On each binding strip was written with pencil some figures representing the amount contained in the package. These made the counting of the money easy. In the bottom of the satchel was more than a thousand dollars in gold coins, the counting of which required more time than the totaling of all the assorted certificates and notes. The coroner made an itemized list of these packages and coins according to denominations and amounts. On footing them, he found that the total was $30,380.
The official now drew up a certificate of their discovery at the foot of the itemized list, and, at his request, they all signed it. Then he packed the money back in the valise, with the statement and certificate on top, and snapped the latch and locked it.
“There, that’s all done,” Mr. Huffman announced. “What else have we here?”
Boys and men now began to overhaul the other personal effects of the slain robber. They shook out the blankets, inspected the empty fruit cans, looked into the cooking utensils and pushed their hands or fingers into the pockets of the two extra suits of clothing. In one of these pockets, Dr. Byrd found a small metal box about twice the thickness of an ordinary pocket match-safe.
With more curiosity than eagerness, he attempted to open the box, but it resisted his efforts.
Mr. Huffman, observing what he had found, held out his hand saying:
“Let me try it. I’ve had a good deal of experience breaking secrets.”
Dr. Byrd gave him the box, and the coroner turned it over several times in an effort to find a clasp or catch. Presently he discovered a tiny button at one end and pressed on it with his thumb nail, but with no result. After considerable manipulation he finally solved the secret by pressing both sides with thumb and fingers of one hand while he “picked” the button with the other thumb nail.
Now was the time for a few more gasps of surprise. And they came. Dr. Byrd’s right hand shot forward like a “Jack-in-the-box” let loose, to seize the object of interest. The coroner, however, held on with both hands to prevent the eager doctor from spilling the sparkling contents.
“Those are mine!” exclaimed the Lakefarm owner. “Those are the rubies and diamonds Maxwell stole from my collection over two years ago.”