John Hopley Neligan is a character in the "Adventure of the Dancing Men". He is the suspect who is initially thought to be responsible for the murders, but is ultimately revealed to be innocent. His reaction to being accused is one of shock and disbelief.
He is a suspicious character in the story due to his secretive nature and his strange behavior. When Holmes accuses him, Neligan becomes defensive and tries to deny any involvement. He is visibly shaken by the accusations and eventually confesses to being involved in the "dancing men" messages, but denies any role in the murders.
Ultimately, his innocence is revealed, and he is exonerated from the accusations against him. His reaction to being cleared is one of relief and gratitude.