fore, Philip had laid himself
down by Krantz and fallen asleep; early the next morning he was awakened
by the sound of the commandant's voice, and his long sword rattling as
usual upon the pavement. He rose, and found the little man rating the
soldiers--threatening some with the dungeons, others with extra duty.
Krantz was also on his feet before the commandant had finished his
morning's lecture. At last, perceiving them, in a stern voice he
ordered them to follow him into his apartment. They did so, and the
commandant, throwing himself upon his sofa, inquired whether they were
ready to sign the required paper, or go back to the dungeon. Krantz
replied that they had been calculating chances and that they were in
consequence so perfectly convinced of the death of the captain, that
they were willing to sign any paper to that effect; at which reply, the
commandant immediately became very gracious, and having called for
materials, he wrote out the document, which was duly subscribed to by
Krantz and Philip. As soon as they had signed it, and he had it in his
possession, the little man was so pleased, that he requested them to
partake of his breakfast.

During the repast, he promised that they should leave the island by the
first opportunity. Although Philip was taciturn, yet, as Krantz made
himself very agreeable, the commandant invited them to dinner. Krantz,
as they became more familiar, informed him that they had each a few
pieces of gold, and wished to be allowed a room where they could keep
their table. Whether it was the want of society or the desire of
obtaining the gold, probably both, the commandant offered that they
should join his table, and pay their proportion of the expenses; a
proposal which was gladly acceded to. The terms were arranged, and
Krantz insisted upon putting down the first week's payment in advance.
From that moment the commandant was the best of friends with them, and
did nothing but caress them whom he had so politely shoved into a
dungeon below water. It was on the evening of the third day, as they
were smoking their Manilla cheroots that Krantz, perceiving the
commandant in a peculiarly good humour, ventured to ask him why he was
so anxious for a certificate of the captain's death; and in reply was
informed, much to the astonishment of Philip, that Amine had agreed to
marry him upon his producing such a document.

"Impossible!" cried Philip, starting from his seat.

"Impossible,