father was dead. In the morning the window stood open, every box had been ransacked, and a torn paper had been fixed to the dead man's chest, with the words 'The sign of the four' scrawled across it.

33The brothers ran to the window, but the man was gone, and when they turned back their father was dead. In the morning the window stood open, every box had been ransacked, and a torn paper had been fixed to the dead man's chest, with the words 'The sign of the four' scrawled across it.

For months the brothers dug up the garden for nothing. Thaddeus wanted to send Mary the pearls, while the miserly Bartholomew wanted to keep them, so the two settled on posting her one pearl at a time. "It was extremely good of you," Mary said. Yesterday, Thaddeus announced, Bartholomew had found the treasure.

34For months the brothers dug up the garden for nothing. Thaddeus wanted to send Mary the pearls, while the miserly Bartholomew wanted to keep them, so the two settled on posting her one pearl at a time. "It was extremely good of you," Mary said. Yesterday, Thaddeus announced, Bartholomew had found the treasure.

As their cab rattled towards Norwood, Thaddeus, muffled in an astrakhan coat and rabbit-skin cap, told how clever Bartholomew had measured every room and found four feet missing at the top of the house. Breaking through the ceiling, he found a sealed garret, and in it the chest, worth half a million pounds.

35As their cab rattled towards Norwood, Thaddeus, muffled in an astrakhan coat and rabbit-skin cap, told how clever Bartholomew had measured every room and found four feet missing at the top of the house. Breaking through the ceiling, he found a sealed garret, and in it the chest, worth half a million pounds.

Mary might become the richest heiress in England. Watson stammered his congratulations, but his heart turned heavy as lead: a rich woman would be far beyond the reach of a poor army doctor. He sat downcast, hardly hearing Thaddeus's stream of symptoms, until the cab jerked to a stop. "This, Miss Morstan, is Pondicherry Lodge."

36Mary might become the richest heiress in England. Watson stammered his congratulations, but his heart turned heavy as lead: a rich woman would be far beyond the reach of a poor army doctor. He sat downcast, hardly hearing Thaddeus's stream of symptoms, until the cab jerked to a stop. "This, Miss Morstan, is Pondicherry Lodge."

It was nearly eleven o'clock when the cab reached Pondicherry Lodge. The house stood behind a very high stone wall topped with broken glass, and its only entrance was one narrow iron-clamped door. Thaddeus Sholto took down a carriage lamp and knocked on it with his own peculiar rat-tat.

37It was nearly eleven o'clock when the cab reached Pondicherry Lodge. The house stood behind a very high stone wall topped with broken glass, and its only entrance was one narrow iron-clamped door. Thaddeus Sholto took down a carriage lamp and knocked on it with his own peculiar rat-tat.

A burly porter named McMurdo opened the door and would let in no strangers without his master's orders. Then Holmes stepped into the lamplight. "Don't you remember the amateur who fought three rounds with you four years back?" The old prize-fighter roared with delight and waved them all in.

38A burly porter named McMurdo opened the door and would let in no strangers without his master's orders. Then Holmes stepped into the lamplight. "Don't you remember the amateur who fought three rounds with you four years back?" The old prize-fighter roared with delight and waved them all in.

Inside, a gravel path wound through grounds dug full of holes towards a huge, dark, silent house. Bartholomew's window showed no light. Then, from the great black house, came the shrill, broken whimpering of a frightened woman, and Thaddeus hurried ahead, leaving them the lantern.

39Inside, a gravel path wound through grounds dug full of holes towards a huge, dark, silent house. Bartholomew's window showed no light. Then, from the great black house, came the shrill, broken whimpering of a frightened woman, and Thaddeus hurried ahead, leaving them the lantern.

Holmes swung the lantern over the rubbish-heaps: six years of treasure-hunting had dug the grounds into a gravel-pit. Miss Morstan and Watson stood together, and without a word passing between them, her hand was in his. "What a strange place!" she said.

40Holmes swung the lantern over the rubbish-heaps: six years of treasure-hunting had dug the grounds into a gravel-pit. Miss Morstan and Watson stood together, and without a word passing between them, her hand was in his. "What a strange place!" she said.

In the housekeeper's room, old Mrs. Bernstone paced with picking fingers until Miss Morstan's calm face soothed her. "Master has locked himself in and will not answer me," she sobbed. She had peeped through the keyhole an hour before and had never seen such a face on him in ten long years.

41In the housekeeper's room, old Mrs. Bernstone paced with picking fingers until Miss Morstan's calm face soothed her. "Master has locked himself in and will not answer me," she sobbed. She had peeped through the keyhole an hour before and had never seen such a face on him in ten long years.

Holmes led the way up three flights, stopping twice to study marks on the stair-matting with his lens. The last door was bolted from inside. He bent to the keyhole and rose with a sharp breath. Through it Watson saw a face hanging in the moonlight, the very image of Thaddeus, fixed in a horrible grin.

42Holmes led the way up three flights, stopping twice to study marks on the stair-matting with his lens. The last door was bolted from inside. He bent to the keyhole and rose with a sharp breath. Through it Watson saw a face hanging in the moonlight, the very image of Thaddeus, fixed in a horrible grin.

"The door must come down," said Holmes. Together they flung themselves upon it until it gave way with a snap. The room was a chemical laboratory, reeking of tar. In a wooden arm-chair by the table sat Bartholomew Sholto, all in a heap, stiff and cold, dead for many hours.

43"The door must come down," said Holmes. Together they flung themselves upon it until it gave way with a snap. The room was a chemical laboratory, reeking of tar. In a wooden arm-chair by the table sat Bartholomew Sholto, all in a heap, stiff and cold, dead for many hours.

By the dead man's hand lay a strange weapon: a brown stick with a stone head rudely lashed on with twine. Beside it was a torn sheet of note-paper. Holmes handed it to Watson, who read with a thrill of horror: "The sign of the four." "It means murder," said Holmes.

44By the dead man's hand lay a strange weapon: a brown stick with a stone head rudely lashed on with twine. Beside it was a torn sheet of note-paper. Holmes handed it to Watson, who read with a thrill of horror: "The sign of the four." "It means murder," said Holmes.

