How long it was before I recovered myself in some degree, I cannot say.

The only thing I can clearly call to mind is, that I frightened the poor engraver.
My first desire was to get possession of the manuscript inscription.
I told him I was a policeman, and summoned him to assist me in the discovery of a crime.

I even offered him money.

He drew back from my hand.

"You shall have it for nothing," he said, "if you will only go away and never come here again." He tried to cut it out of the page--but his trembling hands were helpless.