Azuma leaned forward and murmured in a low voice:
‘I have for you the best finds from Mesopotamia. I am sure you will have not seen the like of what I have to offer you.’
He went out of the side door and returned shortly afterwards with the merchandise, cleared the table and placed the most valuable objects on it.
I couldn't suppress my look of surprise at such a magnificent haul. Jewellery in the form of bracelets, rings, diadems and earrings made up the small treasure trove in front of our eyes. Despite my experience, I was still amazed at the magnitude of items from archaeological sites found on the black market.
‘It came in three days ago,’ he explained. The gleam in his eyes denoted enormous satisfaction. ‘It is from the last French expedition to Mesopotamia.’
‘Do you mean that a
