Owen Hartley; or, Ups and Downs, A Tale of Land and Sea, by William H GKingston. 

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Owen is a teenager who had been quite well educated, but who had justbeen orphaned. There is a family relation who has a shipping businessin Wapping, London. A kind friend escorts the boy there, and he isgranted an interview with the head of the firm, his relation. He isable to prove to the old man that he is indeed his relation, and isgiven a job as an assistant clerk. He does his work very well, and itis decided that he ought to be sent on a round trip away by sea, so thathe shall understand more of the business. 

Unfortunately the kind and helpful captain is taken ill, and his placeis taken by the mate, who is a very nasty piece of work. Owen issupposed to be an honoured passenger, but is ordered to give up hiscabin, and take a berth among the ship's boys. One of the boys, Nat, isan especial target for the general nastiness of the mate, now thecaptain. Owen had previously rescued Nat when he had fallen overboard, and they had become great friends. 

The stupid and drunken mate, now acting as the captain, insists one daythat his sunsight is correct, while everybody else's is wrong, andinsists on the ship holding her course, which the other officers knewwould lead her into danger. Of course there is a wreck. But maybe wehave now told you enough, so you can read it for yourselves, or listento it. 

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OWEN HARTLEY; OR, UPS AND DOWNS, A TALE OF LAND AND SEA, BY WILLIAM H GKINGSTON. 

CHAPTER ONE. 

"Well, boy, what do you want?"

These words were uttered in a no pleasant tone by an old gentleman witha brownish complexion, a yellowish brown scratch wig, somewhat awry, adecidedly brown coat, breeches, and waistcoat, a neckcloth, once white, but now partaking of the sombre hue of his other garments; brownstockings and brownish shoes, ornamented by a pair of silver buckles, the last-mentioned articles being the only part of his costume on whichthe eye could rest with satisfaction. 

On his lap was placed a pocket handkerchief, of a nondescript tint, brown, predominating, in consequence of its frequent application to alongish nose, made the recipient of huge quantities of snuff. Altogether there was a dry, withered-leaf-like look about the old manwhich was not prepossessing. His little grey eyes were sunk deeply inhis head, his sight being aided by a large pair of tortoiseshellspectacles, which he had now shoved up over his forehead. 

He was seated on a high stool at a desk in a little back dingy office, powerfully redolent of odours nautical and unsavoury, emanating fromcoils of rope, casks of salt butter, herrings, Dutch cheese, whale oil, and similar unaromatic articles of commerce. It was in that region madeclassical by Dibdin--Wapping. The back office in which the oldgentleman sat opened out of one of much larger proportions, thoughequally dull and dingy, full of clerks, old and young, on high stools, busily moving their pens, or rapidly casting up accounts--evidence thatno idleness was allowed in the establishment. On one side was awarehouse, in which large quantities of the above named and similarship's stores were collected. In front was a shop, the ceiling hungwith tallow candles, brushes, mats, iron pots, and other things moreuseful than ornamental. From one end to the other of it ran a long, dark-coloured counter, behind which stood a man in a brown apron, andsleeves tucked up, ready to serve out, in small quantities, tea, sugar, coffee, tallow candles, brushes, twine, tin kettles, and the pots whichhung over his head, within reach of a long stick, placed ready fordetaching them from the hooks on which they were suspended. In thewindows, and on the walls outside, were large placards in red and blackletters, announcing the sailing of various ships of wonderful seaqualities, and admirable accommodation for passengers, with a statementthat further information would be afforded within. 

"Speak, boy; what do you want?" repeated the old gentleman, in a testyand still harsher tone than before, as he turned round on his stool withan angry glance under his spectacles. "Eh?"

The person he addressed was a fair complexioned boy, about twelve yearsold, with large blue eyes, and brown hair in wavey curls, a broadforehead, and an open, frank, intelligent countenance. He was dressedin a jacket and trousers of black cloth, not over well made perhaps, norfresh looking, although they did not spoil his figure; his broad shirtcollar turned back and fastened by a ribbon showed to advantage his neckand well-set-on head. It would have been difficult to find two peopleoffering a greater contrast than the old man and the boy. 

"Please, sir, " answered the latter, with considerable hesitation, "Farmer Rowe wished me to come here to see you, as he hopes--"

"And who in the name of wonder is Farmer Rowe, and who are you?"exclaimed the old gentleman, kicking his heels against the leg of thestool. 

