The Phantom Ship

produced by the watching of the night before. "Yes, indeed, it has the air of having long been closed." Amine looked around her, and then examined the furnitu

like the work of fear; a workbox, with all its implements scattered,-only a woman's fear: a mouse might have caused all this; and yet there is something solemn in the simple fact that, for so many years, not a living being has crossed these boards. Even that a tab

d upon her father, and perform the household

ofa and table brought from the corner to the centre of the room; the melancholy little prisons were removed; and when Amine's wo

to make Philip more at ease; for, with all the fire and warmth of blood inherent in her race, she had taken his image to her heart, and was det

ich had made Philip recoil, as if he had touched an adder, was put away with the rest. Philip had left the keys on the floor. Am

all that silver?-then it must be true, and he

are now safe, and for that you h

-does he eat much-what will he pay me? He

with a contemptuous smi

going to sea as soon as he can get a ship? W

rge of it, father

take charge of it;

, father; you will have nothing to

o prepare breakfast, leaving the old man gazing through the glazed doors at the precious metal within. H

o the room. He was surprised as well as pleased with the alteration. He felt why and by whom it was done, and he was grateful. Amine came in with t

ossession of my cottage, and I trust you will find yourself comfortable. What little

ust be pleasant to go and see strange countries-m

lied Philip, "to make my arrangements about a s

goods to see to; you must count your money-we will take

this forenoon, before I leave. In three we

ed to go and see the child of the

I must wait the pleasure of Mr Philip fir

passed when he first summoned Mynheer Poots to the cotta

her father's hat, and led him to the door of the cottage; and Mynheer Poots, very much ag

" said Amine, ret

ack once more before I sail; if not, you must

d below the buffet, and t

hen I asserted that I had thousands of guilders. At present they are of no use to me, as I have to learn m

ot return?" repli

as all that is in this cott

elations, h

but little, and he wants nothing. There is but one being in this world who has created an interest in this h

ses of his journey, and then locking up the safe and cupboard, gave the keys to Amine. He was about

hom as yet I have not seen. You are, I

owed he

heard of all that has passed. I would now talk with thee, P

operty-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

ny money, Mr Philip?" s

sen had le

d Philip; "I wish I

y is better than what he can give

Amine, "if Mr Philip wish

wishes it; but you kn

hould not the Father come here

u? Well, then, if he comes, I will not give

. In an hour he bade her farewell in presence of her father, who would not leave them, hopi

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

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

igh-spirited, yet tender Amine? Occasionally the brow of Philip would be clouded when he reflected upon the dark prospect before him; but Amine's smile would chase away the gloom, and, as he gazed on her, all would be forgotten. Amine made no secret of her attachment; it was shown in every word, every look, and every gesture. When Philip would take her hand, or encircle her waist with his

this is not well. Philip, if you intend marriage, as I pres

start

n thee, my son," continued

me now: to-morrow you may come, and all w

ain alone. The colour in Amine's cheek varied and her hea

st;-would that I could ever stay with you: how hard a fate is mine! You know I

wedding misery, Philip," repl

n my part, Amine. I sh

w I can love. I feel that to leave me now were indeed unkind and selfish on your part; for, Philip, I-I should di

e, Amine-u

You have hinted to me that you are chosen-selected for a task;-if chosen, there is less chance of death; for until the end be fulfilled, if chosen, you must live. I would I knew you

were my wife, nor will I wed you till you know it. Well, Amine, I will cast my all upon the die. You shall know this secret, learn what a doomed wretch I am, though from no fault of mine, and then you yourself shall decide. But remember, my o

t, Philip," cried

ilence; not a change of feature was to be observed in her countenance during the narrative. Ph

as I am may be allowed to waver. But, Philip, I'll assume that all is true. Then, if it be true, without the oath you would be doing but your duty; and think not so meanly of Amine as to suppose she would restrain you from what is right. No, Philip, seek your father, and, if you can, and he requires your aid, then save him. But, Philip, do you imagine that a task like this, so high, is to be accomplished at one trial? O! no;-if you have be

ilip demanded his daughter of the father, and Mynheer Poots, as soon as Phili

days afterwards, the bells of the little church of Terneuse were ring