At first was the idea that he had killed the man by the violence of his blow, or that his death had been caused by the fall.

Then it occurred to him that it was impossible that Scarborough should have been killed and that no account should be given as to the finding of the body.

At last he persuaded himself that he could not have killed the man, but he was assured at the same time that the disappearance must in some sort have been occasioned by what then took place.

And it could not but be that the captain, if alive, should be aware of the nature of the struggle which had taken place.

He heard, chiefly from the newspapers, the full record of the captain's illegitimacy; he heard of his condition with the creditors; he heard of those gambling debts which were left unpaid at the club.