“That is a point not so easily admitted; there is another power as well as that which is divine—­that of the devil!—­the arch-enemy of mankind!  But as that power, inferior to the power of God, cannot act without His permission, we may indirectly admit that it is the will of Heaven that such signs and portents should be allowed to be given on certain occasions.”

“Then our opinions are the same, good Father.”

“Nay, not exactly, my son.  Elymas, the sorcerer, was permitted to practise his arts—­gained from the devil—­that it might be proved, by his overthrow and blindness, how inferior was his master to the Divine Ruler; but it does not therefore follow that sorcery generally was permitted.  In this instance it may be true that the Evil One has been permitted to exercise his power over the captain and crew of that ship, and, as a warning against such heavy offences, the supernatural appearance of the vessel may be permitted.  So far we are justifiable in believing.  But the great questions are, first, whether it be your father who is thus doomed? and, secondly, how far you are necessitated to follow up this mad pursuit, which, it appears to me—­although it may end in your destruction—­cannot possibly be the means of rescuing your father from his state of unhallowed abeyance?  Do you understand me, Philip?”

“I certainly understand what you would say, Father; but—­”

“Answer me not yet.  It is the opinion of this holy father as well as of myself, that, allowing the facts to be as you suppose, the revelations made to you are not from on high, but the suggestions of the devil, to lead you into danger and ultimately to death; for if it were your task, as you suppose, why did not the vessel appear on this last voyage, and how can you (allowing that you met her fifty times) have communication with that, or with those which are but phantoms and shadows, things not of this world?  Now what we propose is, that you should spend a proportion of the money left by your father, in masses for the repose of his soul, which your mother, in other circumstances, would certainly have done; and that having so done, you should remain quietly on shore until some new sign should be given to you which may warrant our supposing that you are really chosen for this strange pursuit?”

“But my oath, Father—­my recorded vow?”

“From that, my son, the holy Church hath power to absolve you; and that absolution you shall receive.  You have put yourself into our hands, and by our decision you must be guided.  If there be wrong, it is we, and not you, who are responsible; but, at present, let us say no more.  I will now go up, and so soon as your wife awakens, prepare her for your meeting.”

When Father Seysen had quitted the room, Father Mathias debated the matter with Philip.  A long discussion ensued, in which similar arguments were made use of by the priest; and Philip, although not convinced, was, at least, doubtful and perplexed.  He left the cottage.