Indeed, the robbery had been of even greater
magnitude than had been reported, and among the articles stolen were
jewels that had belonged to the family of the nobleman during the
pontificate of Gregory XI. These were articles that had come down in the
family for over five centuries and were of great intrinsic as well as
historical value.
This casket had been left at the house pending the arrival of the
representative from Rome, subject to positive identification.
When the casket was produced and shown to the Italian he uttered a cry
of delight and amazement. Indeed he fairly danced around so great was
his joy.
"Are we right?" asked Oscar.
"Right, my dear sir, you are the most wonderful man on earth. I always
believed Americans were a great people, and you are the greatest
American I ever met."
Our hero laughed and said:
"It was a simple matter--a very simple matter."
"Ah, to you, but to me it is a marvelous feat."
"These are the stolen goods?"
"Yes, sir."
"Are the rare souvenirs there?"
The Italian made a careful examination and finally said:
"Yes, everything is here.
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