had bequeathed his property—­the extent of which he did not make known—­to the doctor and his daughter.  The priest then made inquiries relative to Mynheer Poots, asking Philip whether he knew what his creed was, as he had never appeared at any church, and report said that he was an infidel.  To this Philip, as usual, gave his frank answer, and intimated that the daughter, at least, was anxious to be enlightened, begging the priest to undertake a task to which he himself was not adequate.  To this request Father Seysen, who perceived the state of Philip’s mind with regard to Amine, readily consented.  After a conversation of nearly two hours, they were interrupted by the return of Mynheer Poots, who darted out of the room the instant he perceived Father Seysen.  Philip called Amine, and having begged her as a favour to receive the priest’s visits, the good old man blessed them both and departed.

“You did not give him any money, Mr Philip?” said Mynheer Poots, when Father Seysen had left the room.

“I did not,” replied Philip; “I wish I had thought of it.”

“No, no—­it is better not—­for money is better than what he can give you; but he must not come here.”

“Why not, father,” replied Amine, “if Mr Philip wishes it?  It is his own house.”

“O yes, if Mr Philip wishes it; but you know he is going away.”

“Well, and suppose he is—­why should not the Father come here?  He shall come here to see me.”

“See you, my child!—­what can he want with you?  Well, then, if he comes, I will not give him one stiver—­and then he’ll soon go away.”

Philip had no opportunity of further converse with Amine; indeed he had nothing more to say.  In an hour he bade her farewell in presence of her father, who would not leave them, hoping to obtain from Philip some communication about the money which he was to leave behind him.

In two days Philip arrived at Amsterdam, and having made the necessary inquiries, found that there was no chance of vessels sailing for the East Indies for some months.  The Dutch East India Company had long been formed, and all private trading was at an end.  The Company’s vessels left only at what was supposed to be the most favourable season for rounding the Cape of Storms, as the Cape of Good Hope was designated by the early adventurers.  One of the ships which were to sail with the next fleet was the Ter Schilling, a three-masted vessel, now laid up and unrigged.

Philip found out the captain, and stated his wishes to sail with him, to learn his profession as a seaman; the captain was pleased with his appearance, and as Philip not only agreed to receive no wages during the voyage, but to pay a premium as an apprentice learning his duty, he was promised a berth on board as the second mate, to mess in the cabin; and he was told that he should be informed whenever the vessel was to sail.  Philip having now done all that he could in obedience to his vow, determined to return to the cottage; and once more he was in the company of Amine.