"I do not know how it could have gotten there. It was written to Clifford,—"
"John B. Clifford?" asked Harry in excitement.
Retlaw turned, when he heard Harry. "Yes," was the hesitating answer.
"Do you know Walter?" asked John.
He did not reply, but glanced at all of them, and while doing so Harry came forward, and said: "Isn't your name Walter?"
The man started back and held up his hand: "What makes you think so?" he asked in alarm.
"Because Retlaw reversed, spells Walter," answered Harry.
It was time for the Professor to show surprise at the acuteness of Harry's conclusions. John took the cue at once. "Why are you trying to deceive us?"
He dropped his eyes, and was silent, and then he slowly turned to the quiet man.
John noticed the movement. "Who was the man[p. 212] tied to the vessel and wrecked on the island to the south of us?"