145 CXLV. Halm

Karl and Reidar looked at each other again and watched Dag, impatient for him to accept the offer.

"All right, done deal" Dag said.

The old man rose from the table holding on to the stick and without saying anything, opened the door of another room, which was locked.

He walked out the same door after a few minutes and placed on the table three bags full of gold coins.

Karl and Reidar couldn't believe their eyes: they had never seen so much money all together.

Dag tried to remain unmoved, even though Benjamin's offer had far exceeded his expectations.

Each of them took their own bag of money, while Benjamin collected the items on the table, placing them neatly on it as if preparing them for cataloging.

"Thank you again for your hospitality. We both made a good deal" Dag said, as he and his teammates headed for the exit.

"Thank you. Remember to pass by me, if you have other objects with that historical value!" replied Benjamin, greeting the three explorers.