Holmes pointed to a long, dark thorn stuck in the skin just above the dead man's ear. "You may pick it out. But be careful, for it is poisoned." Watson drew it out between finger and thumb; it left barely a mark. To Watson the mystery only grew darker, but Holmes said it cleared every instant.

45Holmes pointed to a long, dark thorn stuck in the skin just above the dead man's ear. "You may pick it out. But be careful, for it is poisoned." Watson drew it out between finger and thumb; it left barely a mark. To Watson the mystery only grew darker, but Holmes said it cleared every instant.

Thaddeus, wringing his hands in the doorway, cried out: "The treasure is gone!" There was the hole they had lowered it through, and the chest's place stood empty. Sure he would be suspected, he stamped in frenzy, until Holmes laid a kind hand on his shoulder and sent him off to fetch the police.

46Thaddeus, wringing his hands in the doorway, cried out: "The treasure is gone!" There was the hole they had lowered it through, and the chest's place stood empty. Sure he would be suspected, he stamped in frenzy, until Holmes laid a kind hand on his shoulder and sent him off to fetch the police.

Left alone with the dead man for half an hour, Holmes set to work. He sat Watson in a corner so that his footprints would not confuse matters, then carried the lamp to the window. The door had not been opened since the night before, and the window was fastened on the inside. "Yet a man has mounted by the window."

47Left alone with the dead man for half an hour, Holmes set to work. He sat Watson in a corner so that his footprints would not confuse matters, then carried the lamp to the window. The door had not been opened since the night before, and the window was fastened on the inside. "Yet a man has mounted by the window."

Rain the night before had left clear marks on the sill: the print of a heavy boot with a broad metal heel and, beside it, a round, well-shaped muddy disc, which showed up again on the floor and by the table. "This is not a footmark," said Watson. "It is the impression of a wooden stump," Holmes replied. It was the wooden-legged man.

48Rain the night before had left clear marks on the sill: the print of a heavy boot with a broad metal heel and, beside it, a round, well-shaped muddy disc, which showed up again on the floor and by the table. "This is not a footmark," said Watson. "It is the impression of a wooden stump," Holmes replied. It was the wooden-legged man.

The window was sixty feet up, with no foothold anywhere on the wall. Holmes reasoned that an ally inside had tied the stout rope in the corner to the hook and let it down. Blood-marks near its end showed that the climber had slid down so fast he tore the skin from his hands. But how had the ally got in? The door, window and chimney were all ruled out. "He came through the hole in the roof," Watson cried.

49The window was sixty feet up, with no foothold anywhere on the wall. Holmes reasoned that an ally inside had tied the stout rope in the corner to the hook and let it down. Blood-marks near its end showed that the climber had slid down so fast he tore the skin from his hands. But how had the ally got in? The door, window and chimney were all ruled out. "He came through the hole in the roof," Watson cried.

Holmes climbed the steps, swung himself up by the rafters into the secret garret where the treasure had been found, and reached down for the lamp. The floor was nothing but beams and thin plaster, deep in years of dust. He pressed his hand against the sloping wall and a trap-door opened onto the roof. This was how the ally had come in.

50Holmes climbed the steps, swung himself up by the rafters into the secret garret where the treasure had been found, and reached down for the lamp. The floor was nothing but beams and thin plaster, deep in years of dust. He pressed his hand against the sloping wall and a trap-door opened onto the roof. This was how the ally had come in.

When Holmes lowered the lamp to the floor, a startled look crossed his face. The dust was covered with the clear prints of a bare foot, perfectly formed but barely half the size of a man's. Watson went cold. "Holmes," he whispered, "a child has done the horrid thing." Holmes was calm again in a moment, but would say no more than that they should go down.

51When Holmes lowered the lamp to the floor, a startled look crossed his face. The dust was covered with the clear prints of a bare foot, perfectly formed but barely half the size of a man's. Watson went cold. "Holmes," he whispered, "a child has done the horrid thing." Holmes was calm again in a moment, but would say no more than that they should go down.

Back in the room below, Holmes crawled over the floor with his lens and tape measure like a bloodhound on a scent, until he crowed with delight. A carboy of creosote had cracked, and the small foot had stepped in the sharp-smelling pool. "I know a dog that would follow that scent to the world's end," he said.

52Back in the room below, Holmes crawled over the floor with his lens and tape measure like a bloodhound on a scent, until he crowed with delight. A carboy of creosote had cracked, and the small foot had stepped in the sharp-smelling pool. "I know a dog that would follow that scent to the world's end," he said.

Heavy steps and loud voices came from below as the police arrived. Holmes quickly had Watson feel the dead man's limbs, which were as hard as a board, the sign of some deadly plant poison. Then he handed him the long, sharp, black thorn he had found in the scalp. Its tip looked gummy. "Is that an English thorn?" "No, it certainly is not."

53Heavy steps and loud voices came from below as the police arrived. Holmes quickly had Watson feel the dead man's limbs, which were as hard as a board, the sign of some deadly plant poison. Then he handed him the long, sharp, black thorn he had found in the scalp. Its tip looked gummy. "Is that an English thorn?" "No, it certainly is not."

A very stout, red-faced man in a grey suit came heavily into the room, followed by a uniformed inspector and the trembling Thaddeus Sholto. It was Athelney Jones of Scotland Yard, who remembered Holmes as "the theorist" and put his past success down to luck. "Stern facts here," he wheezed, "no room for theories."

54A very stout, red-faced man in a grey suit came heavily into the room, followed by a uniformed inspector and the trembling Thaddeus Sholto. It was Athelney Jones of Scotland Yard, who remembered Holmes as "the theorist" and put his past success down to luck. "Stern facts here," he wheezed, "no room for theories."

Jones brushed aside the thorn, the card and the stone-headed club. Pleased with himself after finding the open trap-door, which Holmes had opened, he turned to the frightened little man. "I arrest you in the Queen's name as being concerned in the death of your brother." "There, now! Didn't I tell you!" cried Thaddeus. Holmes calmly promised to clear him.

