who knew her, Father
Mathias, a good old man; he gave me absolution when he was here."

"Father Mathias!" exclaimed Philip; but a touch from Krantz checked him.

"You say the commandant loved her?"

"Oh yes: the little man was quite mad about her; and had it not been for
the arrival of Father Mathias, he would never have let her go, that I'm
sure of, although she was another man's wife."

"Sailed for Goa, you said?"

"Yes, in a ship which called here. She must have been very glad to have
got away, for our little commandant persecuted her all day long, and she
evidently was grieving for her husband. Do you know, signors, if her
husband is alive?"

"No, we do not; we have heard nothing of him."

"Well, if he is, I hope he will not come here; for should the commandant
have him in his power, it would go hard with him. He is a man who
sticks at nothing. He is a brave little fellow, _that_ cannot be
denied; but to get possession of that lady, he would remove all
obstacles at any risk--and a husband is a very serious one, signors.
Well, signors," continued the soldier, after a pause, "I had better not
be seen here too long--you may command me if you want anything;
recollect, my name is Pedro--good night to you, and a thousand thanks,"
and the soldier walked away.

"We have made one friend, at all events," said Krantz, "and we have
gained information of no little importance."

"Most important," replied Philip. "Amine then has sailed for Goa with
Father Mathias! I feel that she is safe, and in good hands. He is an
excellent man, that Father Mathias--my mind is relieved."

"Yes; but recollect you are in the power of your enemy. We must leave
this place as quick as we can--to-morrow we must sign the paper. It is
of little consequence, as we shall probably be at Goa before it arrives;
and even if we are not, the news of your death would not occasion Amine
to marry this withered piece of mortality."

"That I feel assured of; but it may cause her great suffering."

"Not worse than her present suspense, believe me, Philip; but it is
useless canvassing the past--it must be done. I shall sign as Cornelius
Richter, our third mate; you, as Jacob Vantreat--recollect that."

"Agreed," replied Philip, who then turned away, as if willing to be left
to his own thoughts. Krantz perceived it, and lay down under the
embrasure, and was soon fast asleep.

CHAPTER THIRTY TWO.

Tired out with the fatigue of the day be