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The Sign of the Four, Chapter 11 summary

Chapter 11 of 12 · 9 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 11, Jonathan Small blames Tonga for Sholto’s death, while Dr. Watson takes the recovered treasure chest to Miss Morstan and discovers it is empty. The loss removes the wealth that keeps Watson from speaking openly, and he declares his love to Mary, who welcomes his confession.

What happens

  1. Jonathan Small says Tonga kills the younger Sholto before he reaches the room, and Sherlock Holmes offers to help establish this.
  2. Small clears Smith of knowing about the crime and describes their planned escape aboard the Esmeralda.
  3. Athelney Jones allows Watson to take the chest to Miss Morstan, with an inspector accompanying him.
  4. Watson describes the chase, but Miss Morstan shows more concern about the danger than excitement about the fortune.
  5. Watson forces the chest open with a poker, and they discover that it contains nothing.
  6. Relieved that wealth no longer separates them, Watson declares his love, and Mary responds with shared gratitude.

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In this chapter

HolmesWatsonMary MorstanThaddeus SholtoJonathan SmallTongaTheme: Love and wealth

What to notice

Watson explains why the missing fortune brings relief rather than disappointment. Its absence allows him to tell Mary that he loves her.

Quick check

What does Watson find when he opens the chest?

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