That night, Dr. Sheppard had already got the draught ready, and he was about to drink it, but at that moment, his sister knocked on the door and entered his room. Dr. Sheppard was really nervous that his sister would find out he was poisoning himself. Caroline told her brother, "I've been very curious about the murderer, and I know you know more than I do. You are hiding something from me aren't you?" At this moment, Dr. Sheppard's face had turned pale. He was stunned and frightened. Caroline knew that there was something wrong about her brother, then she noticed a big bottle with a big label, "Veronal". She did not know why it was there at first, then the thought suddenly came to her. He was trying to commit suicide. Caroline was shocked, then she asked in a grave tone," What were you doing with this bottle of "Veronal?" Dr. Sheppard tried very hard to explain that he wanted to use it as he had trouble sleeping since this murder case appeared. Caroline knew there was seriously something wrong with her brother. She had her suspicions, but she had to confirm them. She asked Dr. Sheppard to go with her to Poirot's house. Dr. Sheppard knew that now there was nothing to hide, so he decided that the truth should be told to her sister.
Caroline rung the bell outside Poirot's house. He was surprised to see Dr. Sheppard with Caroline. He came out and greeted them. "Ah, Dr. Sheppard, I suppose your plan was not successful?" Caroline then asked, " What plan?" Poirot replied, "Mademoiselle, I do suppose you could come in and have a seat? You too, Dr. Sheppard."Seated in the living room, Caroline anxiously asked Poirot who the murderer was, and why Dr. Sheppard was trying to kill himself." Poirot carefully explained to Caroline, hoping not to hurt her feelings. "You see, all evidence points to one person. I'm afraid it was your brother who murdered Mr. Ackroyd. I gave him a way out by letting him get an overdose, but it might not have been as successful as I thought."
Upon hearing this, Caroline could not help but feel shocked. This time she could not control her emotions, tears flowed down her cheeks, and she was apparently very disappointed with her brother. Poirot asked Caroline,"Didn't suspect it was him?" Caroline replied, sobbing,"I had a little bit of a suspicion, but I had dismissed the thought early enough." Poirot turned to face Dr. Sheppard. "I'm afraid that you would have to be handed over to the police now that your scheme had not turned successful." Dr. Sheppard merely nodded his head. However, in his heart he felt a tinge of remorse and guilt.
It turned out that Dr. Sheppard was the murderer, and news of this quickly reached the press. Naturally, the whole of King's Abbot was very shocked about this news. Everybody could not believe their eyes. It was the talk of the town. Soon after though, it died down. Incidentally, Dr. Sheppard had also been hanged. Back in his house, Poirot kept thinking of Dr. Sheppard. Dr. Sheppard kept on reminding him of his faithful friend Hastings. As he thought of those unforgetful moments, he thought to himself: What a pity. He would have made a great friend. He then went up to take a rest.
