The skulls were placed side by side. They were singularly alike, the inscription of the one found on the headland, was on the left side, and the like figures of the one taken from the box were on the right side.
"That is a singular thing," said Harry.
"So it is," answered John, "but it doubtless has a meaning," he continued.
Beneath the box, and attached to the wrappings, was a mass of material which John eagerly seized, and began to unwrap, while the Professor interestedly looked on. There was not the first sign of any treasure in the box, and when the several folds of the parchment were unrolled, the boys could see the hieroglyphics that the Professor and John so eagerly scanned.
"Yes, yes, I knew you would come back," said the man in the adjoining room, and John dropped the parchment and followed the Professor into the room,[p. 210] where they saw the old man sitting on the couch and staring about with an inquiring countenance.
"What is your name?" said the Professor.
He did not answer at first but looked at John and the Professor in amazement.
"Why do you ask?" he then muttered, without changing his countenance. "I have told you over and over," he continued.
"Do you know where you are?" asked John.
"Certainly. You may ask Walter about that."