Part 31 (1/2)

After they came back to the island, Retlaw rapidly recovered, and was frequently found wandering around the town. On several occasions he called on the Professor. To the surprise of all he appeared at this time, surprised to find John and the boys present, and appeared to be terribly startled on seeing the two skulls.

The moment he saw the paralytic, he became agitated, and started for the door. John barred the way, and said: ”Do you know that man?”

In a hesitating voice, he answered: ”Yes; I know him well. Where did you find him?” and notwithstanding he saw the quiet figure he drew back with an expression of fear and hesitancy.

George slyly drew forth the Walter note, referred to in the previous volume, ”Adventures on Strange Islands,” and handed it to John. The latter seized it and said: ”Did you ever see this?”

He grasped the paper, and answered: ”Where did you get this? Did he have it?”

”No,” replied the Professor; ”we found it in a recess at the end of a seat in our boat,--the one we made on this island, three years ago.”

”I do not know how it could have gotten there. It was written to Clifford,--”

”John B. Clifford?” asked Harry in excitement.

Retlaw turned, when he heard Harry. ”Yes,” was the hesitating answer.

”Do you know Walter?” asked John.

He did not reply, but glanced at all of them, and while doing so Harry came forward, and said: ”Isn't your name Walter?”

The man started back and held up his hand: ”What makes you think so?” he asked in alarm.

”Because _Retlaw_ reversed, spells Walter,” answered Harry.

It was time for the Professor to show surprise at the acuteness of Harry's conclusions. John took the cue at once. ”Why are you trying to deceive us?”

He dropped his eyes, and was silent, and then he slowly turned to the quiet man.

John noticed the movement. ”Who was the man tied to the vessel and wrecked on the island to the south of us?”

This question by John produced an added agitation in the deportment of the man. He was visibly affected by the question, but there was no reply.

”As you do not feel disposed to answer our questions we must detain or keep you in custody until Clifford recovers,” said John, and motioning to the boys, they gathered around him, and called in the attendants and ordered the men to take charge of him.

As they were about to pa.s.s out the door, Ephraim ascended the steps and was about to pa.s.s into the open door. He caught sight of the curious group, and when his eye alighted on the figure on the couch, he drew back for a moment, while his gaze remained fixed.

Then he calmly moved forward, slowly shaking his head from side to side, and muttered: ”That looks like Clifford, my companion on the s.h.i.+p, and the one who aided me to gain a foothold on the spar. How did he come here?”

”That is the man we found at Hutoton,” said John. ”But do you know this man?” he asked, pointing to Walter.

Ephraim turned, and scrutinized his face. ”No, I have never seen him, to my knowledge.”

Walter moved back with a sigh of relief, while John and the Professor looked at each other with puzzled expressions.

”Then the man we found tied to the boat was not Clifford!” exclaimed George.

John looked at Walter, and he saw him grow pale.