"And Beatrix?" he asked huskily.
The King shook his head.
Again Aymer passed his hand across his eyes; his brain was working very slowly how.
"You have given orders?" he asked.
"One hundred men-at-arms are seeking for a clue. Fifty others will await you at the barbican at daybreak."
"Meanwhile I, too, will seek," and he sprang toward the door—and into Ratcliffe's arms.
"Stay, Sir Aymer," said the King; "it would do no good for you to search at night—you may go far astray. All that can be done till daybreak the scouts will do… You gave the orders, Ratcliffe?"
"I did, and venture to amplify them by sending twenty men along the North road as far as the Aire for any trace of Sir John or of the fight—for, of course, there was a fight."
"And a passing hard one ere De Bury was unhorsed," said Richard.
"The remaining eighty," Ratcliffe continued, "I divided into bands of ten and five, bidding them follow every cross-road or bridle-path, and inquire for information from every traveler and at every habitation. The instant aught is discovered you will be advised."