The Amulet

Mr. Van de Werve walked by his daughter's side; the old Deodati was near

his beloved nephew Geronimo. Then followed Mary's two married brothers and

a large number of her father's near relatives and friends, as well as many

Italians, Portuguese, and Spaniards, who wished to escort Geronimo to the

ship.

When Mary heard the benedictions and joyous shouts of the people, and saw

all eyes fixed upon her with looks of love, the blood mantled to her

cheeks, and she modestly cast down her eyes. But immediately raising them,

she saluted the crowd as a mark of her gratitude for their kindness. The

multitude, at a sign from Mr. Van de Werve, opened a passage for the

party, and they proceeded to the Scheldt amid acclamations testifying the

love and respect they inspired. Their drive resembled a triumphal

procession. The old Deodati was deeply moved. He seemed rejuvenated. A

sweet smile was upon his lips, and he looked proudly upon Geronimo. Thus

full of the thought of their future happiness, they reached the dock-yard.

In the middle of the Scheldt was the Il Salvatore, decked with flags and

rocking upon the waves as if conscious of the precious treasure about to

be confided to it.

A part of the sailors were occupied in unmooring the vessel; even the

harsh grating sound of the capstan could be heard on the wharf. The rest

of the crew manned the masts, and they waved their caps in the air,

shouting: "Benvenuto! benvenuto! Viva, viva la nostra signora!"

At the same time the sound of five or six cannon from the Il Salvatore

boomed over the waters, prolonged by the echoes from either side as it

floated down the river. The multitude replied by three cheers, and the

last reverberation of the cannon was lost in the vivas of those on the

shore and ships.

In the meantime parents and friends were bidding adieu. Many tears were

shed, and it was with tearful eyes that Mary Van de Werve received upon

her brow her brothers' kiss.

The Il Salvatore weighed anchor; the sails caught the wind, and the

vessel floated majestically down the river with the tide.

Mr. Van de Werve, Deodati, and their two happy children, entered the bark

which awaited them. Petronilla seated herself beside her mistress. They

exchanged a last adieu, and the eight oars fell simultaneously in the

water. The bark, under the strokes of the robust oarsmen, cut the waves in

a rapid course.

At this moment Geronimo's eyes were filled with tears. Lifting his eyes to

heaven, he said: "Blessed be Thou, my God, for all the sufferings Thou hast sent me;

blessed be Thou for Thy infinite goodness. I thank Thee for the wife it

has pleased Thee to give me; she will be my companion in my much loved

country. A thousand thanks for all Thy benefits!"