"One would almost imagine this malignant one-eyed wretch was aware of
the cause of my embarkation," mused Philip; "but no! that cannot be.
Why do I feel such a chill whenever he approaches me? I wonder if
others do; or whether it is a mere fancy on the part of Amine and
myself. I dare ask no questions.--Strange, too, that the man should
feel such malice towards me. I never injured him. What I have just
overheard confirms all; but there needed no confirmation. Oh, Amine!
Amine! but for thee, and I would rejoice to solve this riddle at the
expense of life. God in mercy check the current of my brain," muttered
Philip, "or my reason cannot hold its seat!"

In three days the Ter Schilling and her consorts arrived at Table Bay,
where they found the remainder of the fleet at anchor waiting for them.
Just at that period the Dutch had formed a settlement at the Cape of
Good Hope, where the Indian fleets used to water and obtain cattle from
the Hottentot tribes who lived on the coast, and who for a brass button
or a large nail would willingly offer a fat bullock. A few days were
occupied in completing the water of the squadron, and then the ships,
having received from the Admiral their instructions as to rendezvous in
case of parting company, and made every preparation for the bad weather
which they anticipated, again weighed their anchors and proceeded on
their voyage.

For three days they beat against light and baffling winds, making but
little progress; on the third, the breeze sprang up strong from the
southward, until it increased to a gale, and the fleet were blown down
to the northward of the bay. On the seventh day the Ter Schilling found
herself alone, but the weather had moderated. Sail was again made upon
the vessel, and her head put to the eastward, that she might run in for
the land.

"We are unfortunate in thus parting with all our consorts," observed
Mynheer Kloots to Philip, as they were standing at the gangway; "but it
must be near meridian, and the sun will enable me to discover our
latitude. It is difficult to say how far we may have been swept by the
gale and the currents to the northward. Boy, bring up my cross-staff,
and be mindful that you do not strike it against anything as you come
up."

The cross-staff at that time was the simple instrument used to discover
the latitude, which it would give to a nice observer to within five or
ten miles. Quadrants and sextants were the invention of a mu