The next moment
Captain Bouchier rode up, followed by a small band of halberdiers, and
receiving information from the falconer of what had occurred, darted
with his men into the wood in search of the fugitive. Nicholas Clamp
and his companion did not await the issue of the search, but proceeded
on their way.
As they walked at a brisk pace, they reached the long avenue in about
half-an-hour, and took their way down it. When within a mile of the
castle they were overtaken by Bouchier and his followers, and the
falconer was much disappointed to learn that they had failed in
tracking Morgan Fenwolf to his lair. After addressing a few
complimentary words to the maiden, Bouchier rode on.
Soon after this the pair quitted the great park, and passing through a
row of straggling houses, divided by gardens and closes, which skirted
the foot of Castle Hill, presently reached the lower gate. They were
admitted without difficulty; but just as they entered the lower ward the
falconer was hailed by Shoreditch and Paddington, who at the moment
issued from the doorway of the guard-room.
Clamp obeyed the call and went towards them, and it was evident, from
the gestures of the archers, that they were making inquiries about
Mabel, whose appearance seemed to interest them greatly.
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