“We thought, when our patron told us this, that he referred to the money being lost to him, but it appears he referred to the ship; indeed it was very inconsiderate to have taken the wealth of a parricide on board; we could not expect any good fortune with such a freight, and so it proved.  When the ship was lost, our patron was very anxious to save the money; it was put on the raft, and when we landed, it was taken on shore and buried, that it might be restored and given to the church to which it had been bequeathed; but the men who buried it are all dead, and there is no one but my friend here, the patron, who knows the spot.—­I forgot to say, that as soon as the money was landed on the island and buried, the spectre appeared as before, and seated himself over the spot where the money was interred.  I think, if this had not been the case, the seamen would have taken possession of it.  But, by his appearance here this day, I presume he is tired, and has deserted his charge, or else has come here that the money might be sent for, though I cannot understand why.”

“Strange—­very strange!—­so there is a large treasure buried in the sand?”

“There is.”

“I should think, by the spectre’s coming here, that it has abandoned it.”

“Of course it has, or it would not be here.”

“What can you imagine to have been the cause of its coming?”

“Probably to announce its intention, and request my friend to have the treasure sent for; but you know he was interrupted.”

“Very true; but he called your friend Vanderdecken.”

“It was the name which he took on board of the ship.”

“And it was the name of the lady.”

“Very true; he fell in with her at the Cape of Good Hope and brought her away with him.”

“Then she is his wife?”

“I must not answer that question.  It is quite sufficient that he treats her as his wife.”

“Ah! indeed.  But about this treasure.  You say that no one knows where it is buried, but the patron as you call him?”

“No one.”

“Will you express my regret at what has passed, and tell him I will have the pleasure of seeing him to-morrow.”

“Certainly, signor,” replied Krantz, rising from his chair; and wishing the Commandant a good evening as he retired.

“I was after one thing and have found another.  A spectre that must have been; but he must be a bold spectre that can frighten me from doubloons—­besides, I can call in the priests.  Now, let me see; if I let this man go on condition that he reveals the site of the treasure to the authorities, that is to me, why then I need not lose the fair young woman.  If I forward this paper to her, why then I gain her—­but I must first get rid of him.  Of the two, I prefer—­yes!—­the gold!  But I cannot obtain both.  At all events, let me obtain the money first:  I want it more than the church does:  but, if I do get the money; these two men can expose me.  I must get rid of them; silence them for ever—­and then perhaps I may obtain the fair Amine also.  Yes, their death will be necessary to secure either—­that is, after I have the first in my possession.—­Let me think.”