“Ha! Italo-Byzantine. The Raising of Tabitha. No! no!” He glared at young Merriwether, who retreated a step. “Very rare! It's the Raising of Jairus's Daughter. Same workmanship in similar specimen in the Lipsanoteca, Museo Civico, Brescia. If so, not later than fourth century. Very rare! H'm!”
“Is it?” said Tom. “I don't know much about ivories.”
“No? Read Molinier! Græven!”
“Thank you. I will, Dr. Lentz.”
Dr. Lentz opened the little ivory box and pulled out the silver case.
“Ha! H'm! Not so rare! Asia Minor. Probably eighth century.”
“B C?”
“Certainly not. Key? H'm!”
“Haven't got it here,” evaded Tom.
The little savant turned to his secretary and said, “Bring drawer marked forty-four, inner compartment, antique-gem safe.”