55Jones brushed aside the thorn, the card and the stone-headed club. Pleased with himself after finding the open trap-door, which Holmes had opened, he turned to the frightened little man. "I arrest you in the Queen's name as being concerned in the death of your brother." "There, now! Didn't I tell you!" cried Thaddeus. Holmes calmly promised to clear him.

"Not only will I clear him," said Holmes, "but I will make you a free present of the name of one of the two people who were in this room last night." He was Jonathan Small: a sunburned former convict with a worn wooden stump for a right leg, a square-toed left boot and skin torn from his palms. As for the other man, he was "a rather curious person."

56"Not only will I clear him," said Holmes, "but I will make you a free present of the name of one of the two people who were in this room last night." He was Jonathan Small: a sunburned former convict with a worn wooden stump for a right leg, a square-toed left boot and skin torn from his palms. As for the other man, he was "a rather curious person."

At the head of the stairs Holmes said Miss Morstan must not stay in this house of death. Watson was to drive her home to Camberwell, then go on to No. 3 Pinchin Lane, near the river at Lambeth, wake old Sherman the bird-stuffer and bring back Toby. "A dog, I suppose." "I would rather have Toby's help than that of the whole detective force of London."

57At the head of the stairs Holmes said Miss Morstan must not stay in this house of death. Watson was to drive her home to Camberwell, then go on to No. 3 Pinchin Lane, near the river at Lambeth, wake old Sherman the bird-stuffer and bring back Toby. "A dog, I suppose." "I would rather have Toby's help than that of the whole detective force of London."

In the police cab Mary Morstan, who had been so calm for the frightened housekeeper's sake, first turned faint and then wept. Watson longed to speak his love, but held his tongue: she was shaken, and if Holmes found the Agra treasure she would be an heiress. He could not bear to look like a mere fortune-hunter.

58In the police cab Mary Morstan, who had been so calm for the frightened housekeeper's sake, first turned faint and then wept. Watson longed to speak his love, but held his tongue: she was shaken, and if Holmes found the Agra treasure she would be an heiress. He could not bear to look like a mere fortune-hunter.

Near two o'clock Mrs. Cecil Forrester, who had sat up waiting, opened the door herself and folded Mary in a motherly embrace. Watson promised to report any news and drove away, glancing back at the two figures in the warm light of a quiet English home.

59Near two o'clock Mrs. Cecil Forrester, who had sat up waiting, opened the door herself and folded Mary in a motherly embrace. Watson promised to report any news and drove away, glancing back at the two figures in the warm light of a quiet English home.

Holmes had sent him to fetch a dog. At No. 3 Pinchin Lane, Lambeth, a face in blue spectacles threatened to set forty-three dogs, or a viper, on him. But at the words "Mr. Sherlock Holmes" the window slammed shut and old Sherman hurried down to unbar the door.

60Holmes had sent him to fetch a dog. At No. 3 Pinchin Lane, Lambeth, a face in blue spectacles threatened to set forty-three dogs, or a viper, on him. But at the words "Mr. Sherlock Holmes" the window slammed shut and old Sherman hurried down to unbar the door.

Inside, by candlelight, eyes glimmered from every cage and fowls dozed on the rafters. "A friend of Mr. Sherlock is always welcome," said Sherman, and he led out Toby: an ugly, lop-eared mongrel, half spaniel and half lurcher, who took a lump of sugar from Watson and, alliance sealed, waddled after him to the cab.

61Inside, by candlelight, eyes glimmered from every cage and fowls dozed on the rafters. "A friend of Mr. Sherlock is always welcome," said Sherman, and he led out Toby: an ugly, lop-eared mongrel, half spaniel and half lurcher, who took a lump of sugar from Watson and, alliance sealed, waddled after him to the cab.

Back at Pondicherry Lodge, Jones had arrested half the household and gone. Up in the garret Holmes, barefoot, pressed his own foot into the dust beside the intruder's print. "Your toes are all cramped together," said Watson. "The other print has each toe distinctly divided." That foot had never worn a shoe.

62Back at Pondicherry Lodge, Jones had arrested half the household and gone. Up in the garret Holmes, barefoot, pressed his own foot into the dust beside the intruder's print. "Your toes are all cramped together," said Watson. "The other print has each toe distinctly divided." That foot had never worn a shoe.

With a lantern hung round his neck, Holmes went out through the trapdoor onto the roof and crawled along the ridge like an enormous glow-worm, following loosened tiles. At the far corner he came down the water-pipe, sprang onto the lidded water-barrel and so to the ground: the very way the killer had escaped.

63With a lantern hung round his neck, Holmes went out through the trapdoor onto the roof and crawled along the ridge like an enormous glow-worm, following loosened tiles. At the far corner he came down the water-pipe, sprang onto the lidded water-barrel and so to the ground: the very way the killer had escaped.

Pulling on his boots, Holmes held up what the fugitive had dropped on the roof: a little pouch woven of coloured grasses, with tawdry beads, holding half a dozen dark, sharp thorns like the one that had killed Bartholomew Sholto. "They are hellish things," he said. "Look out that you don't prick yourself."

64Pulling on his boots, Holmes held up what the fugitive had dropped on the roof: a little pouch woven of coloured grasses, with tawdry beads, holding half a dozen dark, sharp thorns like the one that had killed Bartholomew Sholto. "They are hellish things," he said. "Look out that you don't prick yourself."

Holmes pushed the creosote-soaked handkerchief under Toby's nose, and the dog sniffed like a connoisseur tasting a fine wine. Then, at the foot of the barrel, he gave a high yelp and pattered off, nose down and tail up, over the boundary wall where the wooden-legged man had left a smudge of blood on the plaster.

65Holmes pushed the creosote-soaked handkerchief under Toby's nose, and the dog sniffed like a connoisseur tasting a fine wine. Then, at the foot of the barrel, he gave a high yelp and pattered off, nose down and tail up, over the boundary wall where the wooden-legged man had left a smudge of blood on the plaster.

