Presently there came a sharp knock and Ratcliffe entered. "Lie still," he said, as De Lacy would have risen. "I know you found no trace of the Countess else you would not be here. Yet, perchance, Sir John may speak or some of the scouts return with a clue. If not, the sunlight, doubtless, will reveal what the night has hidden. The King has retired, but he bade me say to you not to depart without word with him. Meanwhile if any of the scouts come in they are to report to you." Slowly the minutes dragged themselves out. The shadows lengthened more and more as the moon went to its rest behind the distant Craven hills. Then of a sudden, light and shadow mingled and all was dark. Presently a cock crowed; and the sound seemed loud as a roar of a bombard. Again the cock crowed, and from the retainers' houses another and another answered, until the shrill cry ran along the outer bailey and across the wall and on down the hill to the village, growing fainter and fainter until, at the last, it was like a far distant echo, more memory than reality. De Lacy turned his head toward the window, hoping for some sign of day, but the East was black. With an impatient sigh he lay back. Was ever man so sorely tried--so cruelly used--so choked by horrors of the probable! Then came a troubled slumber--a tossing and a waking--that was ended by a quick step in the corridor, and with a bound he reached the door and flung it open. "Sir John------" the page began, but got no farther--De Lacy was gone. Sir John de Bury lay as when Aymer left him, but the color was coming back to his face and his eyes were open, and he smiled very faintly in greeting. "He may speak?" De Lacy asked. "A few words, Signor," the Italian answered. Just then the King entered hastily, a long gown about him. Sir John tried to raise his hand in salute, but Richard quickly caught the weak fingers. "Nay, nay, my friend," he said; "another time for that." . . . Then to Carcea: "Has he spoken?" "Not yet, Sire; and if it please Your Majesty, it would be well to ask the questions so that they can be answered by a motion of the head. The patient's strength will permit few words." "Do you understand, John?" Richard asked. De Bury smiled faintly and indicated that he did. "Were you attacked?" the King went on. "Yes," said the nod. "By highwaymen?" A pause, and then--"No." "By men hired for the purpose?" "Yes," readily. "Do you know by whom?" Another pause; then--"No." "You have suspicion?" "Yes," quickly. "More of that in a moment; first, tell me, did they carry off the Countess?" "Yes," and the old eyes glowed fiercely. "Was she hurt in the struggle?" "No." "Were you attacked in the main road?" "No." "On a by-track?" "Yes." "North of the main road?" "Yes." "Near the main road?" "Yes." "Two leagues from here?" "Yes," after a slight pause. "More than two?" "No." "Oh! the path to the Hermit's Cell?" "Yes," quickly.