first arrived on the island, he
thought that their intimate acquaintance, which was so long prior to
Harry's should decide the matter in his favor, by taking Venture Island.

"That suits me all right. I have one advantage over you on Rescue
Island; and that is the caves. You haven't even an excuse for a cave."

"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 p