Five guineas that it's some sort of jewels!" "Done," said Oxenden.
Melick opened the package, and it was seen that Featherstone had lost.
There were no jewels, but one or two sheets of something that looked like paper.

It was not paper, however, but some vegetable product which was used for the same purpose.

The surface was smooth, but the color was dingy, and the lines of the vegetable fibres were plainly discernible.

These sheets were covered with writing.
"Halloa!" cried Melick.

"Why, this is English!" At this the others crowded around to look on, and Featherstone in his excitement forgot that he had lost his bet.