“Think of the wonderful work of the artist,” suggested Toruma, “who, in an age when magnifying glasses were unknown, could join all the parts of that inlaying so perfectly.”
“It is wonderful,” murmured Dave. “The artist’s eyes must have been as keen as any magnifying lens.”
For some minutes more Darrin examined the medallion, both with the glass and without. The Japanese, smiling and affable, stood enjoying his very evident pleasure. Their hearts warmed to a foreigner who could feel such real appreciation of the marvels of the ancient art of their country.
“Here, I am afraid that you had better take this from me,” begged Darrin laughingly, at last. “If it is much longer in my possession I shall be under a temptation to commit grand larceny.”
Smiling, Lieutenant Katura held out his hand to receive the treasure.
“It has been in our family for at least six hundred years,” he explained proudly, though without any sign of boastfulness. “It belongs to my mother.”
“I should think you would be afraid of its being stolen,” suggested Dave.
“Ordinarily it is kept in the Okugawa Bank, in our family vault,” explained the little lieutenant. “Once Mr. Carter saw the medallion, at our home, and to-day he begged me to bring it here to show to some of his friends. I am glad to have been honored with an opportunity to give you pleasure by the sight of it.”
“But surely you don’t carry such a treasure loosely in your pocket like that,” Dave almost protested.
“Why not?” smiled Katura.