“My son,” said he, “we are much perplexed.  We had hoped that our ideas upon this strange communication were correct, and that, allowing all that you have obtained from your mother and have seen yourself to have been no deception, still that it was the work of the evil one; and, if so, our prayers and masses would have destroyed this power.  We advised you to wait another summons, and you have received it.  The letter itself is of course nothing, but the reappearance of the bearer of the letter is the question to be considered.  Tell me, Philip, what is your opinion on this point?  It is possible he might have been saved—­why not as well as yourself?”

“I acknowledge the possibility, Father,” replied Philip; “he may have been cast on shore and have wandered in another direction.  It is possible, although anything but probable; but since you ask me my opinion, I must say candidly that I consider he is no earthly messenger—­nay, I am sure of it.  That he is mysteriously connected with my destiny is certain.  But who he is, and what he is, of course I cannot tell.”

“Then, my son, we have come to the determination, in this instance, not to advise.  You must act now upon your own responsibility and your own judgment.  In what way soever you may decide we shall not blame you.  Our prayers shall be that Heaven may still have you in its holy keeping.”

“My decision, holy Father, is to obey the summons.”

“Be it so, my son; something may occur which may assist to work out the mystery,—­a mystery which I acknowledge to be beyond my comprehension, and of too painful a nature for me to dwell upon.”

Philip said no more, for he perceived that the priest was not at all inclined to converse.  Father Mathias took this opportunity of thanking Philip for his hospitality and kindness, and stated his intention of returning to Lisbon by the first opportunity that might offer.

In a few days Amine and Philip took leave of the priests, and quitted for Amsterdam—­Father Seysen taking charge of the cottage until Amine’s return.  On his arrival, Philip called upon the Directors of the Company, who promised him a ship on his return from the voyage he was about to enter upon, making a condition that he should become part owner of the vessel.  To this Philip consented, and then went down to visit the Vrow Katerina, the ship to which he had been appointed as first mate.  She was still unrigged, and the fleet was not expected to sail for two months.  Only part of the crew were on board, and the captain, who lived at Dort, had not yet arrived.

So far as Philip could judge, the Vrow Katerina was a very inferior vessel; she was larger than many of the others, but old, and badly constructed; nevertheless, as she had been several voyages to the Indies, and had returned in safety, it was to be presumed that she would not have been taken up by the Company if they had not been satisfied as to her seaworthiness.  Having given a few directions to the men who were on board, Philip returned to the hostelry where he had secured apartments for himself and Amine.