The two brothers have recently found the treasure and Thaddeus contacted Ms. Morstan so she could get her portion. They arrived at Bartholomew’s house and find that he has died because he was shot with a poison dart, the treasure has been stolen, and the criminals left a note that says, “the sign of four.” Sherlock Holmes realized that there were two people in the room, one with a wooden leg and the other with very small feet. He immediately got a dog to trace the scent of these people. The dog eventually led them to the water where the men took a steam launch named the Aurora.
Sherlock and Jones set up to pursue the Aurora with some other people on the police force. Jonathon Small is captured, but his small companion from Africa had to be killed because he was trying to kill Sherlock and the rest of the people on the ship. They find the treasure on the boat and Dr. Watson goes to take it to Ms. Morstan. However, when they open the box it is empty. Dr. Watson having feelings for Ms. Morstan is thankful because now she is not out of his league and they get engaged.