At the same time, he was curious, and, for one thing, was wondering who these people could be who were hunting about. He had never seen them before. Not only were they strangers to him, but their dress was quite different from that usually worn by Agrando’s followers. Their costumes were a very dark purple, and they were all big, powerful-looking men. Moreover, when they called out to one another they spoke in a strange language, one that even Alondra did not understand. And now a fresh development occurred. Into the midst of these strangers strode three men in masks—men even bigger and taller than the rest. They seemed to speak angrily, as though rating the others for something they had done wrongly. Then they issued some sharp, short word of command, and the first-comers turned and marched out in perfect military order, the masked men walking behind them. In a minute or two they had all disappeared. Sounds followed as of the closing and fastening of heavy doors, and the place was once more empty and quiet. ’What does it all mean?’ exclaimed Gerald perplexedly, addressing Alondra. ’What are all these strange comings and goings? Who were those chaps who came in last, and why do they wear masks? It is all very mysterious and extraordinary! It seems to me there must be a good deal more going on here than you have any idea of!’ ’It seems so, indeed,’ Alondra replied, in a tone which showed that he was not less puzzled. ’I confess it is a mystery to me at present. But I mean to get to the bottom of it if the thing is possible.’ ’What do you think King Ivanta will say to it all when you tell him?’ asked Jack. ’What do you suppose he will do? You will tell him, will you not?’ ’You may be sure I shall,’ returned Alondra, ’and I think the sooner he knows the better. We must find some excuse for cutting short our visit here and getting back to Ivenia as quickly as possible,’ he added with decision. ’If you will take me with you to King Ivanta,’ said a strange voice behind them, ’I can tell him many more things which he ought to know—which he ought to have known long ago!’ The three friends started and looked round. From somewhere in the darkness, at the back of the cell, a figure now stepped forth, and stood looking at them with as much interest as they showed themselves. He was a young fellow of scarcely more than twenty years of age perhaps, good-looking, well set up, and muscular in build. He was dressed like an official of Agrando’s household; but Alondra detected at once that he was not a native of the country. ’Who are you?’ he asked, eying him curiously. ’And why have you been hiding and listening to our talk?’ ’Who I am doesn’t matter just now,’ returned the stranger quietly. ’You need not be afraid of me; you may trust me thoroughly. I am a friend, and you need a friend just now if you want to get out of this place without being captured by Kazzaro’s myrmidons!’