“How do they know that, pilot?”

“Because he always wants to send letters home when he boards vessels that he falls in with.  But, woe to the vessel that takes charge of them!—­she is sure to be lost, with every soul on board!”

“I wonder where you heard all this,” said one of the men.  “Did you ever see the vessel?”

“Yes, I did!” screamed Schriften; but, as if recovering himself, his scream subsided into his usual giggle, and he added, “but we need not fear her, boys; we’ve a bit of the true cross on board.”  Schriften then walked aft as if to avoid being questioned, when he perceived Philip by the mainmast.

“So, I’m not the only one curious?—­he! he!  Pray did you bring that on board, in case we should fall in with the Flying Dutchman?”

“I fear no Flying Dutchman,” replied Philip, confused.

“Now I think of it, you are of the same name; at least they say that his name was Vanderdecken—­eh?”

“There are many Vanderdeckens in the world besides me,” replied Philip, who had recovered his composure; and having made this reply, he walked away to the poop of the vessel.

“One would almost imagine this malignant one-eyed wretch was aware of the cause of my embarkation,” mused Philip; “but no! that cannot be.  Why do I feel such a chill whenever he approaches me?  I wonder if others do; or whether it is a mere fancy on the part of Amine and myself.  I dare ask no questions.—­Strange, too, that the man should feel such malice towards me.  I never injured him.  What I have just overheard confirms all; but there needed no confirmation.  Oh, Amine!  Amine! but for thee, and I would rejoice to solve this riddle at the expense of life.  God in mercy check the current of my brain,” muttered Philip, “or my reason cannot hold its seat!”

In three days the Ter Schilling and her consorts arrived at Table Bay, where they found the remainder of the fleet at anchor waiting for them.  Just at that period the Dutch had formed a settlement at the Cape of Good Hope, where the Indian fleets used to water and obtain cattle from the Hottentot tribes who lived on the coast, and who for a brass button or a large nail would willingly offer a fat bullock.  A few days were occupied in completing the water of the squadron, and then the ships, having received from the Admiral their instructions as to the rendezvous in case of parting company, and made every preparation for the bad weather which they anticipated, again weighed their anchors, and proceeded on their voyage.

For three days they beat against light and baffling winds, making but little progress; on the third, the breeze sprang up strong from the southward, until it increased to a gale, and the fleet were blown down to the northward of the bay.  On the seventh day the Ter Schilling found herself alone, but the weather had moderated.  Sail was again made upon the vessel, and her head put to the eastward, that she might run in for the land.