Nor--though they looked--could they find any trace of the palmer--not even a footstep, since the ground was frostbound.

Only on examining the door of the stable they discovered that an attempt had been made to lift the lock with some sharp instrument.
"It seems that he was determined to be gone, either with or without the beast," said Wulf.

"Well, perhaps we can catch him yet," and he called to the men to saddle up and ride with him to search the country.
For three hours they hunted far and wide, but nothing did they see of Nicholas.
"The knave has slipped away like a night hawk, and left as little trace," reported Wulf.

"Now, my uncle, what does this mean ?" "I do not know, save that it is of a piece with the rest, and that I like it little," answered the old knight anxiously.

"Here the value of the beast was of no account, that is plain.