"Most of them worthless. At all events, it's no easy matter to value such things as an Egyptian mummy and a stuffed mermaid for purposes of probate."
"How about the Russian Ikon and the Indian musical box?" asked Percy.
"There is no market price for articles of that description. They might fetch a few shillings, or a great number of pounds. It would depend upon history and association, or upon rivalry between collectors. I value the Ikon at ten shillings, and the musical box at five pounds. It's all guesswork, but I doubt whether you would get much more. As for the mummy, I simply throw it in with the oleographs."
"Why the odd threepence?" asked Percy.
The valuer coughed and said nothing.
"Mr. Taverner and I are particularly interested in a pair of Chinese vases," began Mr. Hunter cautiously.
"Which were kept in a box under Mrs. Drake's bed," added the more reckless Percy.
"Those things!" exclaimed the valuer disgustedly. "I remember them well, for I thought Mr. Drake was getting at me when he pulled out the box and unwrapped those vases. There's your odd threepence, sir!" he continued, turning towards Percy. "And dear at the price."
"You have made a mistake, my friend. I'm not an expert, but I would give five hundred pounds for those vases without having another look at them," said Percy.
"Then I wish they were mine!" cried the valuer.