The visit to Hutoton might be able to clear up the mystery, and possibly establish the identity of the paralyzed man, and in that event it would, not be necessary to go directly to the Malosos village but await their return from Venture Island before visiting the village.
While the old man was being taken from the vessel, George went to John and inquired: "Did he ever tell you his name?"
"Oh, yes; he says it is Henry D. Retlaw."
All noticed that he stole furtive glances about him as he was being conveyed to the village.
"Were you ever here before?" asked John, as they neared the house of the magistrate.
He shook his head vigorously, and answered "No!" with a vehemence that startled John.