For a while there was a pause in the hostilities. Either their foes recognised that it was not possible to attack them successfully with the means then at their disposal, or they deemed it impolitic to do so. After taking counsel together, they appeared resolved to content themselves for the time with laying siege to the pavilion. The only incident worthy of note during this interval was that a wind sprang up, bringing with it heavy clouds. Rumblings were heard more than once as of distant thunder, and there were other indications of a coming storm. Jack’s abrupt announcement of Alondra’s identity had naturally produced a great effect upon the two officers of Agrando with whom they had become so strangely associated. So surprising had the statement seemed that Malto had at first been inclined to be incredulous. He half-suspected that the statement might be a bit of rather ill-timed levity on the part of the one who had made it. But a little reflection altered this view. ’I have been foolish—blind—not to have guessed it before!’ he exclaimed. ’Prince, I have to ask your pardon for several things I said which may perhaps have displeased you, especially when I refused point-blank to answer some of your questions.’ ’Nay, I think you were right in the circumstances,’ said Alondra. ’It proves that one can rely upon you to be close and discreet when you deem it necessary.’ Malandris also had apologies to make; but Jack and Gerald both noticed that his demeanour was different from that of Malto. The former spoke and behaved just in the way that any one might be expected to do who is confused at finding he has been all unknowingly talking rather freely in the presence of a superior. Malto, on the other hand, appeared in no wise embarrassed. He made his apologies with perfect self-possession, and carried himself as though he were in the habit of associating with distinguished personages every day of his life. Alondra noticed this too, and at first was a little inclined to resent it; but Malto’s manner was so entirely unconscious and free from offence that, with his usual good nature, the young prince quickly thrust the idea aside. ’Well, now,’ he said, when he had listened to their apologies and given kindly and suitable replies, ’we are wasting time. As my people don’t seem to be coming to look for me of their own accord, I must summon them.’ His companions stared at him with puzzled looks. ’I don’t see how you are going to do that!’ observed Jack.