61 words to know before reading The Sign of the Four

1. The act of subtracting or taking away an amount.
2. A conclusion reached by reasoning from evidence.

I The Science of Deduction Sherlock Holmes took his bottle from the corner of the mantelpiece and his hypodermic syringe

1. A fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
2. The main character in the "Sherlock Holmes" series.

I The Science of Deduction Sherlock Holmes took his bottle from the corner of the mantelpiece and his hypodermic syringe from its

1. A surname of English origin, famously associated with Sherlock Holmes, a fictional detective.
2. Slang term for a detective or investigator, inspired by Sherlock Holmes.

I The Science of Deduction Sherlock Holmes took his bottle from the corner of the mantelpiece and his hypodermic syringe from its neat

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

Yes, I thought so. Now we are on the bridge. You can catch glimpses of the river.” We did indeed get a fleeting view of a stretch of the Thames with the lamps shining upon the broad, silent

1. With sincere and serious intent or effort.
2. In a deeply heartfelt or passionate manner.

at least she might never feel destitute.” “It was a kindly thought,” said our companion, earnestly. “It was extremely good of you.” The little man waved his hand deprecatingly. “We were your

1. Strange or unusual in a way that is surprising or noticeable.
2. Distinctive or unique to a particular person, place, or thing.

stolen, though everything had been turned out. My brother and I naturally associated this peculiar incident with the fear which haunted my father during his life; but it is still a complete

1. Said something in response or comment.
2. Noticed or observed something noteworthy.

when he finally snapped the case to and handed it back. “There are hardly any data,” he remarked. “The watch has been recently cleaned, which robs me of my most suggestive facts.” “You are

1. The process of drawing conclusions from evidence or reasoning.
2. A logical deduction made based on facts or premises.

There are no less than four such numbers visible to my lens on the inside of this case. Inference—that your brother was often at low water. Secondary inference—that he had occasional bursts of

1. Directed toward the outside or exterior.
2. Relating to external appearance or behavior.

II The Statement of the Case Miss Morstan entered the room with a firm step and an outward composure of manner. She was a blonde young lady, small, dainty, well gloved, and dressed in the

1. Delicately small and pretty.
2. Fastidious or fussy, especially about food.

room with a firm step and an outward composure of manner. She was a blonde young lady, small, dainty, well gloved, and dressed in the most perfect taste. There was, however, a plainness and

1. Dark or dull in color or tone.
2. Gloomy, melancholy, or serious in mood.

about her costume which bore with it a suggestion of limited means. The dress was a sombre grayish beige, untrimmed and unbraided, and she wore a small turban of the same dull hue,

1. A pale, sandy color resembling natural wool.
2. Something dull, uninteresting, or lacking in character.

her costume which bore with it a suggestion of limited means. The dress was a sombre grayish beige, untrimmed and unbraided, and she wore a small turban of the same dull hue, relieved only by a

1. Not braided; having hair or fibers loose and separated.
2. Free from being woven or interlaced.

with it a suggestion of limited means. The dress was a sombre grayish beige, untrimmed and unbraided, and she wore a small turban of the same dull hue, relieved only by a suspicion of white feather

1. A head covering made of a long cloth wrapped around the head, traditionally worn by men in some cultures.
2. A similar headdress worn for religious or ceremonial purposes.

away. Standing at the window, I watched her walking briskly down the street, until the gray turban and white feather were but a speck in the sombre crowd. “What a very attractive woman!” I

1. A color or shade.
2. The attribute of a color by which it is perceived as red, blue, green, etc.

a sombre grayish beige, untrimmed and unbraided, and she wore a small turban of the same dull hue, relieved only by a suspicion of white feather in the side. Her face had neither regularity of

1. A lightweight, flat structure forming the plumage of birds.
2. To rotate the blades of a propeller to reduce drag in flight.

and she wore a small turban of the same dull hue, relieved only by a suspicion of white feather in the side. Her face had neither regularity of feature nor beauty of complexion, but her

1. Being the only one of its kind; unique.
2. (Grammar) Referring to a form representing one person or thing.

rediscovery of the treasure immediately followed by the murder of the discoverer, the very singular accompaniments to the crime, the footsteps, the remarkable weapons, the words upon the card,

1. Providing expert advice or services in a specific field.
2. The business of offering professional guidance to organizations or individuals.

