"and these things were done in the borders of the land, that they might not come to the knowledge of the king." (v. 31) Not with standing the care and secrecy with which the members of the Church acted, Noah soon discovered that there was some hidden movement among his subjects, and by the help of his spies he discovered what was taking place at Mormon. Making the tyrants' usual excuse, that the Christians were in rebellion against him, he sent his armies to capture and destroy them. But a greater than he stretched forth His arm to preserve His people. The Lord warned Alma of the king's intentions, and by divine direction he assembled his people, some 450 souls, gathered their flocks and herds, loaded up their grain, provisions and other supplies, and departed into the wilderness.