Philip preferred the
latter, as otherwise he could give no reason for his voyage to India.

"I know not why," observed Philip, the evening before his departure,
"but I do not feel as I did when I last went away; I have no foreboding
of evil this time."

"Nor have I," replied Amine; "but I feel as if you would be long away
from me, Philip; and is not that an evil to a fond and anxious wife?"

"Yes, love, it is; but--"

"O, yes, I know it is your duty, and you must go," replied Amine,
burying her face in his bosom.

The next day Philip parted from his wife, who behaved with more
fortitude than on their first separation. "_All_ were lost but _he_ was
saved," thought Amine. "I feel that he will return to me. God of
Heaven, Thy will be done!"

Philip soon arrived at Amsterdam; and having purchased many things which
he thought might be advantageous to him in case of accident, to which he
now looked forward as almost certain, he embarked on board the Batavia,
which was lying at single anchor, and ready for sea.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

Philip had not been long on board, ere he found that they were not
likely to have a very comfortable passage; for the Batavia was chartered
to convey a large detachment of troops to Ceylon and Java, for the
purpose of recruiting and strengthening the Company's forces at those
places. She was to quit the fleet off Madagascar, and run direct for
the Island of Java; the number of soldiers on board being presumed
sufficient to insure the ship against any 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, she had on board a large
quantity of specie for the Indian market. The detachment of soldiers
was embarking when Philip went on board, and in a few minutes the decks
were so crowded that it was hardly possible to move. Philip, who had
not yet spoken to the captain, found out the first mate, and immediately
entered upon his duty, with which, from his close application to it
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 stowed away, and the soldiers having been
told off in parties, and stationed with their messing utensils between
the guns of the main deck, room was thus afford