"She went away to Goa, in company with a priest who knew, her, Father Mathias, a good old man; he gave me absolution when he was here." "Father Mathias!" exclaimed Philip; but a touch from Krantz checked him. "You say the Commandant loved her?" "O yes; the little man was quite mad about her; and had it not been for the arrival of Father Mathias, he would never have let her go, that I'm sure of, although she was another man's wife." "Sailed for Goa, you said?" "Yes, in a ship which called here. She must have been very glad to have got away, for our little Commandant persecuted her all day long, and she evidently was grieving for her husband. Do you know, signors, if her husband is alive?" "No, we do not; we have heard nothing of him." "Well, if he is, I hope he will not come here; for should the Commandant have him in his power, it would go hard with him. He is a man who sticks at nothing. He is a brave little fellow, _that_ cannot be denied; but to get possession of that lady, he would remove all obstacles at any risk--and a husband is a very serious one, signors. Well, signors," continued the soldier, after a pause, "I had better not be seen here too long; you may command me if you want anything; recollect, my name is Pedro--good-night to you, and a thousand thanks," and the soldier walked away. "We have made one friend, at all events," said Krantz, "and we have gained information of no little importance." "Most important," replied Philip. "Amine then has sailed for Goa with Father Mathias! I feel that she is safe, and in good hands. He is an excellent man, that Father Mathias--my mind is much relieved." "Yes; but recollect you are in the power of your enemy. We must leave this place as quick as we can--to-morrow we must sign the paper. It is of little consequence, as we shall probably be at Goa before it arrives, and even if we are not, the news of your death would not occasion Amine to marry this little withered piece of mortality." "That I feel assured of; but it may cause her great suffering." "Not worse than her present suspense, believe me, Philip; but it is useless canvassing the past--it must be done. I shall sign as Cornelius Richter, our third mate; you, as Jacob Vantreat--recollect that." "Agreed," replied Philip, who then turned away, as if willing to be left to his own thoughts. Krantz perceived it, and laid down under the embrasure, and was soon fast asleep. Chapter XXXII