Probably the pair were only waiting for authority, perhaps merely for the verification of some surmise, before securing the aid of the constable to apprehend him.

He must leave Lancaster, and at once.
Ralph rose from his bed and dressed himself afresh.

He strapped his broad pack across his back, called his hostess, and paid his score.
"Must the gentleman start away at midnight ?" Yes; a sudden call compelled him.

"Should she brew him a pot of hot ale ?--the nights were chill in winter." Not to-night; he must leave without delay.
When Ralph walked through the streets of Lancaster that cold midnight, it was with no certainty as to his destination.

It was to be anywhere, anywhere in this race for life.