The Phantom Ship

t of the last three days had left a fever on his brain which made him restless and confused. He longed for repose, but he knew that for him there was no rest. He had

antly recurring to the fatal letter-its strange supernatural disappearance seemed pointedly to establish its supernatural ori

my vow is registered, that I will devote my life to the release of my unfortunate father-but does that prevent my loving Amine?-No, no; the sailor on the Indian seas must pass months and months on shore before he can return to his duty. My search must be on the broad ocean, but how often may I return? and why am I to be debarred the solace of a smiling hearth?-and yet-do I right in winning the affections of one who, if she loves, would, I am convi

dawned, and as he perceived the blush upon the horizon, less careful of his watch he slumbered where he sat. A sli

tended for me," said Am

rds of the

o defend you, if 'twere

h this tedious night after so much exert

awn, Amine, I kept

e rest. My father is risen-y

o the burgomaster and state the facts, and these bodies must remain where

. You must remain; and if you will not sleep, you must take some refreshmen

saluted Philip kindly as he came out; shuddered as he passed on one side to avoid stepping over t

e coffee ready for him-at that time a rarity, and one which Philip did not expect to find in the house of the

as not sorry to avail himself of what was placed before him. Am

nty of time for reflection during this night,

that you will say nothing that you should

have been upon you and your father. Y

mine-but you know my father-the very loneliness suits him, the

ine. I have a cottage surrounded, as you may have heard, by many others, which mutually protect each other. T

did you not last night tal

must live in my cottage; he must take care of it for me in my absence; he will do me a favour by consenting; and you must persu

be trusted with the m

money with him when he is called away. It must

afe; but why need you go and risk your life u

is my duty as a son, and more I

anish curiosity-no, no-it was a better feeling, I

the better f

ed up together-gratitude, esteem, respect, co

them all, and more, for you. If, then, you feel so much for me, do oblige me by pers

you intend t

e, I will seek some shelter elsewhere; but if he will, I will indemnify him we

u offer us a shelter. It were, indeed, unjust and most

but take it as a favour; for I should depart in sor

well say at once it shall be so; for I know my influ

to his lips. He looked up to see if Amine was displeased, and found her dark eye fixed upon him, a

p, kissing her hand once mo

, I am sure I may,"

e time remained silent and in a pensive attitude. Philip also had

as very poor-a little deranged; and that there was a c

ut up till

r money? Did your mother

e spoke of it on

ome potent reasons for

re w

?" said Amine, in a sof

ght not. This must satisfy you-

appari

my father had a

e, think y

no more questions, Amine. The chamber is open

"But," continued she, "is not this conne

o to sea; but I pray you ask no more. It is painful to

ey were both silent

ic, that I cannot help thinking it has c

ll answer your question-it has

nner of finishing his speech was

hat you have not felt the compliment shown y

but recollect, the secret is not mine-at least, I feel as if it were not. God

raised his eyes, he found tha

my thoughts, Ami

hat it should oppress you so heavily as evidently it does. It mus

o brave, Amine?" said Philip

therwise; those who are accustomed to

e you met with

I was born, not in thi

ory of your former life, Amine

nd to obtain his freedom; he became a follower of Mahomet, after which he was free, and practised for himself. He took a wife from an Arab family, the daughter of a chief whom he had restored to health, and he settled in the country. I was born; he amassed wealth, and became much celebrated; but the son of a Bey dying under his hands was the excuse for persecuting him. His head was forfeited, but he escaped; not, however, without the loss of all his beloved wealth. My mother and I went with him; he fled to the Bedouins, with whom we remained some years. There I was accustomed to rapid marches, wild and fierce attacks, defeat and flight, and oftentimes to indiscriminate slaughter. But the Bedouins paid

r still hold the Mah

faith whatever: at least he hath

you

ip, but more I fain would know; there are so many faiths, but surely they must be but different paths leading alike to heaven.

, Amine. Could I but reveal-

duty to reveal these proofs? Tell me, are you

ut I hear voices-it must be your father and

e's eyes followed him as he went, and

ooner share his hidden woe-his dangers-even death itself were preferable with him, than ease and happiness with any othe

e. It will not be necessary to repeat the conversation which ensued: it will be sufficient to state that Poots yielded to the arguments employed by Amine and Philip, particularly the one of paying no rent. A conveyance for the furniture and medicines was procured, and in the afternoon most of the effects were