Toby led them six miles through south London as the sun rose. On the way Holmes laid it out: Jonathan Small, the wooden-legged man, was an escaped convict from the Andaman Islands, back for the treasure and for revenge on Major Sholto. It was his strange companion who had done the killing. Then Holmes quoted Jean Paul on man's smallness, and quietly loaded his revolver.

66Toby led them six miles through south London as the sun rose. On the way Holmes laid it out: Jonathan Small, the wooden-legged man, was an escaped convict from the Andaman Islands, back for the treasure and for revenge on Major Sholto. It was his strange companion who had done the killing. Then Holmes quoted Jean Paul on man's smallness, and quietly loaded his revolver.

Through Streatham, Brixton and Camberwell the trail zigzagged by side-streets as the town woke. At Knight's Place Toby stopped and ran in circles, one ear cocked. "What the deuce is the matter with the dog?" growled Holmes. Then Toby darted off, the scent so hot he hardly needed to lower his nose.

67Through Streatham, Brixton and Camberwell the trail zigzagged by side-streets as the town woke. At Knight's Place Toby stopped and ran in circles, one ear cocked. "What the deuce is the matter with the dog?" growled Holmes. Then Toby darted off, the scent so hot he hardly needed to lower his nose.

Down Nine Elms Toby dragged them into Broderick and Nelson's timber-yard, through sawdust and between the wood-piles, and sprang triumphantly onto a barrel on a hand-trolley, smeared with dark creosote. He looked round proudly for praise. Holmes and Watson stared blankly at each other, then burst out into helpless laughter.

68Down Nine Elms Toby dragged them into Broderick and Nelson's timber-yard, through sawdust and between the wood-piles, and sprang triumphantly onto a barrel on a hand-trolley, smeared with dark creosote. He looked round proudly for praise. Holmes and Watson stared blankly at each other, then burst out into helpless laughter.

Poor Toby was not to blame, said Holmes: with so much creosote carted about London, two trails had crossed at Knight's Place, and they had simply taken the wrong one. Led back to the corner, the dog cast about in a wide circle and dashed off in a fresh direction, keeping to the pavement, down towards the river.

69Poor Toby was not to blame, said Holmes: with so much creosote carted about London, two trails had crossed at Knight's Place, and they had simply taken the wrong one. Led back to the corner, the dog cast about in a wide circle and dashed off in a fresh direction, keeping to the pavement, down towards the river.

At the end of Broad Street the trail ran right to the water's edge, where Toby stood whining at the dark current. The fugitives had taken a boat. Beside the landing-stage stood a brick house with a sign — 'Mordecai Smith, Boats to hire' — and a heap of coke for a steam launch. 'This looks bad,' said Holmes.

70At the end of Broad Street the trail ran right to the water's edge, where Toby stood whining at the dark current. The fugitives had taken a boat. Beside the landing-stage stood a brick house with a sign — 'Mordecai Smith, Boats to hire' — and a heap of coke for a steam launch. 'This looks bad,' said Holmes.

As Holmes neared the door, a curly-headed boy of six dashed out, chased by his red-faced mother waving a sponge. 'Dear little chap!' said Holmes. 'Is there anything you would like?' Little Jack thought hard and asked for a shilling — then, on reflection, two. Holmes tossed them over and praised the child warmly to Mrs. Smith.

71As Holmes neared the door, a curly-headed boy of six dashed out, chased by his red-faced mother waving a sponge. 'Dear little chap!' said Holmes. 'Is there anything you would like?' Little Jack thought hard and asked for a shilling — then, on reflection, two. Holmes tossed them over and praised the child warmly to Mrs. Smith.

Holmes only sighed that he had wished to hire Mr. Smith's launch, and out it all came. A wooden-legged man with a thick, foggy voice had tapped at the window about three that morning; her husband and their eldest, Jim, went off with him in the launch, steam already up. 'I don't feel easy in my mind about it,' she said.

72Holmes only sighed that he had wished to hire Mr. Smith's launch, and out it all came. A wooden-legged man with a thick, foggy voice had tapped at the window about three that morning; her husband and their eldest, Jim, went off with him in the launch, steam already up. 'I don't feel easy in my mind about it,' she said.

Pretending to muddle the details, Holmes drew out the launch's name — the Aurora, fresh-painted black with two red streaks, a black funnel with a white band. Then he hired a wherry across the river. 'Never let such people think their information matters to you,' he told Watson, 'or they will shut up like an oyster.'

73Pretending to muddle the details, Holmes drew out the launch's name — the Aurora, fresh-painted black with two red streaks, a black funnel with a white band. Then he hired a wherry across the river. 'Never let such people think their information matters to you,' he told Watson, 'or they will shut up like an oyster.'

Holmes wired his 'dirty little lieutenant' and they went home to Baker Street. Over breakfast he passed Watson the Standard: the 'energetic' Athelney Jones had arrested Thaddeus Sholto, the housekeeper, the butler and McMurdo. 'Isn't it gorgeous!' grinned Holmes. Watson, who wanted the treasure found for Miss Morstan's sake, thought they had nearly been arrested themselves.

74Holmes wired his 'dirty little lieutenant' and they went home to Baker Street. Over breakfast he passed Watson the Standard: the 'energetic' Athelney Jones had arrested Thaddeus Sholto, the housekeeper, the butler and McMurdo. 'Isn't it gorgeous!' grinned Holmes. Watson, who wanted the treasure found for Miss Morstan's sake, thought they had nearly been arrested themselves.

A ring at the bell, a wail from Mrs. Hudson, and a dozen ragged street boys came pattering up the stairs and lined up smartly. 'Got your message, sir,' said Wiggins. Holmes told them to find the Aurora by searching both banks of the river, a shilling each in advance and a guinea for the boy who found her.

75A ring at the bell, a wail from Mrs. Hudson, and a dozen ragged street boys came pattering up the stairs and lined up smartly. 'Got your message, sir,' said Wiggins. Holmes told them to find the Aurora by searching both banks of the river, a shilling each in advance and a guinea for the boy who found her.

