The Sign of the Four
The Sign of the Four begins rather controversially with Holmes engaging in the then-legal pastime of cocaine injections, much to Watson’s disapproval. Mary Morstan, a single young woman who desires Holmes’ advice, soon visits the two. Miss Morstan proceeds to explain that after her father disappeared under mysterious circumstances some ten years ago, she began receiving a large pearl in the mail at annual increments. Mary goes on to explain that she has received a letter instructing her to go, with the accompaniment of two friends, to Lyceum Theater. The letter itself hints that some injustice has been done to her. Holmes and Watson agree to accompany Miss Morstan, and it appears that Watson and Mary are attracted to one another. When the three journey to the Lyceum Theater, Holmes, Watson, and Mary are whisked away in a darkened carriage to a strange house. Within, they find an eccentric gentleman named Thaddeus Sholto. Sholto reveals that not only has Mary’s father died, but also she...