Before the boy could find words to go on with what he was saying, orcould check the choking sensation which rose in his throat, a clerk, thecounterpart of his master, in respect of dinginess and snuffiness, entered with a handful of papers which required signing, and a hugefolio under his arm. As, in the eyes of the old gentleman, his businesswas of far more consequence than any matter which could be connectedwith that pale-faced, gentle boy in the threadbare suit, he turned roundto the desk, and applied himself to the papers, as his clerk handed themto him in succession. 

The boy was, in the meantime, left unnoticed to his own reflections. While the old gentleman was absorbed in the folio, the clerk gave aglance round at the young stranger, and the expression conveyed in thatglance did not add pleasantness to the lad's feelings, as he stoodclutching his crape-bound hat. Leaving the two old men engaged in theirbooks and papers, a fuller account must be given of the boy than he waslikely to afford of himself. 

Some thirty years before the period at which this history commences ayoung gentleman, Owen Hartley, who was pursuing his academical coursewith credit, preparatory to entering the ministry, fell in love during along vacation with a well-educated young lady of respectable position inlife, if not of birth equal to his. She returned his affection, and itwas agreed that they should marry when he could obtain a living. Beingordained, he was appointed to a curacy of 50 pounds a year, in whichpost he faithfully discharged his duty, expecting to obtain thewished-for incumbency. Susan Walford existed on the same hope, but yearafter year passed by, and she grew pale, and even his spirits sometimessank, when the realisation of their expectations seemed likely to beindefinitely deferred. At length, however, he obtained a living. Itwas one no person, except in his circumstances, would have taken. Nowonder; it was among the fens of Lincolnshire, and, after certaindeductions, scarcely produced a hundred a year. Still it was a living, and a certainty. At the same time Susan received a legacy. It madetheir hearts very grateful; although the amount was small, yet, in theireyes, it seemed magnificent, a clear 350 pounds. To be sure, 300 poundswould produce only 12 pounds a year when invested, still, that wassomething added to a hundred. 

The extra fifty was retained for furnishing the vicarage. Ten yearsthey had waited patiently, now they were married, and were contented andhappy. They did not live for themselves alone, but to be a blessing toall around them. True, they could not give money, but Owen gave Gospeltruths, simple and without stint; and she, kind words and sympathy, anda portion of many of their scanty meals. The hale as well as the sickwere visited, believers strengthened and encouraged, and inquirersinstructed. They reaped a rich harvest of affection from theirparishioners. Three years after their marriage a son was born; he was atreasure for which they were grateful, and he was their only one. Thelittle Owen flourished, for he was acclimatised, but the breezes whichblow over those Lincolnshire fens are raw and keen, if not generallyunhealthy to the natives, and the vicar and his wife began to complainof touches of ague, which became, as time went on, more and morefrequent. An income of 112 pounds a year will not allow the happypossessors to indulge in many of the luxuries of life, and certainly notin that of foreign travel. When, therefore, the parish doctor hintedthat a change of climate, and more generous diet and port wine, wereabsolutely necessary for their restoration, Mr Hartley smilinglyobserved, that as he did not think a better climate would come to them, and as they certainly could not go to it, he did not see how thecombination could be brought about; and as to port wine, it had longbeen a stranger to his palate, and was likely to continue so. Still thedoctor urged that he must take it, and sent him some from his own store, and, moreover, spoke so very earnestly to Mrs Hartley, saying that herhusband would altogether be incapacitated from performing his dutiesunless he was supplied with stimulants and more food, that she resolvedto do what many have resolved to do before, and will do again undersimilar circumstances. She did not exactly kill the golden goose, butbegan to sell out. It was indeed pleasant to have 20 pounds at command. She ordered wine of the best, with beef steaks and mutton chops, suchthings had rarely before been seen at the vicarage. The butcherwondered, but she paid regularly, and he asked no questions. She, however, only made-believe to eat of them herself, that Owen might havethe more; and when he came home to dinner she was sure to have taken alarge luncheon while he was out. She thought that his health wasimproving, and he declared that he felt stronger. 

