Fortunately a lad in the fields had noticed the five men ride away from the castle, and was able to point out the direction they had taken.
At a furious gallop Ralph and his companions tore across the country.
Mile after mile was passed.

Once or twice they gained news from labourers in the field of the passage of those before them, and knew that they were on the right track.

They had now entered a wild and sparsely inhabited country.

It was broken and much undulated, so that although they knew that the band they were pursuing were but a short distance ahead they had not yet caught sight of them, and they hoped that, having no reason to dread any immediate pursuit, these would soon slacken their pace.

This expectation was realized, for on coming over a brow they saw the party halted at a turf-burner's cottage in the hollow below.