The boys and Max delayed to inspect the empty secret passage, following to the spot where it was blocked by its stopper of stone. Then they joined the group in the study. In bright daylight, the fine workmanship on the Toledo steel trimmings of the chest stood out in full beauty.
"The design on these buttons is very significant," remarked Colonel Lisle, who was inspecting the wreck of the once handsome coat. "And I suspect that they are of silver."
Examination showed on the tarnished metal the three ostrich feathers that have marked the badge of the Prince of Wales since the far-off days of Edward the Black Prince. Below was the motto, "Ich dien," and the single letter C.
"On my next new suit I guess I'll have buttons marked R," said Roger solemnly.
The others laughed. A feeling of real awe had been creeping over them to think that garment had once been worn by Prince Charles.
"Here's a loose button," said Max, picking it out of the box. "The whole coat is falling in pieces."
"The buttons will last indefinitely," said Colonel Lisle, regarding thoughtfully the one Max had just rescued. "Thanks to Win's clever brain, the Manor has acquired an unsuspected secret passage and a valuable antique; of especial value to me because of the name it bears. I want you to keep this button, Win, for I think you, almost more than any one I know, will appreciate it and what it stands for."
Win turned pale. To possess a silver button once the property of bonnie
Prince Charlie rendered him speechless.
"Oh, Colonel Lisle," he said after a minute, "I oughtn't to take a thing of such value. It belongs here."
"I want you to have it, my boy," replied the Colonel kindly. "I really am indebted to you, for we have positive proof now that the Manor walls once sheltered the Prince."