“To-morrow will end it all, Father,” replied Amine; “leave me—­I would be alone.”

Chapter XXXVIII

We must now return to Philip and Krantz.  When the latter retired from the presence of the Portuguese Commandant, he communicated to Philip what had taken place, and the fabulous tale which he had invented to deceive the Commandant.  “I said that you alone knew where the treasure was concealed,” continued Krantz, “that you might be sent for, for in all probability he will keep me as a hostage:  but never mind that, I must take my chance.  Do you contrive to escape somehow or another, and rejoin Amine.”

“Not so,” replied Philip, “you must go with me, my friend:  I feel that should I part with you, happiness would no longer be in store for me.”

“Nonsense—­that is but an idle feeling; besides, I will evade him somehow or another.”

“I will not show the treasure, unless you go with me.”

“Well—­you may try it at all events.”

A low tap at the door was heard.  Philip rose and opened it (for they had retired to rest), and Pedro came in.  Looking carefully round him, and then shutting the door softly, he put his finger on his lips to enjoin them to silence.  He then in a whisper told them what he had overheard.  “Contrive, if possible, that I go with you,” continued he; “I must leave you now; he still paces his room.”  And Pedro slipped out of the door, and crawled stealthily away along the ramparts.

“The treacherous little rascal!  But we will circumvent him, if possible,” said Krantz, in a low tone.  “Yes, Philip, you are right, we must both go, for you will require my assistance.  I must persuade him to go himself.  I’ll think of it—­so Philip, good-night.”

The next morning Philip and Krantz were summoned to breakfast; the Commandant received them with smiles and urbanity.  To Philip he was peculiarly courteous.  As soon as the repast was over, he thus communicated to him his intentions and wishes:—­

“Signor, I have been reflecting upon what your friend told me, and the appearance of the spectre yesterday, which created such confusion; it induced me to behave with a rashness for which I must now offer my most sincere apologies.  The reflections which I have made, joined with the feelings of devotion which must be in the heart of every true Catholic, have determined me, with your assistance, to obtain this treasure dedicated to the holy church.  It is my proposal that you should take a party of soldiers under your orders, proceed to the island on which it is deposited, and having obtained it, return here.  I will detain any vessel which may in the meantime put into the roadstead, and you shall then be the bearers of the treasure and of my letters to Goa.  This will give you an honourable introduction to the authorities, and enable you to pass away your time there in the most agreeable manner.  You will also, signor, be restored to your wife, whose charms had such an effect upon me; and for 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.”