“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 much 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 little 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 laid down under the embrasure, and was soon fast asleep.

Chapter XXXII

Tired out with the fatigue of the day before, 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 dungeon, 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.