71 And now the king said that Alma was stirring up the people to rebellion against him; therefore he sent his army to destroy them.
72 And it came to pass that Alma, and the people of the Lord, were apprised of the coming of the king's army; therefore they took their tents and their families, and departed into the wilderness.
73 And they were in number about four hundred and fifty souls.
74 And it came to pass that the army of the king returned, having searched in vain for the people of the Lord.
75 And now behold, the forces of the king were small, having been reduced, and there began to be a division among the remainder of the people.
76 And the lesser part began to breathe out threatenings against the king, and there began to be a great contention among them.
77 And now there was a man among them whose name was Gideon, and he being a strong man, and an enemy to the king, therefore he drew his sword and swore in his wrath, that he would slay the king.
78 And it came to pass that he fought with the king, and when the king saw that he was about to overpower him, he fled and ran and got upon the tower, which was near the temple.
79 And Gideon pursued after him, and was about to get upon the tower to slay the king, and the king cast his eyes round about towards the land of Shemlon, and behold, the army of the Lamanites were within the borders of the land.
80 And now the king cried out in the anguish of his soul, saying, Gideon, spare me, for the Lamanites are upon us, and they will destroy them; yea, they will destroy my people.
81 And now the king was not so much concerned about his people, as he was about his own life; nevertheless, Gideon did spare his life.
