He drew nearer to the Image, designing to inspect it more closely: But perceiving his intention, the Nuns besought him for God's sake to desist, since if He touched the Statue, his death was inevitable.
'And in what consists the danger ?' said He.
'Mother of God! In what ?' replied Helena, ever eager to relate a miraculous adventure; 'If you had only heard the hundredth part of those marvellous Stories about this Statue which the Domina used to recount! She assured us often and often, that if we only dared to lay a finger upon it, we might expect the most fatal consequences.

Among other things She told us that a Robber having entered these Vaults by night, He observed yonder Ruby, whose value is inestimable.

Do you see it, Segnor?
It sparkles upon the third finger of the hand, in which She holds a crown of Thorns.

This Jewel naturally excited the Villain's cupidity.

He resolved to make himself Master of it.