At the same time, the men dispatched by the captain to investigate came upon the box and the bag of clothing that Anastasia had hidden among the bushes. Anastasia, not being skilled in the art of escape, had left traces that, with little effort, these men could follow.
Moreover, owing to the no-movement order issued earlier, the roads lay deserted. As it had not rained, there were no clear footprints, only faint impressions but faint though they were, they sufficed for trained eyes. After scouring the surrounding area and finding nothing more of note, the guards determined to return and make their report.
"The one who abandoned these things seems to have continued on towards Lowe. Shall I pursue?" one of the guards inquired.
