La Junta tribune., 1899-04-15
CHAPTER vi.

would take him to the Indian sea. and
that while he was gone she and her
father should dwell In his house and
take care OF his money. These mat
ters being arranged. Philip left Ter
neuse.
In two days he arrived at Amster-
dam. and having made the necessary
inquiries, found that there was
no chance Of vessels sailing for the
East Indies for some months. The
Dutch East India Company had long
been formed. and all private trading
was at an end. The company's vessels
left only at what was supposed to be
the most favorable season for round
ing the cape OF Storms. as the cape OF
Good Hope was designated by the
early adventures. One OF the ships
which were to sail with the next fleet
was the Ter Schilling" a three mast
ed vessel, now laid up and unrigg.d.
Philip found out the captain. and
stated his wishes to sail with him, to
learn his profession as a seaman. The
captain was pleased with his appear
ance, and as Philip not only agreed to
receive no wages during the voyage.
but to pay premium as an apprentice
learning his duty, he was promised
berth on board as the second mate,
to mess In the cabin; and he was told
that he should be informed whenever
the ship was to sail. Philip having
now done all that he could in obedi-
ence to his vow. determined to return
to the cottage: and once more he was
in the company of Anime.
We must now pass over two months
during which Mynheer Poots contin-
ued to labor at his vocation, and was
seldom within doors, and our two
young friends were left for hours to-
gether. Philips love for Anime was
fully equal to hers for him. 1t was
more than love-it was a devotion on
both sides. each day increasing. Two
months had thus passed away, when
Father Seysen. the local priest. who
often called. and had paid much at
tention to Amine's religious instruc-
ton. one day came In as Anime was
encircled in Philips arms.
My children" said he, "I haya
watched you for some time; this is noe
well. Philip. II you intend marriage,
as presume you do. still 1t is danger
GUS. must Join your hands"
Philip started up.
surely ! am not deceived in thee,
my son." continued the priest. in a
severe tone
No. no. good father; but I pray you
leave me now: tomorrow you may
come. and all will be decided. But I
must talk with Anime"
The priest quilted the room, and
Anime and Philip we're again alone.
The color in Amine's cheek varied and
her heart beat, for she felt how much
her happiness was at stake.
THE priest is right. Anime" said
Philip. sitting down by her. This
cannot last; would that / could ever
stay with you: how hard fate is
Zine! You know l love the very
ground you tread upon, yet l dare not
ask thee to wed misery"
ITO wed with thee would not be
wedding misery. Philip" replied Am
inc, with downcast eyes,
"Twere not kindness on my part,
Anime, should indeed be selfish"
Il will speak plainly. Philip" re-
piled Anime. You say you love me
l know not how men love-but this |
know. how l can love. feel that to
leave me now were indeed unkind and
selfish on your part; for, Philip. II
should die. You say that you must go
away-that fate demands it-and your
fatal secret. Be 1t SO; but cannot /
go with your"
Eyes. death; for what is death but a
release! l fear not death. Philip; fear
but losing thee. Nay, more, is not
your life in the hands of him who
made all? Then why SO sure to die
You have hinted to me that you are
chosen-selected for task; IL chosen,
there Is less chance of death; for until
the end be fulfilled, If chosen. you must
live. I would I knew your secret,
Philip; a woman's wit might serve
you we'll; and II 1t did not serve
you, is there no comfort. no pleasure
in sharing sorrow as well as Joy with
one you say you dote upon?"
anime, dearest! Anime, 1t is my
love. my ardent love alone, which
makes me pause: for. oh. Anime. what
pleasure should feel II we were this
hour united? I hardly know what to
say. or what to do. I could not with
hold my secret from you II you were
my wife. nor will wed you till you
know it. Well. Anime. l will cast my
all upon the die. You shall know this
secret, learn what . doomed wretch
am, though from no fault Of mine,
and then you yourself shall decide.
But remember my oath II registered In
heaven. and I must not be dissuaded
from 1t; keep that In mind. and hear
my tale-then II you choose to wed
with one whose prospects are 20 bit
ter. be 1t so-a short-lived happiness
ill Than h. AssA A..