His faith in spirits and familiars had been greatly shaken; but he knew that his story would sound wild and improbable, and he was by no means sure that even Joanna would consent to appear before Sir Richard and repeat it all to him.

She was anxious to do her part towards making restitution; but, having put the clue in Cuthbert's hands, would very likely consider that part done, and decline to be questioned further by any one.
"What I do I must do alone," said Cuthbert to himself, with a sigh, at the close of that day of toil and discouragement.

"Well, I should have been mightily surprised had I lighted on the treasure at the close of the first day.

I ought not to be thus discouraged, and yet I am.

Still there is one more thing to do.