The Dink Network

In Dink Smallword v.1.08 I got to the bit before the goblin village part and I saved up 1500 gold and bought a bow lore from the man... I realised I needed a bow so I saved up 1000 and bought a bow and arrows. I can't find a bow lore in my inventory or any sign of it, plus no effect on my bow. I returned to the man underground who sold me the bow lore (on instruction of the man at the bow shop) to find he had disappeared.
- Is the bow lore invisible?
- Can I get it back if it's not?
- Will I have to restart the game? (please no)
Help!