"Just one thing, pard," replied McGlory. "It looks like a decoration of some kind."
McGlory held the object over Matt's shoulder, so he could see it.
It was a bronze Maltese cross, with a royal crown in the centre surmounted by a lion, and the words "For Valour" stamped on the cross under the crown. The cross hung from a V-shaped piece attached to a bar, and the bar was attached to a faded red ribbon. Across the bar was engraved the name "Lionel Manners."
"I feel like taking off my hat in the presence of that, pards," said Matt.
"Why?" demanded Joe.
"It's a Victoria Cross," returned Matt, "and is only given to persons for a deed of gallantry and daring. When the ribbon is red, it shows that the winner of the cross belonged to the army; when blue, to the navy. Captain Lionel Manners must have been a brave man, and it's a pity his daughter should be treated as she has been. Carl, you've blundered onto a big thing—and you couldn't have blundered so successfully once in a thousand times. Put the letters and the cross back in the box, Joe. We'll keep them safe for the girl. If——"
"Dere's der blace," interrupted Carl, pointing to the roadside.
Motor Matt brought the automobile to a stop.