Vijal took it and looked at it earnestly. His eyes dilated, his nostrils quivered.

“My father’s!” he cried, in a tremulous voice.

“Can you read English letters?”

“Yes.”

“Can you read the name that is cut upon it?”

And Brandon pointed to a place where some letters were carved.

Vijal looked earnestly at it. He saw these words:

JOHN POTTS.

“That,” said Brandon, “is what your father’s brother gave to me.”

“It’s a lie!” growled Vijal, fiercely.