"No doubt," replied Chard, coolly. "I can't myself see his reason for the crime. But we have proof positive that he sold Tera's pearls in London, and bought a share in the _Dayspring_ with the proceeds." "Jack never told me that! I understood from him that she was the property of Captain Shackel." "Shackel says differently, Mr. Carwell. He told me himself that your nephew bought a share, and, what is more, paid for it on the nail." "Impossible! He had not the money." "Oh yes, he had. Moss declared that Finland got two thousand pounds for the pearls. To obtain them, he killed Tera." "I don't, I won't believe it!" cried Carwell, growing very red. "Jack is an honest lad, and my own sister's son. If he were guilty he would not return here into the jaws of danger. If he were in funds, he would not want money from me, or risk his liberty and neck to come here for it." "Oh, so he wants money from you?" "He does. I see no reason to deny the truth. My nephew came here to ask me for five hundred pounds. He wants that amount to pay seamen's wages and provision the boat for her cruise to the South Seas. If he killed the girl, and sold the pearls for the amount you say, he would not require more." "But he paid away the proceeds of the pearls for his share in the _Dayspring_." "He could have purchased a share for less than two thousand. The whole boat could be bought for three. She is of no great tonnage." Chard looked puzzled. Certainly there was reason in what Carwell said, and Finland's behaviour was most inconsistent. "I can't understand your nephew, Mr. Carwell," said the inspector. "If he is innocent, why does he not prove his innocence?" "He will, if you give him a chance." "I have given him every chance," said Chard, nettled by this imputation cast on his fair dealing. "He refuses to give any explanation. Moreover, if he can exonerate himself, he will have an opportunity of doing so to-morrow morning at Poldew, when he is brought before the magistrate." "Can I see him now?" "Certainly. Slade will take you to him. Try and persuade him to tell the truth. If he goes on as he is doing now, he will be committed for trial, and bail will be refused. The crime with which he is charged is serious, remember." "Jack has committed no crime," said Carwell, hotly. "Let me see him." Hardly had the old man left the office with Slade when the door was pushed open, and Captain Jacob danced in. The little man was in a furious rage, and his language, was worthy of the occasion. He swore at Chard for quite two minutes without repeating himself, and it was only when he paused for want of breath that the inspector managed to get in a word. "Come, come," he said, bristling with official dignity, "we can't have this sort of thing here. You must not behave in this way." "Oh, I mustn't, mustn't I?" screeched Shackel, shaking his fist. "Why, you son of a gun, ain't you run in my mate? How d'ye think I'm going to light out for the Islands without Finland?"