"Now, let us see what the scrap has to say," said the Professor.
John held the scrap up to the light, and all peered at it. "I think there are cross lines on it, although I am not quite sure," he said, as he again held it up so the light could flash through it.
"What difference would that make whether it had or it hadn't cross lines?" asked Harry.
"Simply this: I wanted to satisfy myself whether or not it was taken from a ship's pad, which is generally ruled both ways."
"What is the object of having paper ruled both ways?"
"It is a convenient way of making calculations where measurements are necessary, as is the case in figuring out and placing the different celestial marks which guide the sailors. I think this is a marine pad. Now, let us see what it contains, before we go further."
"See the name signed at the bottom," cried out George. "W-a-l-t. That must be a 't'. But the rest is blurred."
"I wonder if that isn't Walter?" said Harry.
"Who is Walter?" asked John.