He lifted it out carefully and laid it on the end of the bench.
The cover was fastened down by screws, and he undid them one by one until it moved and came off in his hands.

The contents were wrapped carefully in a fine towel, which had once been white, but which had long grown yellow with age.

Marzio unfolded the covering with a delicate touch as though he feared to hurt what was within.

He took out a large silver crucifix, raising it carefully, and taking care not to touch the figure.

He stood it upon the bench before him, and sat down to examine it.
It was a work of rare beauty, which he had made more than ten years before.