Doubtless his exit from the convent had been discovered, and the moment the gates of the city were opened the spy would have proceeded south to warn his comrades, and these would doubtless have taken a road which at a distance would again take them on to that by which Cuthbert would be now traveling.

As, however, he rode fast, and made long marches each day, he hoped that he might succeed in distancing them.

Unfortunately, upon the third day his horse cast his shoe, and no smith could be met with until the end of the day's journey.

Consequently, but a short distance could be done and this at a slow pace.

Upon the fifth day after their first start they arrived at a small town.
The next morning Cuthbert on rising found that his guide did not present himself as usual.