Eleanor had been correct about the rare pocket watch.
It came from a Parisian maker around 1892.
Estimated value:
About $40,000.
The entire collection could be worth between $80,000 and $90,000.
Dad barely reacted.
“I tried not to disturb the box when I excavated around it.”
“I know,” Martin said. “That matters.”
Dad’s photographs and notes had preserved the provenance of the collection.
That history could significantly affect its value.
“You preserved the story,” Martin told him.
Dad shrugged.
“I kept notes.”
“I always keep notes.”
Martin smiled.
“My father would have liked you.”
Then he said he wanted to give Dad something.
“A finder’s fee.”
Dad immediately refused.
“That isn’t necessary.”
“It is to me.”
“I was already paid for the pool.”
“This isn’t for the pool.”
Martin explained that Dad had done something valuable simply by choosing not to take advantage of an opportunity.
He had found property worth tens of thousands of dollars and had gone out of his way to reunite it with the correct family.
