In a few minutes the door was again opened, and Pedro came in with a chatty of water.

“He has disappeared like magic, signors, and is no where to be found.  We have searched everywhere, but in vain.”

“Who?—­the little old seaman?”

“Yes, he whom you kicked as you were led to prison.  The people all say, that it must have been a ghost.  The sentry declares that he never left the fort, nor came near him; so, how he has got away is a riddle, which I perceive, has frightened our Commandant not a little.”

Krantz gave a long whistle as he looked at Philip.

“Are you to have charge of us, Pedro?”

“I hope so.”

“Well, tell the Commandant that when he is ready to listen to me, I have something of importance to communicate.”

Pedro went out.

“Now, Philip, I can frighten this little man into allowing us to go free, if you will consent to say that you are not the husband of Amine.”

“That I cannot do, Krantz.  I will not utter such a falsehood.”

“I was afraid so, and yet it appears to me that we may avail ourselves of duplicity to meet cruelty and injustice.  Unless you do as I propose, I hardly know how I can manage it; however, I will try what I can do.”

“I will assist you in every way, except disclaiming my wife:  that I never will do.”

“Well then, I will see if I can make up a story that will suit all parties:  let me think.”

Krantz continued musing as he walked up and down, and was still occupied with his own thoughts when the door opened, and the Commandant made his appearance.

“You have something to impart to me, I understand—­what is it?”

“First, sir, bring that little wretch down here and confront him with us.”

“I see no occasion for that,” replied the Commandant; “what, sir, may you have to say?”

“Do you know who you have in your company when you speak to that one-eyed deformity?”

“A Dutch sailor, I presume.”

“No—­a spirit—­a demon—­who occasioned the loss of the vessel; and who brings misfortune wherever he appears.”

“Holy Virgin!  What do you tell me, signor?”

“The fact, signor Commandant.  We are obliged to you for confining us here, while he is in the fort; but beware for yourself.”

“You are laughing at me.”

“I am not; bring him down here.  This noble gentleman has power over him.  I wonder, indeed, at his daring to stay while he is so near; he has on his heart that which will send him trembling away.—­Bring him down here, and you shall at once see him vanish with curses and screams.”

“Heaven defend us!” cried the Commandant, terrified.

“Send for him now, signor?”

“He is gone—­vanished—­not to be found!”

“I thought as much,” replied Philip, significantly.

“He is gone—­vanished—­you say.  Then, Commandant, you will probably apologise to this noble gentleman for your treatment of him, and permit us to return to our former apartments.  I will there explain to you this most strange and interesting history.”