What paper is that, boy, that thou studiest with such care ?" Cuthbert handed her the scrap of parchment.

He did not know if she would have learning to decipher it; but the writing appeared to have no difficulties for her.

She read the words in the clear light of the May evening, albeit the sun had set and the crescent moon was hanging like a silver lamp in the sky; and as she did so she started slightly, and fixed a keenly penetrating glance upon Cuthbert.
"Where didst thou get these lines, boy ?" "They were given me by a wise woman, whom I consulted to see if she could aid me in this matter." "A wise woman! And where didst thou find her ?" "In London town, where she practises her arts, and many come unto her by secret.

She is veritably that which she professes, for she told me the object of my quest ere I had told mine errand to her." "But thou hadst told her thy name ?" "Yes, verily, I had done that." "And knowing that, she divined all.

Verily thou hast seen Esther the witch! And this was all she knew--this was all she knew!" Joanna's head was bent over the parchment.