"That is not impossible. Confound that little malignant wretch Schriften; he certainly is not, as you say, of this world. He has been my persecutor through life, and appears to act from an impulse not his own." "Then must he be part and portion of your destiny. I'm thinking whether our noble Commandant intends to leave us without anything to eat or drink." "I should not be surprised: that he will attempt my life I am convinced of, but not that he can take it; he may, however, add to its sufferings." As soon as the Commandant had recovered from his fury, he ordered Schriften in, to be examined more particularly; but after every search made for him, Schriften was no where to be found. The sentry at the gate declared that he had not passed; and a new search was ordered, but in vain. Even the dungeons and galleries below were examined, but without success. "Can he be locked up with the other prisoners?" thought the Commandant: "impossible--but I will go and see." He descended and opened the door of the dungeon, looked in, and was about to return without speaking, when Krantz said, "Well, signor, this is kind treatment, after having lived so long and so amicably together; to throw us into prison merely because a fellow declares that we are not what we represented ourselves to be; perhaps you will allow us a little water to drink?" The Commandant, confused by the extraordinary disappearance of Schriften, hardly knew how to reply. He at last said in a milder tone than was to be anticipated, "I will order them to bring some, signor." He then closed the door of the dungeon and disappeared. "Strange," observed Philip, "he appears more pacified already." In a few minutes the door was again opened, and Pedro came in with a chatty of water. "He has disappeared like magic, signors, and is no where to be found. We have searched everywhere, but in vain." "Who?--the little old seaman?" "Yes, he whom you kicked as you were led to prison. The people all say, that it must have been a ghost. The sentry declares that he never left the fort, nor came near him; so, how he has got away is a riddle, which I perceive, has frightened our Commandant not a little." Krantz gave a long whistle as he looked at Philip. "Are you to have charge of us, Pedro?" "I hope so." "Well, tell the Commandant that when he is ready to listen to me, I have something of importance to communicate." Pedro went out. "Now, Philip, I can frighten this little man into allowing us to go free, if you will consent to say that you are not the husband of Amine." "That I cannot do, Krantz. I will not utter such a falsehood." "I was afraid so, and yet it appears to me that we may avail ourselves of duplicity to meet cruelty and injustice. Unless you do as I propose, I hardly know how I can manage it; however, I will try what I can do." "I will assist you in every way, except disclaiming my wife: that I never will do."