It was Michael Angelo.
He came in with a quick step, started as he noticed the sadness on the faces of his party, and then threw a rapid glance around. One glance was sufficient to show plainly enough what had happened. He saw the table covered with the stones and bones already described. He saw the heart-broken expression that was stamped upon the faces of David and Clive as they gazed upon their parting treasures. He saw the attitude and the expression of Uncle Moses, and Frank, and Bob, as they watched their friends.
That one glance not only explained all to Michael Angelo, but suggested to him a course of conduct upon which he instantly proceeded to act.
He stepped up to the aide of Rhadamanthus, and accosting him in
Italian; he spoke a few words in a low voice. What he said was, of
course, unintelligible to the boys. After these few words, Michael
Angelo then slipped something into the hand of the inexorable one.
Then he turned to the despairing boys.
"It's all right," said Michael Angelo, cheerily. "I haf explained.
You may keep de tings."
David and Clive looked up, and stared at Michael Angelo in wonder, not fully comprehending him.
"It's all right," said Michael Angelo. "Dey onderstand. I haf explained. You put dem back into your pocket. You sall keep de tings. It's all right. Dey are yours now. It's all r-r-r-r-right. All r-r-r-r-right, I say."
David and Clive still hesitated, and looked at Rhadamanthus.
Rhadamanthus gazed benignantly at them, smiled a gracious smile, and waved his hands with the air of a judge dismissing a case.