coast; but he never has been able to retain his money long. Before he arrived in this country he had been robbed of almost all, and has now been for these three years laying up again. We were but one year at Middleburgh, and from thence removed to this place. Such is the history of my life, Philip." "And does your father still hold the Mahomedan faith, Amine?" "I know not. I think he holds no faith whatever: at least he hath taught me none. His god is gold." "And yours?" "Is the God who made this beautiful world, and all which it contains--the God of nature--name him as you will. This I feel, Philip, but more I fain would know; there are so many faiths, but surely they must be but different paths leading alike to heaven. Yours is the Christian faith, Philip. Is it the true one? But everyone calls his own the true one, whatever his creed may be." "It is the true and only one, Amine. Could I but reveal--I have such dreadful proofs--" "That your faith is true; then is it not your duty to reveal these proofs? Tell me, are you bound by any solemn obligation never to reveal?" "No, I am not; yet do I feel as if I were. But I hear voices--it must be your father and the authorities--I must go down and meet them." Philip rose, and went downstairs. Amine's eyes followed him as he went, and she remained looking towards the door. "Is it possible," said she, sweeping the hair from off her brow, "so soon,--yes, yes, 'tis even so. I feel that I would sooner share his hidden woe--his dangers--even death itself were preferable with him, than ease and happiness with any other. And it shall be strange indeed if I do not. This night my father shall move into his cottage: I will prepare at once." The report of Philip and Mynheer Poots was taken down by the authorities, the bodies examined, and one or two of them recognised as well-known marauders. They were then removed by the order of the burgomaster. The authorities broke up their council, and Philip and Mynheer Poots were permitted to return to Amine. 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 taken away. It was not, however, till dusk that the strong box of the doctor was put into the cart, and Philip went with it as a protector. Amine also walked by the side of the vehicle, with her father. As may be supposed, it was late that night before they had made their arrangements, and had retired to rest. Chapter VI