When the boys had streamed away, Holmes turned to the 'other man' — tiny naked footprints, a stone-headed club, poisoned darts from a blow-pipe. He took down a new gazetteer: the Andaman Islanders, it said, were perhaps the smallest people on earth, fierce towards strangers yet capable of devoted friendship once their trust was won.

76When the boys had streamed away, Holmes turned to the 'other man' — tiny naked footprints, a stone-headed club, poisoned darts from a blow-pipe. He took down a new gazetteer: the Andaman Islanders, it said, were perhaps the smallest people on earth, fierce towards strangers yet capable of devoted friendship once their trust was won.

How the islander came to be with Jonathan Small, Holmes could not yet say. 'You look regularly done,' he told Watson, and sent him to the sofa. Then he took up his violin and played a low, dreamy air of his own, until Watson drifted away on a soft sea of sound and dreamed of Mary Morstan's sweet face.

77How the islander came to be with Jonathan Small, Holmes could not yet say. 'You look regularly done,' he told Watson, and sent him to the sofa. Then he took up his violin and played a low, dreamy air of his own, until Watson drifted away on a soft sea of sound and dreamed of Mary Morstan's sweet face.

Still no word came of the Aurora. Wiggins came up to report that his boys could find no trace of the launch, and Holmes would not leave his post in case a message arrived while he was out. He paced the sitting room hour after hour, his violin sounding late into the sleepless night.

78Still no word came of the Aurora. Wiggins came up to report that his boys could find no trace of the launch, and Holmes would not leave his post in case a message arrived while he was out. He paced the sitting room hour after hour, his violin sounding late into the sleepless night.

Watson crossed the river to Camberwell. Mrs. Forrester called it all a romance, with half a million in treasure for Mary, but Mary only tossed her head. “It is for Mr. Thaddeus Sholto that I am anxious,” she said. “It is our duty to clear him of this dreadful charge.”

79Watson crossed the river to Camberwell. Mrs. Forrester called it all a romance, with half a million in treasure for Mary, but Mary only tossed her head. “It is for Mr. Thaddeus Sholto that I am anxious,” she said. “It is our duty to clear him of this dreadful charge.”

Mrs. Hudson whispered that she feared for his health. A second day brought no news either, only an evening of smelly chemical experiments. Then at dawn Holmes woke Watson, dressed as a rough sailor. “I am off down the river, Watson,” he said, and he left Watson behind to open every note and telegram.

80Mrs. Hudson whispered that she feared for his health. A second day brought no news either, only an evening of smelly chemical experiments. Then at dawn Holmes woke Watson, dressed as a rough sailor. “I am off down the river, Watson,” he said, and he left Watson behind to open every note and telegram.

Over breakfast Watson opened the Standard and read that Thaddeus Sholto and the housekeeper had been released, cleared of the crime. Below it he spotted an advertisement offering five pounds for news of Mordecai Smith and the Aurora, giving 221B Baker Street as the address. Clearly this was Holmes's doing. Then came a long day of waiting.

81Over breakfast Watson opened the Standard and read that Thaddeus Sholto and the housekeeper had been released, cleared of the crime. Below it he spotted an advertisement offering five pounds for news of Mordecai Smith and the Aurora, giving 221B Baker Street as the address. Clearly this was Holmes's doing. Then came a long day of waiting.

At three o'clock Athelney Jones was shown up, no longer brusque but meek and apologetic, mopping his red face. Thaddeus had an alibi, and his whole theory had fallen apart. He handed Watson a telegram from Holmes: “Go to Baker Street at once. I am close on the track of the Sholto gang.”

82At three o'clock Athelney Jones was shown up, no longer brusque but meek and apologetic, mopping his red face. Thaddeus had an alibi, and his whole theory had fallen apart. He handed Watson a telegram from Holmes: “Go to Baker Street at once. I am close on the track of the Sholto gang.”

A wheezing old sailor climbed the stairs and asked for Mr. Holmes alone. He claimed he knew where the boat, the men and the treasure were, but he would tell nobody else. When he shuffled off in a temper, Jones planted his broad back against the door and kept him there.

83A wheezing old sailor climbed the stairs and asked for Mr. Holmes alone. He claimed he knew where the boat, the men and the treasure were, but he would tell nobody else. When he shuffled off in a temper, Jones planted his broad back against the door and kept him there.

“I think that you might offer me a cigar too,” said a familiar voice, and there was Holmes, holding up his wig and whiskers. He ordered a police launch at Westminster Stairs for seven o'clock and got Jones to agree that Watson could take the treasure to Mary first. Then he invited them all to dinner.

84“I think that you might offer me a cigar too,” said a familiar voice, and there was Holmes, holding up his wig and whiskers. He ordered a police launch at Westminster Stairs for seven o'clock and got Jones to agree that Watson could take the treasure to Mary first. Then he invited them all to dinner.

That evening Holmes was in high spirits after his black days of waiting. Over dinner he talked brilliantly of miracle-plays, Stradivarius violins and the war-ships of the future, and Athelney Jones ate like a man at a feast. Then Holmes poured the port. "One bumper to the success of our little expedition. Have you a pistol, Watson?"

85That evening Holmes was in high spirits after his black days of waiting. Over dinner he talked brilliantly of miracle-plays, Stradivarius violins and the war-ships of the future, and Athelney Jones ate like a man at a feast. Then Holmes poured the port. "One bumper to the success of our little expedition. Have you a pistol, Watson?"

With Watson's old service-revolver in his pocket, they reached Westminster wharf a little past seven. Holmes looked the police launch over carefully. "Is there anything to mark it as a police-boat?" Only the green lamp at the side, he was told. "Then take it off." The lamp came down, and the ropes were cast off.

86With Watson's old service-revolver in his pocket, they reached Westminster wharf a little past seven. Holmes looked the police launch over carefully. "Is there anything to mark it as a police-boat?" Only the green lamp at the side, he was told. "Then take it off." The lamp came down, and the ropes were cast off.

