There was a blare of trumpets, a blast of martial music, and then the cry, "Make way for the king!"
On a palanquin, borne aloft on the shoulders of men, surmounted by a green canopy, reclined the king. As soon as he reached the place of execution he ordered the soldiers to bring forth the prisoner. When Abinadi, sustained by the heroism of martyrdom, but very weak and trembling physically, stood before him, Noah pronounced sternly: "Abinadi, we have found an accusation against thee and thou art worthy of death; for thou hast said that God himself should come down among the children of men, and now for this cause thou shalt be put to death, unless thou wilt recall all the words thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my people."
With a hunted look in his eyes Abinadi answered: "I will not recall the words I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true. I will suffer even unto death. I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me, ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall stand as a testimony against you at the last day."
The words touched even the callous heart of Noah, and he was half convinced. He turned to the priests.
"Shall we release him?"
"Death to Abinadi, he has reviled the king!" was the shout.
"Death to Abinadi!"
"Let his God delay the flames!"
"He says we shall all be captives to the Lamanites!"
"Down with false prophets!"