ern, and that all the rest of the
crew had perished. He had hardly made this answer, when Philip, with
Amine, came out of the cabin, and walked up to where the seamen were
crowded round the man; the seamen retreated so as to make an opening,
when Philip and Amine, to their astonishment and horror, recognised
their old acquaintance, one-eyed pilot Schriften.

"He! he! Captain Vanderdecken I believe--glad to see you in command,
and you too, fair lady."

Philip turned away with a chill at his heart; Amine's eye flashed as she
surveyed the wasted form of the wretched creature. After a few seconds
she turned round and followed Philip into the cabin, where she found him
with his face buried in his hands.

"Courage, Philip, courage!" said Amine; "it was indeed a heavy shock,
and I fear me, forebodes evil; but what then? it is our destiny."

"It is! it ought perhaps to be mine," replied Philip, raising his head;
"but you, Amine, why should you be a partner--"

"I am your partner, Philip, in life and in death. I would not die
first, Philip, because it would grieve you; but your death will be the
signal for mine, and I will join you quickly."

"Surely, Amine, you would not hasten your own?"

"Yes! and require but one moment for this little steel to do its duty."

"Nay! Amine, that is not lawful--our religion forbids it."

"It may do so, but I cannot tell why. I came into this world without my
own consent; surely I may leave it without asking the leave of priests!
But let that pass for the present what will you do with that Schriften?"

"Put him on shore at the Cape--I cannot bear the odious wretch's
presence. Did you not feel the chill, as before, when you approached
him?"

"I did--I knew that he was there before I saw him; but still I know not
why, I feel as if I would not send him away."

"Why not?"

"I believe it is because I am inclined to brave destiny, not to quail at
it. The wretch can do no harm."

"Yes, he can--much: he can render the ship's company mutinous and
disaffected; besides, he attempted to deprive me of my relic."

"I almost wish he had done so; then must you have discontinued this wild
search."

"Nay, Amine, say not so; it is my duty, and I have taken my solemn
oath--"

"But this Schriften--you cannot well put him ashore at the Cape; being a
Company's officer, you might send him home if you found a ship there
homeward bound; still were I you I would let destiny work. He is woven