Strelsau in a rare puzzle."

Then we mounted, and rode as fast as our weary horses could lay their
feet to the ground. For those last eight miles we spoke no more. Our
minds were full of apprehension. "All is well." What did it mean? Was
all well with the King?

At last the lodge came in sight. Spurring our horses to a last gallop,
we rode up to the gate. All was still and quiet. Not a soul came to meet
us. We dismounted in haste. Suddenly Sapt caught me by the arm.

"Look there!" he said, pointing to the ground.

I looked down. At my feet lay five or six silk handkerchiefs, torn and
slashed and rent. I turned to him questioningly.

"They're what I tied the old woman up with," said he. "Fasten the
horses, and come along."

The handle of the door turned without resistance. We passed into the
room which had been the scene of last night's bout. It was still strewn
with the remnants of our meal and with empty bottles.

"Come on," cried Sapt, whose marvellous composure had at last almost
given way.

We rushed down the passage towards the cellars. The door of the
coal-cellar stood wide open.

"They found the old woman," said I.