"Come on," he said to himself, "be strong. I'm used to disappointment by now. I can't let myself be crushed if I discover I've been deceived. What would be the point of everything I've suffered? Hearts break when, after being lifted by hopeful dreams, they watch all their illusions crumble. Maybe Faria was just dreaming. Maybe Cardinal Spada never buried any treasure here. Maybe he never even came to this place. Or if he did, maybe some other treasure hunter got here first, followed the same clues I did, moved the same stone, and went down before me, leaving me nothing."
He remained motionless and lost in thought, staring at the dark opening at his feet.
"Now that I expect nothing, now that I no longer have the slightest hope, the end of this adventure is simply a matter of curiosity." And again he stood frozen, thinking.
