Gerald and Jack stared at one another, almost stupefied with horror.
'Did ever two such miscreants exist before, I wonder?' said Jack. 'How right, Gerald, you were when you called Kazzaro the Ogre!'
'I am in for it, too, now, of course,' Malto added. 'They know by this time what I have done; and I shall find no mercy there if I am dragged back into their clutches.'
'But you sha'n't be!' cried Alondra, impulsively. 'I will not allow it! And King Agrando, strong as he may deem himself upon his own ground, dares not attempt to take you against my will.'
Malto and Malandris looked at him in astonishment at this unexpected outburst.
'Your feelings do you credit, young sir,' said the elder man; 'but I fear your brave words will not avail us much.' He smiled slightly and sighed.
'But who are you, then, to talk like that?' exclaimed Malto incredulously.
'This is King Ivanta's son, Prince Alondra!' said Jack.
CHAPTER XXV.
AGRANDO THROWS OFF THE MASK.