Fumenta gave a curious signal, which sounded like the cry of some bird of the night. At first there was no response, but after it had been twice repeated, a door in the building opened, and a figure came out, closed it, and advanced cautiously towards them.
There were further signs and countersigns given and received on both sides, and then the stranger spoke. 'Is it the Chief?' he asked.
'It is the Chief,' Fumenta replied. 'You have heard the news, and know that the hour has come? Is all prepared?'
'All is prepared, Chief,' answered the man, saluting. 'We have had everything ready and waiting for you since the news came; for we thought that you might be here to-night. Do you wish to speak to the men before we start?'
'Yes. I have with me some one they will be very surprised to see. Lead the way.'
With another salute, the man turned and led the way towards the door from which he had just emerged.
CHAPTER XXXV.
HOW IVANTA GAINED A FLEET.
Fumenta and those with him passed through the doorway into a spacious, well-lighted vestibule, in which other doors could be seen leading to the interior of the building. In particular, there were two large ones in the centre immediately opposite to that by which they had entered. These were evidently very jealously guarded, for at the entrance of the strangers some armed men, who had been standing in front of them, advanced in a rather threatening manner.
The one who had gone out to meet Fumenta and had brought him in, spoke to the officer in charge of these guards.