It is, however, very suggestive. The details are still to be added. I have just found, on consulting the back files of the Times, that Major Sholto, of Upper Norword, late of the 34th Bombay

1. A journey or voyage for a specific purpose, such as exploration or research.
2. A group of people undertaking such a journey.

there are certainly difficulties,” said Sherlock Holmes, pensively. “But our expedition of tonight will solve them all. Ah, here is a four-wheeler, and Miss Morstan is inside. Are you

1. Rough or harsh in texture.
2. Lacking refinement or delicacy.

brown, close-grained stick, with a stone head like a hammer, rudely lashed on with coarse twine. Beside it was a torn sheet of notepaper with some words scrawled upon it. Holmes glanced

1. A faint or wavering light.
2. A slight sign or indication of something.

Strand the lamps were but misty splotches of diffused light which threw a feeble circular glimmer upon the slimy pavement. The yellow glare from the shopwindows streamed out into the steamy,

1. A strong, dazzling light that causes discomfort or difficulty in seeing.
2. A fierce or angry stare.

of diffused light which threw a feeble circular glimmer upon the slimy pavement. The yellow glare from the shopwindows streamed out into the steamy, vaporous air, and threw a murky, shifting

1. Moved quickly and lightly from one place to another.
2. Passed swiftly or abruptly (e.g., time or thoughts).

these narrow bars of light—sad faces and glad, haggard and merry. Like all human kind, they flitted from the gloom into the light, and so back into the gloom once more. I am not subject to

1. Partial or total darkness; dimness.
2. A state of melancholy or depression.

merry. Like all human kind, they flitted from the gloom into the light, and so back into the gloom once more. I am not subject to impressions, but the dull, heavy evening, with the strange

1. A water pipe used for smoking flavored tobacco, often shared in social settings.
2. Originating in the Middle East, it consists of a base, bowl, hose, and mouthpiece.

his life; but it is still a complete mystery to us.” The little man stopped to relight his hookah and puffed thoughtfully for a few moments. We had all sat absorbed, listening to his

1. Relating to the mitral valve, a heart valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.
2. Shaped like a bishop's miter (a tall, pointed hat).

would be so very good. The aortic I may rely upon, but I should value your opinion upon the mitral.” I listened to his heart, as requested, but was unable to find anything amiss, save indeed that

1. A small house or cabin, often in a rural or natural setting.
2. A local branch of a society or organization.

with a jerk and the coachman sprang down to open the door. “This, Miss Morstan, is Pondicherry Lodge,” said Mr. Thaddeus Sholto, as he handed her out.

1. A wreath or garland for the head, often made of flowers or leaves.
2. A string of beads used in prayer, similar to a rosary.

lips at the moment that he died. We could judge the splendor of the missing riches by the chaplet which he had taken out. Over this chaplet my brother Bartholomew and I had some little

1. A portable light source with a protective case, often with a handle.
2. A decorative or architectural structure with openings to emit light.

silence, struck a chill to the heart. Even Thaddeus Sholto seemed ill at ease, and the lantern quivered and rattled in his hand. “I cannot understand it,” he said. “There must be some mistake.

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

silent night the saddest and most pitiful of sounds—the shrill, broken whimpering of a frightened woman. “It is Mrs. Bernstone,” said Sholto. “She is the only woman in the house. Wait here. I

1. A sharp, pointed spine on a plant stem or branch.
2. A source of irritation or annoyance.

dark thorn stuck in the skin just above the ear. “It looks like a thorn,” said I. “It is a thorn. You may pick it out. But be careful, for it is poisoned.” I took it up between my finger and

1. The reflexive form of "we," referring to the speaker and others.
2. Used for emphasis to indicate "we" and no one else.

