Cheiron, although a most robust old man, had passed his seventieth year, and the thing was of extreme heaviness.

But at last they pushed and pulled and got it upright, and finally, with tremendous exertions with a chisel Mr.
Carlyon had brought, managed to break open the ancient lock.
It gave with a sudden snap, and in breathless excitement they raised the lid.
Inside was another case of wood.

This also was locked, but at its side lay an old key.

The Professor, as well as his chisel, had prudently brought a small bottle of oil, and eventually was able to make the key turn in the lock, and they found that the box was in two compartments, one entirely filled with gold pieces, and the other containing some smaller heavy object enwound with silk.
They lifted it out and carried it to the light, and then with great excitement they unrolled the coverings.

It proved to be a gold-and-jeweled crucifix and beneath it lay a parchment with a seal.
Leaving the pieces of gold in the box, they carried the crucifix and the parchment out on to the terrace, and then the Professor adjusted his strongest spectacles and prepared to read what he could, while Halcyone examined the beautiful thing.
The writing was still fairly dark and the words were in Latin.