He was not so entirely sceptical as to some possible clue being given by these verses as he would have her believe, but he could not see any daylight yet, and wished to save her from disappointment.
"That is scarce like to be.

The treasure was stolen nigh on fifty years agone, and he must have been a lusty robber who stole it then--scarce like to be living now.

But we will think of this more.
The wise woman must have dealings with a familiar, else how could she have known our errand?
We must heed her words well; they may be words of wisdom.

She knew strange things from my hand.

I marvel how she could read it all there." Cuthbert looked upon his palm and shook his head.