e heard, he rushed into the
Professor's den with the paper in his outstretched hand. "Look at this;
don't you remember Will Sayers? I am sure it is Will."

George heard his excited voice, and appeared without any delay.

"What is it now?"

The Professor was reading the scrap, and silently handed it to George.
"Did you know either of the boys mentioned in this?"

Neither had any recollection of Wright or Walters, but they inferred
that the writer must be Will Sayers, one of the companions. The
Professor had no recollection of the boy, nor could he remember the
other names.

"Let us examine every part of the boat," was the Professor's first
suggestion. "We may find something more to give some clue."

The boys rushed down to the beach where the boat was moored, the
Professor following.

"Show us the exact location of this strip."

"I had just taken off this cross seat, and as I did so this piece fell
from the end."

"Let us put it back again and see how it fits into that place."

When it was replaced they noticed that a crack was left at each end of
the seat, not exceeding an eighth of an inch.

"It is very plain that the piece you found was at this end, and if it
was folded as this crease indicates, it could have been concealed there
and thus escaped our observation." After some minutes' examination, he
continued: "This piece must have been there for some time."

"Why do you think so?"

"You will notice that the end of the board has the marks of the folded
paper, showing it must have been in its place of concealment for some
time. Furthermore, the paper itself indicates that it has been there for
some time, by the discoloration on its outer side."

"How long do you think it may have been there?"

"It is impossible to say; but certainly for several months."

"Doesn't it seem reasonable," Harry inquired, "to think it was some one
from the _Investigator_? Otherwise, how is it that they had possession
of the boat?"

"That is the problem we shall now have to find out."

Thus, in another direction, was found an evidence that savages were on
the island and that others had been wrecked and found a refuge there.
How much of a refuge it was to them they had no means of knowing. They
were thankful their own lives had been preserved and had been permitted
to accomplish so much during their enforced stay.

"We are now vigorous and strong and have been blessed with energy as
well as health. It is our first duty