ed, that it might be restored and given to the church to which it
had been bequeathed; but the men who buried it are all dead, and there
is no one but my friend here, the patron, who knows the spot.--I forgot
to say that as soon as the money was landed on the island and buried,
the spectre appeared as before, and seated itself over the spot where
the money was interred. I think, if this had not been the case, the
seamen would have taken possession of it. But, by its appearance here
this day, I presume it is tired, and has deserted its charge, or else
has come here that the money might be sent for, though I cannot
understand why."

"Strange--very strange! So there is a large treasure buried in the
sand?"

"There is."

"I should think, by the spectre's coming here, that it has abandoned
it."

"Of course it has, or it would not be here."

"What can you imagine to have been the cause of its coming?"

"Probably to announce its intention, and request my friend to have the
treasure sent for; but you know it was interrupted."

"Very true; but it called your friend Vanderdecken."

"It was the name which he took on board of the ship."

"And it was the name of the lady."

"Very true. He fell in with her at the Cape of Good Hope, and brought
her away with him."

"Then she is his wife?"

"I must not answer that question. It is quite sufficient that he treats
her as his wife."

"Ah! indeed. But about this treasure. You say that no one knows where
it is buried but the patron, as you call him?"

"No one."

"Will you express my regret at what has passed, and tell him I will have
the pleasure of seeing him to-morrow."

"Certainly, signor," replied Krantz, rising from his chair, and wishing
the commandant a good evening as he retired.

"I was after one thing, and have found another. A spectre that must
have been; but he must be a bold spectre that can frighten me from
doubloons; besides, I can call in the priests. Now, let me see: if I
let this man go on condition that he reveals the site of the treasure to
the authorities--that is to me--why then I need not lose the fair young
woman. If I forward this paper to her, why then I gain her; but I must
first get rid of him. Of the two, I prefer--yes!--the gold! But I
cannot obtain both. At all events, let me obtain the money first. I
want it more than the Church does; but if I do get the money, these two
men can expose me. I must get rid of them--silence t