Slavonian people were long identified with Constantinople, and that it was from her care that the first Christian teachers were derived. They arrived here after the middle of the ninth century, and if my reading has been correct Michael III. wore the tiara at that date.”
“You may be correctly informed,” replied Solomon. “Let us examine the contents if any.” After some examination the casket was opened by a spring carefully concealed in the carvings of the front face. The box was lined with purple silk, embroidered on the inside of the cover with the motto,
ΔΟΞΑ ΕΝ ΥΨΙΣΤΟΙΣ ΘΕΩ.
The covered casket only contained a cross of ivory, inlaid with a large pearl at the intersection of the arms. There were no carvings whatever. This simple article was wrapped in silk. Underneath were the fragments of an ancient parchment. The edges of the several portions were frayed and worn, and no arrangement could make the original complete. The fragments were covered with Greek writing, nearly defaced, all discolored by frequent handling and illegible except some separate characters. Replacing all as they had been, the Jew handed the casket to his companion, saying: “Take your choice, brother.” Pietro took the articles and looked at them long and carefully. “It is difficult to choose,” he said at last, “especially as the treasure by right is at your disposal. But whatever I select, with your permission, I promise to restore to the owner if ever he shall be discovered. I make no difficulty in rescuing this much from the ruffians who had seized it.”
