The Great Carbuncle

The Cynic approaches and claims that he cannot see the Carbuncle; at Matthew's urging, he removes his spectacles and is permanently blinded by its brilliance.

The story closes with an account of the other searchers' fortunes after this adventure: Conflicting reports begin to spread as to the fate of the Carbuncle.

Some accounts claim that it lost its luster and became an ordinary stone; others contend that it fell into the lake, and that the Seeker's spirit can sometimes be seen bending down toward it.

[2] The story was republished as "The Great Carbuncle, a Mystery of the White Mountains" credited as "by the author of The Wedding Knell" in the annual The Token and Atlantic Souvenir in 1837.

These positive characteristics are most often demonstrated by Hannah and Matthew during the search for the Carbuncle; they sacrifice personal gain, alter their goals, and pivot their actions to assist others for the good of the group.