2 Samuel 17:20
And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
The woman at the house protects Ahimaaz and Jonathan when Absalom's servants come asking for them by answering that they have gone over the brook of water. After that answer the servants make a search for the two men, are unable to find them, and go back to Jerusalem. Her misleading reply enables the messengers to carry through their errand to warn David so that he can make his escape. The outcome shows the delay gained by Hushai's counsel accomplishing its purpose in securing opportunity for David to get away before Absalom could strike. Even so, the impetuous Absalom soon moves out in pursuit across the Jordan with all the men of Israel.