en above. Am I not repaid
for all that I have suffered? O yes more than repaid," thought Philip,
as with a kiss he disturbed the slumber of his wife, and met her full
dark eyes fixed upon him, beaming with love and joy.

Before Philip went down stairs, he inquired about Mynheer Poots.

"My father has indeed troubled me much," replied Amine. "I am obliged
to lock the parlour when I leave it, for more than once I have found him
attempting to force the locks of the buffets. His love of gold is
insatiable: he dreams of nothing else, he has caused me much pain,
insisting that I never should see you again, and that I should surrender
to him all your wealth. But he fears me, and he fears your return much
more."

"Is he well in health?"

"Not ill, but still evidently wasting away--like a candle burnt down to
the socket, flitting and flaring alternately; at one time almost
imbecile, at others, talking and planning as if he were in the vigour of
his youth. O what a curse it must be--that love of money! I believe--
I'm shocked to say so, Philip,--that that poor old man, now on the brink
of a grave into which he can take nothing, would sacrifice your life and
mine to have possession of those guilders, the whole of which I would
barter for one kiss from thee."

"Indeed, Amine, has he then attempted anything in my absence?"

"I dare not speak my thoughts, Philip, nor will I venture upon surmises,
which it were difficult to prove. I watch him carefully;--but talk no
more about him. You will see him soon, and do not expect a hearty
welcome, or believe that, if given, it is sincere, I will not tell him
of your return, as I wish to mark the effect."

Amine then descended to prepare breakfast, and Philip walked out for a
few minutes. On his return, he found Mynheer Poots sitting at the table
with his daughter.

"Merciful Allah! am I right?" cried the old man: "is it you, Mynheer
Vanderdecken?"

"Even so," replied Philip; "I returned last night."

"And you did not tell me, Amine."

"I wished that you should be surprised," replied Amine.

"I am surprised! When do you sail again, Mynheer Philip? very soon, I
suppose? perhaps to-morrow?" said Mynheer Poots.

"Not for many months, I trust," replied Philip.

"Not for many months!--that is a long while to be idle. You must make
money. Tell me, have you brought back plenty this time?"

"No," replied Philip; "I have been wrecked, and very nearly lost my
life."

"B