The sun sank to rest in the arms of Thetis; the sea was as calm as before; the wind was fair and steady, not a cloud was to be seen that could alarm a mariner. The skies, the sea, the wind, all promised a prosperous voyage; when Maurice cried aloud, in a voice of terror, "Without a doubt, we are sinking; we sink, without a doubt." [Illustration] CHAPTER XIX. _Wherein is given an account of what two Soldiers did, and how Periander and Auristella were separated._ To which cries, replied the prince Arnoldo, "How is this, O learned Maurice? where are these waters which overwhelm us? where the waves that assail us?" The answer was given by a sailor, who rushed on deck with gestures of terror, water running from his mouth and eyes, and in affrighted and scarcely articulate accents, exclaimed, "The ship's sides are opening everywhere; the sea is rushing in fast--you will soon see it cover the deck! let every man see to his safety, and look best how to save his life. Get the skiff out, or the barge, O Prince Arnoldo, and take the things you value most with you, before these cruel waves swallow up all!" The ship was now motionless from the weight of water in her. The pilot set all the sails with skill. Every one in fear and terror hurried to seek for some remedy, some means of escape. The prince and Periander got out the smaller boat, and launched it into the sea; they placed Auristella, Transila, Ricla, and Constance in this. Finding that nobody thought of her, Rosamund joined herself to the party, and after her, Arnoldo made Maurice follow. Now there were two soldiers lowering the barge which was hung on the ship's side, and one of them seeing that his comrade wished to be the first to get into her, drew a knife from his belt, and plunged it into the other's heart, crying, "Since our crime has been committed to so little purpose, let this serve for thy punishment and my expiation at least during the short time I have to live." So saying, without attempting to avail himself of the means of escape the boat offered, he desperately flung himself into the sea; but before he sank, he uttered these half-articulate words:--