The launch shot downriver past lines of barges while Holmes explained. Small would need a day to arrange his affairs and must hide the Aurora close at hand. "I wondered what I should do myself if I were in his shoes." He would give her to a boat-builder for some small repair, hidden in a shed yet ready within hours.

87The launch shot downriver past lines of barges while Holmes explained. Small would need a day to arrange his affairs and must hide the Aurora close at hand. "I wondered what I should do myself if I were in his shoes." He would give her to a boat-builder for some small repair, hidden in a shed yet ready within hours.

Dressed in a seaman's rig, Holmes had drawn blank at fifteen yards. At the sixteenth, Jacobson's, he found the Aurora with her red streaks, left there by a wooden-legged man for a rudder that needed no mending. Then Mordecai Smith rolled in, the worse for drink, wanting her at eight o'clock sharp. Holmes set one of his boys to watch her.

88Dressed in a seaman's rig, Holmes had drawn blank at fifteen yards. At the sixteenth, Jacobson's, he found the Aurora with her red streaks, left there by a wooden-legged man for a rudder that needed no mending. Then Mordecai Smith rolled in, the worse for drink, wanting her at eight o'clock sharp. Holmes set one of his boys to watch her.

At twilight they cruised off the Tower behind a string of lighters while Holmes watched the yard through his night-glasses and talked of Winwood Reade. Then he broke off. "Surely there is a white flutter over yonder." The boy was waving his handkerchief, and the Aurora came tearing out from behind the small craft, going like the devil.

89At twilight they cruised off the Tower behind a string of lighters while Holmes watched the yard through his night-glasses and talked of Winwood Reade. Then he broke off. "Surely there is a white flutter over yonder." The boy was waving his handkerchief, and the Aurora came tearing out from behind the small craft, going like the devil.

"Heap it on, stokers! If we burn the boat we must have them!" cried Holmes. The furnaces roared and the engines clanked like a great metal heart. Holmes leaned over the engine-room, the fierce red glow lighting his eager, hawk-like face, and the frail boat shook with every throb as she flew after the Aurora.

90"Heap it on, stokers! If we burn the boat we must have them!" cried Holmes. The furnaces roared and the engines clanked like a great metal heart. Holmes leaned over the engine-room, the fierce red glow lighting his eager, hawk-like face, and the frail boat shook with every throb as she flew after the Aurora.

Just as they began to gain, a tug towing three barges blundered between them. Only a hard turn of the helm saved them, and the Aurora gained two hundred yards. On they raced through the Pool, past the West India Docks and round the Isle of Dogs; at Greenwich they were three hundred paces behind, and at Blackwall barely two hundred and fifty.

91Just as they began to gain, a tug towing three barges blundered between them. Only a hard turn of the helm saved them, and the Aurora gained two hundred yards. On they raced through the Pool, past the West India Docks and round the Isle of Dogs; at Greenwich they were three hundred paces behind, and at Blackwall barely two hundred and fifty.

Jones turned the search-light on the Aurora. Smith's son held the tiller, old Mordecai shovelled coal stripped to the waist, and a man crouched in the stern beside a dark bundle. When Jones yelled to them to stop, the man sprang up, shaking his fists and cursing, and Watson saw that his right leg was only a wooden stump.

92Jones turned the search-light on the Aurora. Smith's son held the tiller, old Mordecai shovelled coal stripped to the waist, and a man crouched in the stern beside a dark bundle. When Jones yelled to them to stop, the man sprang up, shaking his fists and cursing, and Watson saw that his right leg was only a wooden stump.

At the shouting, the bundle on the deck stirred and rose: a very small man wrapped in a dark blanket, his eyes glowing in the lantern-light. They were barely a boat's length apart. "Fire if he raises his hand," said Holmes quietly. Then the Islander drew out a short, round piece of wood and put it to his lips.

93At the shouting, the bundle on the deck stirred and rose: a very small man wrapped in a dark blanket, his eyes glowing in the lantern-light. They were barely a boat's length apart. "Fire if he raises his hand," said Holmes quietly. Then the Islander drew out a short, round piece of wood and put it to his lips.

The two pistols rang out together. The small figure whirled round, threw up his arms and fell sideways into the river, and Watson caught one last glimpse of his eyes in the white swirl of the water. At that moment Small threw himself on the rudder and swung the Aurora straight in for the southern bank.

94The two pistols rang out together. The small figure whirled round, threw up his arms and fell sideways into the river, and Watson caught one last glimpse of his eyes in the white swirl of the water. At that moment Small threw himself on the rudder and swung the Aurora straight in for the southern bank.

The Aurora ran up onto the mud with a dull thud. Small leapt out, but his wooden leg sank its full length into the soft bank, and the more he kicked the deeper it bored. They threw a rope over his shoulders and hauled him aboard like some evil fish. The Smiths came quietly, and the heavy iron treasure-chest was carried to the cabin.

95The Aurora ran up onto the mud with a dull thud. Small leapt out, but his wooden leg sank its full length into the soft bank, and the more he kicked the deeper it bored. They threw a rope over his shoulders and hauled him aboard like some evil fish. The Smiths came quietly, and the heavy iron treasure-chest was carried to the cabin.

As they steamed slowly back upriver they searched the dark water with the light, but found no trace of the Islander. Then Holmes pointed to the hatchway. "We were hardly quick enough with our pistols." Stuck in the wood, just behind where they had stood, was a poisoned dart. Holmes only shrugged, but Watson felt sick at how close death had come.

96As they steamed slowly back upriver they searched the dark water with the light, but found no trace of the Islander. Then Holmes pointed to the hatchway. "We were hardly quick enough with our pistols." Stuck in the wood, just behind where they had stood, was a poisoned dart. Holmes only shrugged, but Watson felt sick at how close death had come.

Jonathan Small sat handcuffed in the launch's little cabin, wet through, staring at the iron box he had waited so long to win. Holmes offered him a cigar and his flask. "I never raised hand against Mr. Sholto," Small swore. "It was that little hell-hound Tonga who shot one of his cursed darts into him."

