"Now, my fine fellow," said Stanley Hopkins, "who , and what here ? "

The man pulled himself together and faced us with an effort at self-composure

" detectives, I suppose ? " said he "You imagine connected death of Captain Peter Carey I assure you that innocent "

"We'll see ," said Hopkins "First of all, ? "

" John Hopley Neligan "

Holmes and Hopkins exchange quick glance

" you doing here ? "

"Can I speak confidentially ? "

"No, certainly not "

"Why should I tell you ? "

" no answer it may go badly trial "

The young man winced

"Well, tell you," "Why should I not ? And yet I hate old scandal gaining new lease of life Did you ever hear of Dawson and Neligan ? "

I from Hopkins's face that he never had; but Holmes was keenly interested

"You mean the West-country bankers," said he "They failed for million, ruined half the county families of Cornwall, and Neligan disappeared "

"Exactly Neligan was my father "

At last we were getting something positive, and yet it seemed long gap between an absconding banker and Captain Peter Carey pinned against the wall with one own harpoons We all listened intently young man's words

" my father who was really concerned Dawson had retired only ten , but old enough the shame and horror of it all It has always been said that my father stole all the securities and fled true his belief that if he were given time to realise them all well and every creditor paid in full He started little yacht for Norway just warrant was issued arrest remember that last night when he bade farewell to my mother He left us list securities taking, and he swore that come back honour cleared, none who had trusted him would suffer Well, no word was ever heard again Both the yacht and he vanished utterly We believed, my mother and I, that he and it, securities that he had taken , were bottom sea We had faithful friend, however, business man, and he who discovered that securities which my father had have reappeared London market imagine our amazement I spent months in trying to trace them, and at last, after many doublings and difficulties, I discovered original seller Captain Peter Carey, the owner hut

"Naturally, some inquiries man that he in command of whaler due to return Arctic seas very time when my father was crossing to Norway The autumn year was stormy one, and long succession of southerly gales My father's yacht may well blown north, and there met by Captain Peter Carey's ship were so, what had become father ? In any case, if prove from Peter Carey's evidence how these securities came market it proof that my father sold them, he had no view to personal profit when them

" down to Sussex intention of seeing the captain, but moment that his terrible death occurred inquest description cabin, it stated old log-books vessel were preserved It struck me that if I what occurred month of August, 1883, on board the SEA UNICORN, settle the mystery father's fate I tried last night log-books, but was unable to open the door To-night I tried again, and succeeded; but pages which deal month torn book moment myself prisoner in your hands "

" all ? " asked Hopkins

"Yes, all " His eyes shifted as it

" nothing else us ? "

He hesitated

"No; nothing "

" here before last night ? "

"No "

"Then how account ? " cried Hopkins, as he held up the damning note-book, initials prisoner first leaf blood-stain cover

The wretched man collapsed He sank his face hands and trembled all over

"Where did you get it ? " he groaned " know I had lost it hotel "

" enough," said Hopkins, sternly "Whatever else say in court walk down with me now police-station Well, Mr Holmes, obliged and to your friend for coming down to help me As it turns out your presence was unnecessary, and brought the case successful issue without you; but none the less very grateful Rooms reserved Brambletye Hotel, so all walk down village together "

"Well, Watson, what of it ? " asked Holmes, travelled back next morning

" that satisfied "

"Oh, yes, my dear Watson, perfectly satisfied same time Stanley Hopkins's methods commend themselves disappointed in Stanley Hopkins I had hoped for better things One should always look for possible alternative and provide against it first rule of criminal investigation "

"What, then, alternative ? "

"The line of investigation which myself been pursuing It may nothing tell But follow it end "

Several letters were waiting for Holmes at Baker Street He snatched up, opened it, and burst out into triumphant chuckle of laughter

"Excellent, Watson The alternative develops telegraph forms ? Just write couple of messages : `Sumner, Shipping Agent, Ratcliff Highway Send three men on, to arrive ten to-morrow morning -- Basil ' That's my name in those parts The other is: `Inspector Stanley Hopkins, 46, Lord Street, Brixton Come breakfast to-morrow at nine-thirty Important Wire if unable -- Sherlock Holmes ' There, Watson, this infernal case has haunted me for ten days I hereby banish it completely from my presence To-morrow I trust that hear the last of it for ever "

Sharp hour named Inspector Stanley Hopkins appeared, and we sat down together excellent breakfast which Mrs Hudson had prepared The young detective was in high spirits at his success

"You really think that your solution correct ? " asked Holmes

" imagine more complete case "

"It seem conclusive "

"You astonish me, Mr Holmes What more could one ask for ? "

"Does your explanation cover every point ? "