Instantly, oblivious to everything else, he carefully examined the blotter.

It was a large one, fastened to the top of the desk, and had been in use but a comparatively short time.

It bore traces both of Hugh Mainwaring's writing and of his own, but this name, standing out boldly on one corner, was utterly unlike either.

Nor did it resemble any of the signatures attached to the will on that memorable day when the desk with its paraphernalia had been last used.
Considerably perplexed, Scott suddenly recalled a small pocket mirror which he had seen in the desk.

This he speedily found, and, having placed it at the right angle, leaned over to get a view of the name as it had been originally written.