Philip entered into a short detail, in which he stated that his wife had been separated from him, and was, he understood, in the hands of the Portuguese factory at Tidore.  He requested to know if his majesty could assist him in obtaining her release, or in going to join her.

“It is well said,” replied the king.  “Let refreshments be brought in for the strangers, and the audience be broken up.”

In a few minutes there remained of all the Court but two or three of the king’s confidential friends and advisers; and a collation of curries, fish, and a variety of other dishes was served up.  After it was over, the king then said, “The Portuguese are dogs, they are our enemies—­will you assist us to fight them?  We have large guns, but do not understand the use of them as well as you do.  I will send a fleet against the Portuguese at Tidore, if you will assist me.  Say, Hollanders, will you fight?  You,” addressing Philip, “will then recover your wife.”

“I will give an answer to you to-morrow,” replied Philip; “I must consult with my friend.  As I told you before, I was the captain of the ship, and this was my second in command—­we will consult together.”  Schriften, whom Philip had represented as a common seaman, had not been brought up into the presence of the king.

“It is good,” replied the king; “to-morrow we will expect your reply.”

Philip and Krantz took their leave, and, on their return to the cabin, found that the king had sent them, as a present, two complete Mahommedan dresses, with turbans.  These were welcome, for their own garments were sadly tattered, and very unfit for exposure to the burning sun of those climes.  Their peaked hats too, collected the rays of heat, which were intolerable; and they gladly exchanged them for the white turban.  Secreting their money in the Malayan sash, which formed a part of the attire, they soon robed themselves in the native garments, the comfort of which was immediately acknowledged.  After a long consultation, it was decided that they should accept the terms offered by the king, as this was the only feasible way by which Philip could hope to re-obtain possession of Amine.  Their consent was communicated to the king on the following day, and every preparation was made for the expedition.

And now was to be beheld a scene of bustle and activity.  Hundreds and hundreds of peroquas, of every dimension, floating close to the beach, side by side, formed a raft extending nearly half a mile on the smooth water of the bay, teeming with men, who were equipping them for the service:  some were fitting the sails; others were carpentering where required; the major portion were sharpening their swords, and preparing the deadly poison of the pineapple for their creezes.  The beach was a scene of confusion:  water in jars, bags of rice, vegetables, salt-fish, fowls in coops, were everywhere strewed about among the armed natives, who were obeying the orders of the chiefs, who themselves