There was at first no idea that he had been murdered.

It became quickly known to all the world that he had, on the night in question, lost a large sum of money at a whist-club which he frequented, and, in accordance with the custom of the club, had not paid the money on the spot.
The fatal Monday had come round, and the money undoubtedly was not paid.
Then he was declared a defaulter, and in due process of time his name was struck off the club books, with some serious increase of the ignominy hitherto sustained.
During the last fortnight or more Captain Scarborough's name had been subjected to many remarks and to much disgrace.

But this non-payment of the money lost at whist was considered to be the turning-point.

A man might be declared illegitimate, and might in consequence of that or any other circumstance defraud all his creditors.

A man might conspire with his father with the object of doing this fraudulently, as Captain Scarborough was no doubt thought to have done by most of his acquaintances.