"How long do you suppose this body has been here?"
"Probably ten months or more."
The boys looked at each other. "Ten months? That is as long as we have been here."
"That is one of the reasons why I said ten months."
The boys knew what that meant. This was, very likely, one of the Investigator's boats, and the skeleton the remains of one of their shipmates.
"Probably it was one of the boys," was George's inquiry.
"I do not think so," said the Professor. "The skeleton shows that of an individual past middle age."
"Why do you think so?"
"Principally, from my examination, so far, on account of the condition of the skull. You see, these saw teeth lines, which cross the top portion. These are called the sutures, and in infancy they are not joined. Before the third period of life these joints grow together, so as to form an undivided skull. But wait; here is another indication. The teeth seem to be greatly worn, showing that the person must have been close to the sixth period of life."
This discovery was the cause of very conflicting emotions in the boys. They reverently gathered the bones, and at Harry's suggestion the boys went to the Cataract for the team. The Professor volunteered to remain.