He was about to rush toward the figure, which he recognized from his aunts' description as that of his parent, when the voice of the man halted him:
"If you come a step nearer I'll fire!" the kneeling one exclaimed. "I've been fooled too often to have any tricks played on me now. I know you. You are members of the gang that has been hounding me so many years. But my time is almost up. Stand back or I'll fire!"
"Father! Father!" cried Jack. "Your time is up now. I have come to take you back with me!"
"Who is this, who says he is my son?" the man asked, his rifle trembling. "My son is thousands of miles away from here. You can't deceive me again."
"But I am your son! Your Jack!" the boy cried, hardly knowing what to do. "See I have the ring—"
Then he stopped, for he remembered that his ring had been stolen from him.
"What is that about a ring?" asked the kneeling man.
With a quick motion Jack pulled from his pocket the golden lizard with the ruby eyes which Mr. Tevis had given him. He threw it toward his father, and it fell near the man.
"What is that?" the latter asked.
"Look at it," exclaimed Jack. "It will prove who I am. It is from Mr.
Tevis. See, don't you recognize me?"