The Red Cloud chief., 1899-03-24
CHAPTER XI.


ere he found that they were not likely
to have a 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 off Madagascar,
and run direct for the island of Java,
the number of soldiers on board be-
ing presumed sufficient to insure the
ship against n attack or accidents
from pirates or enemies cruisers. The
Batavia, moreover, mounted thirty
guns, and had a crew OF seventy-five
men. Besides military stores, which
formed the principal part Of her cargo,
h had on board a large quantity OF
specie for the Indian market. The de-
tachment of soldiers was embarking
when Philip went on board, and in a
few minutes were so crowded that 1t
was hardly possible to move. Philip,
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 a 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 a pause in his own ar
duous duties. said to him:
IL 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 / could have expected
am glad that you are come, though
very sorry you were not here when
we were storing the hold, which, / am
afraid, is not arranged quite as well
as 1t might be. Mynheer Struys, the
first mate, has had more to do than
he could we'll give attention to-"
81 am sorry that / should not have
been here, sir" replied Philip; but
! came as soon as the company sent
me word"
"Yes, and as they know that you are
4 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
a vessel next voyage. In fact, you are
certain of it, with the capital you have
invested in their funds. | had a con
yersation with one OF he 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 a
ship was what he earnestly desired.
He replied that "he certainly did hope
to command a ship after the next voy-
age, when he trusted that he should
feel himself quite competent to the
charge"
II was not until a week after Philip
arrived on board that the Batavia and
the remainder of the fleet were ready
Tor sea.
II would be difficult to analyze the
feelings of Philip Vanderdecken on his
second embarkation. His mind was
40 continually directed TO the object
of his voyage that, although he attend
ed to his religious duties, yet the busi-
ness of life passed before him as a
dream. A few days after he had sailed
he bitterly r%epented that he had not
stated the whole OF his circumstance
10 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 o
thar n thousand miles from the port
OF Amsterdam. and his duty, whatever
II might be, must be fulfilled.
AS the feet approached the Cape, his
anxiety increased to such a degree that
a. was remarked by all who were on
hoard. The captain and officers com
handing the troops embarked, who all
felt interested in him, vainly attempt
cd In learn the cause Of his anxiety.
Philip would plead ill-health; and his
haggard countenance and sunken eyes
ilently proved that he was under
acute suffering. The major part of the
night he passed on deck, straining his
ewes 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 a perturbed re-
pose In his cabin. After a 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