Part 30 (1/2)
”But I have Hutoton, that terrible place where the criminals live,”
retorted George, with a laugh.
”And that reminds me; what about the copper box?”
The boys wended their way to the Professor, and were delighted to find John there. ”Before we go we want to have the copper box opened,”
remarked Harry.
”I have just brought it around, in the machine,” said John, as he noticed the boys peering at it through the window.
”What is that in the package lying on the box?”
”Can't you guess?”
”No.”
”Have you forgotten the skull with the inscription on it?”
”Do you mean the skull we found on the headland at the eastern end of the island?”
”Yes.”
”Why, what is that for? Do you think it has anything to do with the box?”
”Probably not; but I was curious to examine it further in view of the similarity of the chart and the inscription.”
The boys could not possibly understand what was meant by such a reference. While they were talking the Professor entered the room, and remarked, ”I have just come from the old fellow, and his reason is returning under the treatment, and he is also better physically.”
”Do you mean the paralytic?”
”Yes; but there is one thing which is singular, and that is the constant muttering of the word _triangle_. This morning I could plainly distinguish several other words, such as 'of' and 'three,' and 'very well,' and parts of other words, showing that in time, if his improvement continues, we may get more information.”
”I have an idea,” hurriedly shouted George as he broke for the door.
”Wait for me,” he said, as he turned around and cast a glance back into the room. ”I will be back at once,” were the last words they heard.
John laughed at George's precipitous flight. ”I suppose he has just thought of something that bears on the case. In the meantime, and while George is away, you, Harry, might get a hammer and a cold chisel. We may have to cut the top off.”
Harry rushed out and taking John's machine was quickly at the shop, where he secured a hammer and several cold chisels capable of cutting the copper.
When he returned George was there, and was unfolding the paper sc.r.a.p which they found below the skull. ”Probably, this will explain the triangle,” said George, as he pointed to the V-shaped mark. ”The upper part of it is very likely worn away, so that we cannot see it.”
John smiled at the suggestion as he took the paper and carefully examined it. ”Your view may be correct,” he responded.
”That looks like a suggestion of a line,” said Harry, pointing to a faint scratch near the upper margin.
The Professor's messenger came in hurriedly, and announced that the paralytic had sent for him. ”I will return by the time the box is opened,” said the Professor, as he hurriedly went out of the door.
”Now for the box,” said Harry. The slitting chisel was applied, and he dextrously cut along the top, under the directions of John.
”Direct the chisel downwardly, to see if there is any seam to be found along the side,” directed John.