That night he scarcely slept for eagerness to be gone.
Waking early from what little sleep he had had, he dressed and armed himself hurriedly, and ran to the stables, where already his men were bustling about getting their horses ready for departure.
Lady had a loose box for herself, and thither straight her master went, wondering as he opened the door of it that he did not hear usual morning welcome.

The place was empty.

He called Stopchase.
'Where is my mare ?' he said.

'Surely no one has been fool enough to take her to the water just as we are going to start.' Stopchase stood and stared without reply, then turned and left the stable, but came back almost immediately, looking horribly scared.

Lady was nowhere to be seen or heard.