There was no mistaking the fact that Giuseppe’s frank response conveyed the truth.
Sam believed him.
The short man again spoke. “This man pick eem up there. It belong to you. Ask eem for it.”
“Geeve it-a da me, boss.”
“This man has claimed it as his. Yet he cannot identify it,” replied Sam. “Now, to prove it is yours, tell me its size, and the letters on its two sides.”
“Eesa bout as big as-a deeze.” And Giuseppe produced an American quarter dollar. “Look-a da close. Eesa one-a da side ‘Emanual Rex.’ Below eet a Garibaldi. In-a da middle eesa solidar holding a flag.”
“So far, good!” exclaimed Sam, eyeing the man searchingly and committing to memory his every lineament.
Giuseppe continued, “Eesa da odder side, ‘Palestrino, MDCCCXLIX.’ In a da middle, ‘Liber.’”
“Correct!” said Sam.
“What color is the bit of ribbon?” asked the policeman.