I passed a sleepless night. My first care the following morning
was, to devise some means of discovering the man in the grey cloak.
Perhaps I may succeed in finding him; and how fortunate it were if
he should be as ill satisfied with his bargain as I am with mine!

I desired Bendel to be sent for, who seemed to possess some tact and
ability. I minutely described to him the individual who possessed a
treasure without which life itself was rendered a burden to me. I
mentioned the time and place at which I had seen him, named all the
persons who were present, and concluded with the following
directions: --He was to inquire for a Dollond's telescope, a Turkey
carpet interwoven with gold, a marquee, and, finally, for some black
steeds--the history, without entering into particulars, of all these
being singularly connected with the mysterious character who seemed
to pass unnoticed by every one, but whose appearance had destroyed
the peace and happiness of my life.

As I spoke I produced as much gold as I could hold in my two hands,
and added jewels and precious stones of still greater value.
"Bendel," said I, "this smooths many a path, and renders that easy
which seems almost impossible. Be not sparing of it, for I am not
so; but go, and rejoice thy master with intelligence on which depend
all his hopes."

He departed, and returned late and melancholy.

None of Mr. John's servants, none of his guests (and Bendel had
spoken to them all) had the slightest recollection of the man in the
grey cloak.