"Oh no," replied Krantz;--"that it is not, I assure you; but my lips are sealed on that point." "Of course, except to a friend, who can keep a secret. I will not ask it now. So he is really noble?" "One of the highest families in the country, possessing great wealth and influence--allied to the Spanish nobility by marriage." "Indeed!" rejoined the Commandant, musing--"I dare say he knows many of the Portuguese as well." "No doubt of it, they are all more or less connected." "He must prove to you a most valuable friend, Signor Richter." "I consider myself provided for for life as soon as we return home. He is of a very grateful, generous disposition, as he would prove to you, should you ever fall in with him again." "I have no doubt of it; and I can assure you that I am heartily tired of staying in this country. Here I shall remain probably for two years more before I am relieved, and then shall have to join my regiment at Goa, and not be able to obtain leave to return home without resigning my commission. But he is coming this way." After this conversation with Krantz, the alteration in the manner of the Portuguese Commandant, who had the highest respect for nobility, was most marked. He treated Philip with a respect, which was observable to all in the fort; and which was, until Krantz had explained the cause, a source of astonishment to Philip himself. The Commandant often introduced the subject to Krantz, and sounded him as to whether his conduct towards Philip had been such, as to have made a favourable impression; for the little man now hoped, that, through such an influential channel, he might reap some benefit. Some days after this conversation, as they were all three seated at table, a corporal entered, and saluting the Commandant, informed him that a Dutch sailor had arrived at the fort, and wished to know whether he should be admitted. Both Philip and Krantz turned pale at this communication--they had a presentiment of evil, but they said nothing. The sailor was ordered in, and in a few minutes, who should make his appearance but their tormentor, the one-eyed Schriften. On perceiving Philip and Krantz seated at the table he immediately exclaimed, "Oh! Captain Philip Vanderdecken, and my good friend Mynheer Krantz, first mate of the good ship _Utrecht_, I am glad to meet you again." "Captain Philip Vanderdecken!" roared the Commandant, as he sprung from his chair. "Yes, that is my Captain, Mynheer Philip Vanderdecken; and that is my first mate, Mynheer Krantz; both of the good ship _Utrecht_: we were wrecked together, were we not, Mynheer? He! he!"