97Jonathan Small sat handcuffed in the launch's little cabin, wet through, staring at the iron box he had waited so long to win. Holmes offered him a cigar and his flask. "I never raised hand against Mr. Sholto," Small swore. "It was that little hell-hound Tonga who shot one of his cursed darts into him."

Athelney Jones squeezed his broad shoulders into the cabin, very pleased with himself and already talking as if the capture were his own. When he said the boatman Smith swore he knew nothing of the Norwood business, Small cried out, "Neither he did, not a word! We told him nothing, but we paid him well." Holmes smiled quietly at Jones's airs.

98Athelney Jones squeezed his broad shoulders into the cabin, very pleased with himself and already talking as if the capture were his own. When he said the boatman Smith swore he knew nothing of the Norwood business, Small cried out, "Neither he did, not a word! We told him nothing, but we paid him well." Holmes smiled quietly at Jones's airs.

Jones said that, by their agreement, Watson might take the box to Miss Morstan, with an inspector to guard it, and bring it on to Baker Street afterwards. It was a pity there was no key to open it with. "Where is the key, my man?" Jones asked. "At the bottom of the river," said Small shortly.

99Jones said that, by their agreement, Watson might take the box to Miss Morstan, with an inspector to guard it, and bring it on to Baker Street afterwards. It was a pity there was no key to open it with. "Where is the key, my man?" Jones asked. "At the bottom of the river," said Small shortly.

They landed Watson at Vauxhall, and a quarter of an hour's drive brought him to Mrs. Forrester's. She was out for the evening, and he left the friendly inspector waiting in the cab. In the drawing-room he found Mary alone, sitting quietly by the open window in the soft light of the lamp, looking sad and far away.

100They landed Watson at Vauxhall, and a quarter of an hour's drive brought him to Mrs. Forrester's. She was out for the evening, and he left the friendly inspector waiting in the cab. In the drawing-room he found Mary alone, sitting quietly by the open window in the soft light of the lamp, looking sad and far away.

Mary jumped up, flushed with surprise. Watson set the box on the table and told her, a little too cheerfully, that he had brought her a fortune. Then he told her about the hunt for the Aurora and the wild chase down the Thames. When he came to the dart that had only just missed them, she went so white he thought she would faint.

101Mary jumped up, flushed with surprise. Watson set the box on the table and told her, a little too cheerfully, that he had brought her a fortune. Then he told her about the hunt for the Aurora and the wild chase down the Thames. When he came to the dart that had only just missed them, she went so white he thought she would faint.

Small had thrown the key into the Thames, so Watson borrowed Mrs. Forrester's poker. He forced it under the hasp, which was shaped like a seated Buddha, and it sprang open with a loud snap. With shaking fingers he threw back the heavy lid. They both stood and stared. The box was empty!

102Small had thrown the key into the Thames, so Watson borrowed Mrs. Forrester's poker. He forced it under the hasp, which was shaped like a seated Buddha, and it sprang open with a loud snap. With shaking fingers he threw back the heavy lid. They both stood and stared. The box was empty!

"The treasure is lost," Mary said calmly, and a great shadow lifted from Watson's heart. The fortune no longer stood between them. "Because I love you, Mary," he said, taking her hand, "as truly as ever a man loved a woman." "Then I say, 'Thank God,' too," she whispered. Whoever had lost a treasure, he had gained one that night.

103"The treasure is lost," Mary said calmly, and a great shadow lifted from Watson's heart. The fortune no longer stood between them. "Because I love you, Mary," he said, taking her hand, "as truly as ever a man loved a woman." "Then I say, 'Thank God,' too," she whispered. Whoever had lost a treasure, he had gained one that night.

When Watson showed the empty box at Baker Street, Jonathan Small leaned back in his chair and laughed aloud. He had scattered the jewels along five miles of the Thames, he said, so that no kith or kin of Sholto or Morstan would ever lay hands on them. "There are no rupees for you this journey."

104When Watson showed the empty box at Baker Street, Jonathan Small leaned back in his chair and laughed aloud. He had scattered the jewels along five miles of the Thames, he said, so that no kith or kin of Sholto or Morstan would ever lay hands on them. "There are no rupees for you this journey."

When Jones spoke of justice, Small's mask fell away. "Justice! Twenty long years in that fever-ridden swamp — that was how I earned the Agra treasure!" Holmes answered quietly that they had not yet heard his story. So Small took the glass of whisky Holmes had poured him and began to tell it.

105When Jones spoke of justice, Small's mask fell away. "Justice! Twenty long years in that fever-ridden swamp — that was how I earned the Agra treasure!" Holmes answered quietly that they had not yet heard his story. So Small took the glass of whisky Holmes had poured him and began to tell it.

Small had gone to India at eighteen with the 3rd Buffs, but soon after he went swimming in the Ganges, where a crocodile took his right leg above the knee. Invalided out on a wooden leg, he found work on horseback as overseer on Abel White's indigo plantation, and he was content there.

106Small had gone to India at eighteen with the 3rd Buffs, but soon after he went swimming in the Ganges, where a crocodile took his right leg above the knee. Invalided out on a wooden leg, he found work on horseback as overseer on Abel White's indigo plantation, and he was content there.

Then, in 1857, the great Mutiny broke over the country. Riding home one evening, Small found the Dawsons dead and Abel White's bungalow in flames, with rebels all round it. He could do nothing for his employer, so he galloped away across the paddy-fields and reached the walls of Agra late that night.

107Then, in 1857, the great Mutiny broke over the country. Riding home one evening, Small found the Dawsons dead and Abel White's bungalow in flames, with rebels all round it. He could do nothing for his employer, so he galloped away across the paddy-fields and reached the walls of Agra late that night.

In the old fort at Agra, Small guarded a lonely gate by night with two Sikh troopers. On the third night, a dark one of driving rain, he laid down his musket to light his pipe, and in an instant they were on him. Abdullah Khan offered him a choice: join their plan and share in a treasure, or be silenced for ever.

108In the old fort at Agra, Small guarded a lonely gate by night with two Sikh troopers. On the third night, a dark one of driving rain, he laid down his musket to light his pipe, and in an instant they were on him. Abdullah Khan offered him a choice: join their plan and share in a treasure, or be silenced for ever.

