La Junta tribune., 1899-05-13
CHAPTER NJ.

to have very comfortable passage;
for the Batavia was chartered to con-
vey a large detachment of troops to
Ceylon and Java. and for the purpose
Of recruiting and strengthening the
company's forces at those places. She
was to quit the feet OF Madagascar
and run direct for the island OF Java,
the number of soldiers on board be-
ing presumed sufficient to insure the
ship against any attack or accidents
from pirates or enemies cruisers. Inc
Batavia, moreover, mounted thirty
guns, and had a crew OF seventy-hve
men. Besides military stores, which
formed the principal part OF her cargo.
she had on board large quantity OF
specie for the Indian market. The de-
tachment OF soldiers was embarking
when Philip went on board. and In
few minutes were SO crowded that II
was hardly possible to move. Phiip'
who had not yet spoken to the captain,
found out the first mate, and imme-
diately entered upon his duty, with
which. from his close application to 1t
during his former voyage and passage
home, he was much better acquainted
than might have been imagined.
In short time all traces OF hurry
and confusion began to disappear, the
baggage OF the troops was stored away.
and the soldiers. having been told on
in parties, and stationed with their
messing utensils between the guns OF
the main deck room was thus Afforded
for working the ship. Philip showed
great activity as we'll as method In
the arrangements proposed. and the
captain, during pause in his own ar
duous duties. said to him:
II thought you were taking 1t very
easy, Mr. Vanderdecken. In not Joining
the ship before, but. now you are on
board, you are making up for lost
time. You have done more during the
forenoon than l could have expected.I
am glad that you are come. though
very sorry you were not here when
we were storing the hold, which. l am
afraid, is not arranged quite as well
" it might be. Mynheer Struys. the
lfst mate. has had more to do than
he could well give attention to-"
II am sorry that ! should not have
been here, SIR" replied Fhilip; but
I came as soon as the company sent
me word"
Eyes. and as they know that you are
q married man., and do not forget that
you are a great shareholder. they
would not trouble you too soon. pre-
sumo you will have the command OF
u vessel next voyage. In fact. you are
curtain Of 1t, with the capital you have
invested in their funds. had con-
yersation with one OF the senior ac-
countants on the subject this very
morning"
Philip was not very sorry that his
money had been put out to such good
interest, as to be the captain Of
ship was what he earnestly desired.
He replied that "he certainly did hope
to command ship after the next voy-
axe, when he trusted that he should
feel himself quite competent to the
charge"
It was not until a week after Philip
arrived on board that the Batavia and
the remainder Of the feet were ready
for sea.
It would be dihicult to analyze the
feelings of Philip vanderdecken on his
second embarkation. His mind was
30 continually directed to the object
OF his voyage that, although he attend
ed to his religious duties. yet the bust
ness of life passed before him as
dream. A few days after he had sailed
he bitterly repented that he had not
stated the whole of his circumstances
to Father Seysen. and taken his advice
upon the propriety Of following up his
search: but 1t was now too late; al
ready was the good ship Batavia more
than a thousand miles from the port
Of Amsterdam. and his duty. whatever
Il might be, must be fulfilled.
AS the feet approached the Cape. his
anxiety Increased to such degree that
It was remarked by all who were on
hoard. The captain and officers COM
manding the troops embarked. who all
felt interested in him. yainly attempt
ed to learn the cause Of his anxiety.
Philip would plead ill-health; and his
haxsard countenance and sunken eyes
silently proved that he was under
acute suffering. The major part Of the
night he passed on deck. straining his
eyes in every quarter. and watching
each change In the horizon, In antici-
nation Of the appearance Of the Phan-
tom Ship; and It was not till the day
dawned that he sought q perturbed re-
nose in his cabin. After q favorable
passage the feet anchored to refresh
at Table Bay. and Philip felt some
small relief. that up to the present
time the supernatural visitation had
not again occurred.
As soon as the feet had watered they
again made sail, and again Philips
agitation became perceptible. With
fayoring breeze. however, they round