r mention of whose name in the very unceremonious manner
which I did, I must excuse myself upon the ground of total ignorance of
who she was, or of her being in any way connected with your honourable
person. If these measures suit you, signor, I shall be most happy to
give orders to that effect."

"As a good Catholic myself," replied Philip, "I shall be most happy to
point out the spot where the treasure is concealed, and restore it to
the church. Your apologies relative to my wife I accept with pleasure,
being aware that your conduct proceeded from ignorance of her situation
and rank; but I do not exactly see my way clear. You propose a party of
soldiers. Will they obey me? Are they to be trusted? I shall have
only myself and friend against them, and will they be obedient?"

"No fear of that, signor, they are well disciplined; there is not even
occasion for your friend to go with you. I wish to retain him with me,
to keep me company during your absence."

"Nay! that I must object to," replied Philip; "I will not trust myself
alone."

"Perhaps I may be allowed to give an opinion on this subject?" observed
Krantz. "I see no reason, if my friend goes accompanied within a party
of soldiers only, why I should not go with him; but I consider it would
be unadvisable that he proceed in the way the commandant proposes,
either with or without me. You must recollect, commandant, that it is
no trifling sum which is to be carried away; that it will be open to
view, and will meet the eyes of your men; that these men have been
detained many years in this country, and are anxious to return home.
When, therefore, they find themselves with only two strangers with
them--away from your authority, and in possession of a large sum of
money--will not the temptation be too strong? They will only have to
run down the southern channel, gain the port of Bantam and they will be
safe; having obtained both freedom and wealth. To send, therefore, my
friend and me, would be to send us to almost certain death; but if you
were to go, commandant, then the danger would no longer exist. Your
presence and your authority would control them; and; whatever their
wishes or thoughts might be, they would quail before the flash of your
eye."

"Very true--very true," replied Philip--"all this did not occur to me."

Nor had it occurred to the commandant, but when pointed out, the force
of these suggestions immediately struck him, and long before K