"I will send Paolo with the next opportunity to help in the paving." He laughed softly at his grim joke, and bent lower over the crucifix.
By this time he had determined what to do, for his reflections had not interfered with his occupation.

Removing two tiny silver screws which fitted with the utmost exactness in the threads, he loosened the figure from the cross, removed the latter to a shelf on the wall, and returning laid the statue on a soft leathern pad, surrounding it with sand-bags till it was propped securely in the position he required.

Then he took a very small chisel, adjusted it with the greatest care, and tapped upon it with the round wooden handle of his little hammer.

At each touch he examined the surface with his lens to assure himself that he was making the improvement he contemplated.

It was very delicate work, and as he did it he felt a certain pride in the reflection that he could not have detected the place where improvement was possible when he had worked upon the piece ten years ago.