We do not know how Alma found those who "would hear his word." He would certainly have to be careful so as not to draw attention to himself. He would have to be very careful to teach only those he could trust would not turn him over to the king's men. When we read that they were taught "privately" we may also assume "secretly." This was a careful and clandestine preaching of the gospel. Abinadi had already died for this gospel, and Alma was under a death sentence for his part in it. It is very probable that the people understood that they too would share that fate if caught. It is a strong testimony to the power of faith in these first converts that they were not only willing to believe, but to believe under such harsh circumstances.