All I can tell him, all that he must know from any source, is that some of my property has been stolen.

I must describe some of the lamps, especially one, for it is of gold; and my fear is lest the thief, ignorant of its historic worth, may, in order to cover up his crime, have it melted.

I would willingly pay ten, twenty, a hundred, a thousand times its intrinsic value rather than have it destroyed.

I shall tell him only what is necessary.

So, please, let me answer any questions he may ask; unless, of course, I ask you or refer to either of you for the answer." We both nodded acquiescence.