Brother Bartholomew could not altogether see it in that light. We had plenty of money ourselves. I desired no more. Besides, it would have been such bad taste to have treated a young lady in so

1. Speaking quietly and indistinctly, often in complaint or discontent.
2. The act of producing low, unclear sounds or words.

against the law, instead of exerting them in its defense. As he hunted about, he kept muttering to himself, and finally he broke out into a loud crow of delight. “We are certainly in luck,”

1. A horizontal piece at the base of a window or door frame.
2. A ledge of rock, especially one formed by erosion.

something much more valuable to us. It is the impression of a wooden stump. You see here on the sill is the boot-mark, a heavy boot with the broad metal heel, and beside it is the mark of the

1. A small, cramped room or attic, often used as a living space.
2. Historically, a watchtower or lookout post.

ceiling of the highest room, and there, sure enough, he came upon another little garret above it, which had been sealed up and was known to no one. In the centre stood the

1. Carried or transported by something (e.g., "water-borne diseases").
2. Past participle of "bear" (e.g., "she has borne the burden").

traversed Streatham, Brixton, Camberwell, and now found ourselves in Kennington Lane, having borne away through the side-streets to the east of the Oval. The men whom we pursued seemed to have

1. Elegantly beautiful or refined in movement, form, or manner.
2. Characterized by kindness, courtesy, or charm.

away I stole a glance back, and I still seem to see that little group on the step, the two graceful, clinging figures, the half-opened door, the hall light shining through stained glass, the

1. A small square of cloth used for wiping the nose or face.
2. A decorative piece of fabric carried as an accessory.

like a connoisseur sniffing the bouquet of a famous vintage. Holmes then threw the handkerchief to a distance, fastened a stout cord to the mongrel’s collar, and led him to the foot of the

1. A dark oily liquid obtained from coal tar, used as a wood preservative.
2. A natural substance produced by certain plants, often with antiseptic properties.

ought to have very little trouble now. Number One has had the misfortune to tread in the creosote. You can see the outline of the edge of his small foot here at the side of this evil-smelling

1. A structure built along the shore for loading and unloading ships.
2. A dock or pier where vessels can moor.

of the Aurora.” “My dear fellow, it would be a colossal task. She may have touched at any wharf on either side of the stream between here and Greenwich. Below the bridge there is a perfect

1. A natural light display in the sky, especially in polar regions (northern lights, southern lights).
2. The Roman goddess of dawn.

a steam launch, and I have heard good reports of the—Let me see, what is her name?” “The Aurora, sir.” “Ah! She’s not that old green launch with a yellow line, very broad in the beam?” “No,

1. A former British coin worth one twentieth of a pound.
2. The basic monetary unit of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

to the boy who finds the boat. Here’s a day in advance. Now off you go!” He handed them a shilling each, and away they buzzed down the stairs, and I saw them a moment later streaming down the

1. Intense or aggressive in nature.
2. Violent or forceful in action.

distorted features. Their feet and hands, however, are remarkably small. So intractable and fierce are they that all the efforts of the British officials have failed to win them over in any

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

the pleasure of finding a field for my peculiar powers, is my highest reward. But you have yourself had some experience of my methods of work in the Jefferson Hope case.” “Yes, indeed,” said I,

1. Dressed or clothed in a particular way.
2. Covered with a layer or coating.

and entered. His appearance corresponded to the sounds which we had heard. He was an aged man, clad in seafaring garb, with an old pea-jacket buttoned up to his throat. His back was bowed, his

1. A small, round, green seed used as a vegetable.
2. The plant that produces these seeds.

to the sounds which we had heard. He was an aged man, clad in seafaring garb, with an old pea-jacket buttoned up to his throat. His back was bowed, his knees were shaky, and his breathing was

1. A piece of fabric worn around the neck or head for warmth or fashion.
2. To eat or drink something quickly or hungrily.

