Question

Answer the following:
(i) How does the mystery of Bartholomew's murder lead Holmes to track down Small?
(ii) Describe how Mr. Sherlock Holmes tracks down Small?

Hint:

For detective novel questions, focus on Holmes' logical steps: observation, deduction, and action, with specific textual references.

Answer 1

(i) Mystery of Bartholomew's murder: 
In The Sign of Four, the murder of Bartholomew Sholto leads Holmes to Jonathan Small: 
- Crime scene analysis: Holmes finds a poisoned dart and a footprint with a wooden leg mark at Bartholomew's murder scene, indicating an accomplice and a specific killer. 
- Agra treasure link: The theft of the treasure from Bartholomew's home connects to Major Sholto's past, implicating Small, a convict tied to the treasure. 
- Motive: Holmes deduces Small's desire to reclaim the treasure, stolen by Sholto, drove the murder, leading him to pursue Small. 
Example: The wooden leg footprint points to Small's accomplice, Tonga, guiding Holmes to Small.

(ii) Tracking down Small: 
Holmes tracks Jonathan Small by: 
- Deduction: Using the footprint and dart, Holmes identifies Small's accomplice, Tonga, and links Small to the Agra treasure. 
- Investigation: He interviews witnesses (e.g., Mrs. Smith) to trace Small's boat, the *Aurora*. 
- Pursuit: Holmes and Watson chase the *Aurora* on the Thames with police, capturing Small after a dramatic boat chase. 
Example: Holmes uses a dog to track Small's scent to the river, confirming his escape route.