"The Young Alexius," was the name murmured by all as Hugh and Matteo circled the outer barriers, seeking a point nearer to the three thrones, whence they might hear what was said. "Who is the other?" Hugh asked Matteo. He pointed to the occupant of the third chair, a splendid-looking man, well on in middle-age, lion-faced, dark and mighty in frame, who sat easily listening to the talk of a group of nobles around him. "That? Oh, that is the Marquis Boniface," answered Matteo. "I forgot to tell you that he came with Alexius." "That must mean that he is a party to this plan," said Hugh. "So 'twould seem. Make haste, Hugh, or we shall be too late to hear what is said. See, Dandolo is going to speak." The aged Doge stood erect, a page at his elbow, as the comrades forced their way into the ranks just behind the thrones. "Lords of the host," he said, "I greet you well. The dear God Himself must have sent this day, for it is a right happy one. See, first of all, I present to you your chief, the commander of us all, the Marquis Boniface of Montferrat, who hath come to us at last after many toils to insure the success of our enterprise." There was a sharp clanging of swords on shields at this, and the common men on the outskirts of the throng shouted lustily; for Boniface was a popular noble, and the prestige of his lineage carried weight. Men said to each other: "It is well to have a lord like this. He will outwit our enemies, for he is a great captain." Dandolo raised his hand for silence, and Boniface smiled proudly at his followers. "But there is more to say--much more," continued the Doge. "Here, likewise is come the young Prince Alexius, son of Isaac Angelos, the rightful Emperor of Constantinople. He greets you by me and says that your efforts are very close to his heart. Know, Messers, that his father, who should be Emperor, some years ago ransomed from the Saracens a brother whom the Paynims had captured in a border foray. That brother, Alexius by name, in return for this kindness, overthrew Isaac the Emperor, caused his eyes to be seared with white-hot irons--ay, Messers, even as those fiends tried to sear my eyes, when I was a young man and went on embassage from the Republic!--and threw him into prison." A hiss of execration burst from the crowded lists. "Rightly do you give voice to your horror, Messers," approved Dandolo. "Never was there a more dastardly deed performed in Christendom. Even the barbarians of the East and the Saracens of Paynimry were shocked by it. The Lord God in His Divine Wisdom did not send down a bolt of fire to blast the impious prince. Heaven provided other means of vengeance. This youth, whom men call the Young Alexius, was cast into prison with his father, but succeeded in escaping. He bears an offer from his tortured father, which he hath charged me to convey to you.