The Sign of the Four · Chapter
XI: The Great Agra Treasure explained
Jonathan Small is captured and brought aboard the police launch.
What happens
Jonathan Small is captured and brought aboard the police launch. He recounts his role in the events, blaming Tonga for Bartholomew Sholto's death and expressing regret over the curse of the Agra treasure. Holmes and Athelney Jones discuss the chase. Watson is entrusted with the treasure box and brings it to Miss Morstan. Upon opening the box, they discover it is empty. Watson confesses his love for Mary Morstan, and she reciprocates, feeling relieved that the treasure is gone.
Themes in this chapter
The Corrupting Influence of Wealth
The Agra treasure is described as a curse that brings murder, fear, guilt, and slavery to all who possess it, highlighting its destructive power.
Justice vs. Revenge
Small expresses no malice toward Holmes but admits he would have killed Major Sholto without remorse, blurring the line between justice and personal vengeance.
Characters to notice
- Jonathan Small
Captured and handcuffed, he sits opposite the iron box, expressing sorrow and recounting his story, blaming Tonga for Sholto's death.
- Sherlock Holmes
Interrogates Small, offers him a cigar and flask, and plans to take his statement at Baker Street.
- Dr. John Watson
Brings the treasure box to Miss Morstan, narrates the chase, and confesses his love for her after the box is found empty.
- Mary Morstan
Receives the treasure box calmly, listens to Watson's story, and expresses relief when the box is empty, reciprocating Watson's love.
- Athelney Jones
Appears in the cabin, congratulates the party, and arranges for Watson to take the box to Miss Morstan with an inspector.
Key passages
“It was an evil day for me when first I clapped eyes upon the merchant Achmet and had to do with the Agra treasure, which never brought anything but a curse yet upon the man who owned it.”
Small regrets the day he encountered Achmet and became involved with the Agra treasure, which has only brought misfortune to its owners.
Small reflects on the treasure's curse, linking it to murder, fear, and his own life sentence.
“Thank God! ... Because you are within my reach again ... Because I love you, Mary, as truly as ever a man loved a woman.”
Watson feels relieved that the treasure is gone, as it removes the barrier between him and Mary, allowing him to confess his love.
Watson's emotional relief at the loss of the treasure reveals his true feelings for Mary Morstan.