"None, my lord."
At the first cross-road two horsemen barred the way. Aymer paused to question them, but learning nothing, the pace was resumed. Another mile was passed, and they had tarried a moment to breathe and water the horses at a rivulet that gurgled across the road, when Selim suddenly threw up his head.
"Some one comes!" said De Lacy … "it is news … he rides furiously; he must be stopped."
They drew out into the middle of the track and waited. Presently a running horse shot into view ahead, and the rider, seeing the two in front, shouted the royal messenger's call: "Way! In the King's name! Way!"
"Stay, Allen," Giles Dauvrey cried, recognizing him. "What word?"
"Sir John has been found," the man answered, drawing up short.
"Dead?" Aymer demanded.
"No, my lord, not yet."
"And the Countess of Clare?"
"Gone, my lord; no trace."