aper scrap
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.

"Yes; here is the place where the top was put on," shouted Harry.

"Why, it has been soldered," said George. "Well, that means business."

It was evident that the soldering was effectively done, because the
solder had run entirely through the seam, and it was really sweated on.
The copper used was about an eighth of an inch thick, and the soft and
ductile character showed that it was pure metal.

"Be very careful as you get around so as not to disturb the contents, by
the falling of the lid," said John.

It still adhered at various places, and this was carefully cut away by
one of the thin chisels, and the lid finally raised at one corner,
sufficiently to disclose a portion of the contents, which appeared to be
round and white, and resting near the center of the space.

All caught a glimpse of it, and involuntarily started back in surprise.
It was a skull, the counterpart of the one lying on the table which
contained the inscription.

"Open it wide," said John in a peculiar voice, and as he did so the
Professor rushed in and announced that the paralytic had recovered
speech, and he had ordered him to be brought in.

While the Professor was saying this, John was slowly raising the lid,
and by a quick motion tore it away, and the Professor was actually taken
aback at the sight before him. He gazed for a moment, and then muttered:
"And the same inscription too!"

All looked toward it in amazement, and while puzzling over its meaning,
the paralytic was helped in by two attendants. He came forward, saw the
two skulls, and before either could preve