Crispin manages to elude the searchers by running to the mill, going a little way down the river, and doubling back.
Instead of crossing the river to go west, he decides to go south and runs until he sees the southern boundary cross. (Fun fact: The limits of Stromford are marked by crosses in each direction.)
He sees a figure on the ground by the cross and thinks it's a guard, but then realizes it's Father Quinel, whose throat has been cut. Yikes.