"I'll speak to the manager," said the bell-hop.
"Mr. Saunders? No need; I've already spoken to him. And he said to make you boys jump. Incidentally, there's half a dollar apiece in it for you. Step lively!"
The boy was galvanized. He made a swift gesture to a uniformed group on the other side of the lobby, and was joined by four other boys.
"Now, boys," explained the boatman, "this case is to be moved into the ballroom. We want it to get a little advertising. You must be very careful with it."
The five boys nodded and ranged themselves about the table.
"You'll see why you must be careful if you look inside," continued Sam. "There's a lot of valuable stuff in there, boys—stuff that can be broken if it's handled roughly. Stuff that might be lost, too—and couldn't be replaced.
"See that pair of earrings? They'll sell for fifty dollars, easy. See those brass candlesticks? They're worth twenty-five. And if there wasn't anything else in the case, that bracelet is enough to make you careful. It's worth a hundred at the very least; perhaps five hundred. Now, do you understand?"
The five boys were staring in fascination at the magic bauble. The boatman made a swift scrutiny of their faces.
To Rosalind his harangue was without meaning. She tapped one foot restlessly upon the floor and looked about her.
"Well, if you're sure you're not going to drop it, grab hold," advised the boatman.