cudgel his shoulders heaved in the effort to draw the air into his lungs. He had a colored scarf round his chin, and I could see little of his face save a pair of keen dark eyes, overhung by

1. A means of altering appearance to conceal identity.
2. The act of hiding or changing one's true nature or intentions.

many of them trivial in themselves, but all tending in the same direction, I could not disguise from myself that even if Holmes’s explanation were incorrect the true theory must be equally

1. (adjective) Harsh, strict, or severe in manner or appearance.
2. (noun) The rear part of a ship or boat.

was made, we stepped on board, and the ropes were cast off. Jones, Holmes, and I sat in the stern. There was one man at the rudder, one to tend the engines, and two burly police-inspectors

1. A flat piece at the back of a boat or aircraft used to steer.
2. A guiding principle or influence.

over to them two days ago by a wooden-legged man, with some trivial directions as to her rudder. ‘There ain’t naught amiss with her rudder,’ said the foreman. ‘There she lies, with the red

1. Flat-bottomed boats used for transporting goods on rivers and canals.
2. To move forcefully or clumsily.

Yard.” Our craft was evidently a very fast one. We shot past the long lines of loaded barges as though they were stationary. Holmes smiled with satisfaction as we overhauled a river steamer

1. A person or animal confined or imprisoned.
2. Unable to escape or leave a situation.

XI The Great Agra Treasure Our captive sat in the cabin opposite to the iron box which he had done so much and waited so long to gain.

1. Small lines or folds in the skin, often due to aging.
2. Creases or ridges in fabric or other materials.

so long to gain. He was a sunburned, reckless-eyed fellow, with a network of lines and wrinkles all over his mahogany features, which told of a hard, open-air life. There was a singular

1. A tropical hardwood tree known for its reddish-brown timber.
2. The durable, high-quality wood from this tree, used in furniture.

He was a sunburned, reckless-eyed fellow, with a network of lines and wrinkles all over his mahogany features, which told of a hard, open-air life. There was a singular prominence about his bearded

1. A country in the South Pacific, officially the Kingdom of Tonga.
2. A type of light, two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage used in India.

my word on the book that I never raised hand against Mr. Sholto. It was that little hellhound Tonga who shot one of his cursed darts into him. I had no part in it, sir. I was as grieved as if it

1. A game where players throw small, pointed missiles at a circular target.
2. The small, pointed missiles used in the game of darts.

There, sure enough, just behind where we had been standing, stuck one of those murderous darts which we knew so well. It must have whizzed between us at the instant that we fired. Holmes

1. A small container, typically made of glass or plastic, used for holding liquids.
2. A laboratory glassware with a narrow neck used for mixing, heating, or storing chemicals.

could not undo it again.” “Have a cigar,” said Holmes; “and you had best take a pull out of my flask, for you are very wet. How could you expect so small and weak a man as this black fellow to

1. A metal fastener with a hinged slotted part that fits over a staple and is secured by a pin or padlock.
2. A device used to secure a door, lid, or window.

I answered. “I must borrow Mrs. Forrester’s poker.” There was in the front a thick and broad hasp, wrought in the image of a sitting Buddha. Under this I thrust the end of the poker and twisted

1. Relating to sexual or gender identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender.
2. Strange, odd, or unconventional.

“Toby lives at No. 7 on the left here.” He moved slowly forward with his candle among the queer animal family which he had gathered round him. In the uncertain, shadowy light I could see dimly

1. A term of respect used in colonial India for a European or other person of high status.
2. In South Asia, a polite form of address for a man, similar to "sir" or "master."

Lal Chowdar, in the doorway. He stole in and bolted the door behind him. “Do not fear, Sahib,” he said. “No one need know that you have killed him. Let us hide him away, and who is the

1. A king or prince in India or Southeast Asia.
2. A title of nobility in some regions.

and the Englishman knows the Sikh. Hearken, then, to what I have to say. “ ‘There is a rajah in the northern provinces who has much wealth, though his lands are small. Much has come to him