The treasure, Abdullah whispered, was a rajah's box of jewels, carried by a servant posing as the merchant Achmet. Tempted, Small swore the oath. Before long a shaded lantern came across the moat, and Dost Akbar, a bearded giant, led up a fat little man who begged the Sahib for protection.

109The treasure, Abdullah whispered, was a rajah's box of jewels, carried by a servant posing as the merchant Achmet. Tempted, Small swore the oath. Before long a shaded lantern came across the moat, and Dost Akbar, a bearded giant, led up a fat little man who begged the Sahib for protection.

The Sikhs led Achmet into the dark passages. Then Small heard a scuffle, and the merchant came running back towards the open air with the giant close behind him. Small pushed his musket between the man's legs as he passed. Achmet fell, and he never got up again.

110The Sikhs led Achmet into the dark passages. Then Small heard a scuffle, and the merchant came running back towards the open air with the giant close behind him. Small pushed his musket between the man's legs as he passed. Achmet fell, and he never got up again.

They buried the merchant under loose bricks in a crumbling hall in the deserted part of the fort. Then they opened the iron box, and the lantern lit up diamonds, rubies and pearls. They walled the box up in the same hall, and Small drew four plans of the place, each signed with the sign of the four.

111They buried the merchant under loose bricks in a crumbling hall in the deserted part of the fort. Then they opened the iron box, and the lantern lit up diamonds, rubies and pearls. They walled the box up in the same hall, and Small drew four plans of the place, each signed with the sign of the four.

The rajah had sent a second servant to spy on Achmet, and the body was found. All four men were tried for murder, though nobody said a word about the jewels, which lay hidden in the wall. The Sikhs got life, and Small's death sentence was changed to the same. For twenty years he dug, ditched and planted yams in the Andaman Islands.

112The rajah had sent a second servant to spy on Achmet, and the body was found. All four men were tried for murder, though nobody said a word about the jewels, which lay hidden in the wall. The Sikhs got life, and Small's death sentence was changed to the same. For twenty years he dug, ditched and planted yams in the Andaman Islands.

Small learned that Major Sholto had lost heavily at cards. So one night he told the Major, and then Captain Morstan, about the hidden treasure. In return for a fifth share, the two officers would help the four men escape. "None or all," Small insisted. "The four of us must always act together."

113Small learned that Major Sholto had lost heavily at cards. So one night he told the Major, and then Captain Morstan, about the hidden treasure. In return for a fifth share, the two officers would help the four men escape. "None or all," Small insisted. "The four of us must always act together."

Major Sholto went to India to check the story, and he never came back. An uncle had died and left him a fortune; he dug up the treasure and sailed for England without keeping a single promise. Captain Morstan found the hiding-place empty. From that day Small lived only for revenge.

114Major Sholto went to India to check the story, and he never came back. An uncle had died and left him a fortune; he dug up the treasure and sailed for England without keeping a single promise. Captain Morstan found the hiding-place empty. From that day Small lived only for revenge.

Years later Small nursed a sick Andaman Islander named Tonga back to health, and Tonga became his devoted friend. On the chosen night Tonga brought his canoe to an old unguarded wharf. Small struck down a cruel guard on the way, and for ten days the two of them drifted until a pilgrim ship picked them up.

115Years later Small nursed a sick Andaman Islander named Tonga back to health, and Tonga became his devoted friend. On the chosen night Tonga brought his canoe to an old unguarded wharf. Small struck down a cruel guard on the way, and for ten days the two of them drifted until a pilgrim ship picked them up.

They drifted about the world for years before they reached England, where Small found that Sholto still had the jewels. When he heard the Major was dying, he hurried to the garden and looked in at the window, but he saw his enemy die before his eyes. That night he pinned the sign of the four on the dead man's chest.

116They drifted about the world for years before they reached England, where Small found that Sholto still had the jewels. When he heard the Major was dying, he hurried to the garden and looked in at the window, but he saw his enemy die before his eyes. That night he pinned the sign of the four on the dead man's chest.

When the treasure was found in Bartholomew Sholto's attic, Small sent Tonga over the roof with a rope, since he could not climb with his wooden leg. Bartholomew was still in the room. "I cursed him for a little blood-thirsty imp," Small said, and he insisted again that the killing had been Tonga's doing, not his.

117When the treasure was found in Bartholomew Sholto's attic, Small sent Tonga over the roof with a rope, since he could not climb with his wooden leg. Bartholomew was still in the room. "I cursed him for a little blood-thirsty imp," Small said, and he insisted again that the killing had been Tonga's doing, not his.

"A very remarkable account," said Holmes. Athelney Jones, who had stretched his duty far enough that night, thanked them and took his prisoner down to the waiting cab. "You first, Small," said the wary inspector. "I'll take care you don't club me with your wooden leg."

118"A very remarkable account," said Holmes. Athelney Jones, who had stretched his duty far enough that night, thanked them and took his prisoner down to the waiting cab. "You first, Small," said the wary inspector. "I'll take care you don't club me with your wooden leg."

For a while the two friends smoked in silence. Then Watson told Holmes that Miss Morstan had agreed to marry him. Holmes gave a dismal groan: she was a charming young lady, he said, but love was an emotional thing, and he would never marry himself in case it clouded his judgment.

119For a while the two friends smoked in silence. Then Watson told Holmes that Miss Morstan had agreed to marry him. Holmes gave a dismal groan: she was a charming young lady, he said, but love was an emotional thing, and he would never marry himself in case it clouded his judgment.

"You have done all the work," Watson said. "I get a wife out of it, Jones gets the credit. Pray what remains for you?" "For me," said Sherlock Holmes, "there still remains the cocaine-bottle." And he stretched his long white hand up for it.

120"You have done all the work," Watson said. "I get a wife out of it, Jones gets the credit. Pray what remains for you?" "For me," said Sherlock Holmes, "there still remains the cocaine-bottle." And he stretched his long white hand up for it.