He rode on fast, thinking that perhaps he might overtake them and ride on with them.

But the bays knew their work, and did it.
They kept their start; it was only at the top of the North hill, five miles out of Norcester, that he saw them in the distance, flying along the level road.

He knew he would not now overtake them, and so rode on somewhat more leisurely.
The Norcester highroad, when it has passed the village of Brackling, turns away to the right behind the great clump of oaks.

From this the road twists to the left again, making a double curve, and then runs to Norling Parva in a clear stretch of some miles before reaching the sharp turn down the hill which is marked 'Dangerous to Cyclists.' From the latter village branches the by-road over the hill which is the short cut to Normanstand.
When Harold turned the corner under the shadow of the oaks he saw a belated road-mender, surrounded by some gaping peasants, pointing excitedly in the distance.

The man, who of course knew him, called to him to stop.
'What is it ?' he asked, reining up.
'It be Squire Rowly's bays which have run away with him.