- IÓ2 -
   M.  Let us leave this an open question then, and pass on to the valuation of damages. Our surveyor's (i) statement, which I have here under my eyes, shows a much lower figure for actual damage. He estimates the value of goods and thingfe generally, wholly-destroyed or made unavailable, at no more than twelve hundred and fifty pounds, while you figure it at sixteen hundred and fifty, a pretty good difference, as you see.
   I.  My calculations are strictly exact on that point. Luckily enough my counting house was supplied with a fire-proof safe (2), and thus all my books and papers came out intact; things can therefore be made clear at any time by experts (3).
   M-  Your books and papers were just one of the standpoints of our surveyor's reckon-
   (1) Un surveyor è persona incaricata di esaminare e riferire sullo stato di una data cosa In italiano dicesi comunemente perito, quantunque questo vocabolo possa significare anche soltanto persona pratica di una data cosa, professione ecc.
   (2) Il vocabolo « proof », usato come parte di parola composta, corrisponde a «a prova din riferendosi alla prima parte della parola, quindi : « water-proof » - impermeabile » « flre-proof » - refrattario, cioè « a prova di fuoco ».
   (3) Export  É il vero vocabolo corrispondente a « perito » nel senso di «persona pratica».
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   ings, and you know it, because he got from you all such data as he thought fit to ask for.
   I.  True; I put at his disposal such of my books and accounts as required, for him to ascertain the cost price of the goods; and answered all his questions, of course.
   M.  You had taken stock (1) shortly before the accident, hadn't you?u(2).
   I.  Just a month before.
   M.  Your last inventory must then show the actual cost value of all the goods, and the estimated value of furniture, fixtures and other accessories existing in your store at the time in a sound state, both representing portions of your assets.
   I.  No doubt of that.
   M. - Well then. The proceeding ought to be very simple, I think, viz:
   First.  Making a total of the two above quoted values, as resulting from your inventory.
   Second.  Ascertaining the full cost value of the goods saved, and the estimated value
   (0 Vedi pag. 33, nota 1.
   (2) Hand't you  Accorciato di « had you not».