So delighted was she with the result of this new system, that sheordered more port wine, and still more amply supplied the table. Yetthe doctor was not satisfied, and urged change of air for a shorttime--"His life is so valuable, " was his remark, and the doctor'sobservation conquered all scruples. A clergyman to do Owen's duty wasto be obtained, no easy matter, and he must be paid. One was found, andthe excursion made. Mr Hartley felt wonderfully better, but not manyweeks after his return the terrible ague again attacked him. Week afterweek he was unable to perform his ordinary duty. He staggered to thechurch, and in a voice which he could with difficulty render audible, preached the glorious Gospel as before. 

The parish did not suffer so much as it might have done, for Susanvisited the parishioners more frequently than ever. At length thefaithful wife herself fell ill. 

The disease made more rapid progress in her weak frame than it had donein that of her husband. Owen now compelled her to take the sameremedies which she had given to him; both lingered on, striving to dotheir duty. The vicar was apparently getting better, and Susan revivedsufficiently to enable her to assist in the education of the youngerOwen. Year after year showed the ravages illness was making on theirframes; the doctor shook his head when the parishioners inquired afterthem. Susan died first, Owen did not mourn as one without hope, although it was evident that he had received a terrible blow. Since hismarriage he had placed all worldly concerns in Susan's hands--no childcould have known less than he did how to manage them--the consequenceswere inevitable. The vicar got into debt, not very deeply at first, afew pounds only, but to these few pounds others were gradually added. 

The vicar had a faithful servant, Jane Hayes, who, when a girl, had cometo him and Mrs Hartley on their marriage, for her food and enough wagesto buy clothes. Jane went and went again to the shops for suchprovisions as she considered the vicar and Master Owen required. 

One was too ill, the other too young to make inquiries or consider howthey were to be paid for. When by chance any tradesman demurred, Janewas very indignant, asserting confidently that the vicar would pay forwhatever he had when his dues came in. 

Mr Hartley now no longer rose from his bed. A neighbouring clergyman, not much better off than himself, came over occasionally to perform theduty in the church, getting his own done by a relative who was payinghim a visit. Mr Hartley, although ready to depart, clung to existencefor the sake of his boy. When he had sufficient strength to speak, herepeated to young Owen the advice and exhortations he had constantlygiven him when in health. They came now, however, with greater forcethan ever from the lips of the dying man, and words which before hadbeen heard unheeded, now sank deeply into the heart of the boy. 

Young Owen knew nothing of the world, he had never left home, but he wasthus really better prepared to encounter its dangers and difficultiesthan many who go forth, confident in their own strength and courage. Hescarcely had, hitherto, realised the fact that his father was to betaken from him. 

"My boy, " said the village doctor, as he led him into his father's room, "you must be prepared for the worst. "

These words made Owen feel sick at heart. 

While the vicar clasped the hand of his boy, and gazed into that belovedyoung face, his gentle spirit winged its flight to heaven, and Owen knewthat he was an orphan. He was not aware, however, how utterly destitutehe had been left. The vicar had to the last been under the impressionthat the larger portion of Susan's fortune, for so he was pleased tocall it, still remained, and that it would be sufficient to start Owenin life. He had paid great attention to the education of his boy, whopossessed a much larger amount of general knowledge than most lads ofhis age. The principal people in the parish attended the coffin oftheir late vicar to the grave. They had not far to go from the vicarageto the churchyard. 

Farmer Rowe, who lived near, at Fenside Farm, had been the faithfulfriend of Mr Hartley from the time of his first coming to the parish, and taking him by the hand, followed as a mourner. Owen bore up duringthe ceremony, but on returning to his desolate home, at length gave wayto the grief which was well-nigh breaking his young heart. 

"Don't take on so, Master Owen, " cried Jane, leading him to his littleroom; "he who is gone would not wish you to grieve. He is happy, dependupon it, and he wants you to be happy too. We shall have to leave this, I am afraid, for they will not let you take your father's place, seeingyou are somewhat young, otherwise I am sure you could do it. You readso beautiful like, and I would rather hear a sermon from you than anyone. "

Owen shook his head. 

"No, Jane, I should have to go to college first; a person must beregularly ordained before he could come and preach in our church. "

Still Jane was not convinced on that point, and she inquired from FarmerRowe whether he could get Master Owen made vicar in his fathers stead. 

"That is impossible, Jane, " answered the farmer, smiling. "We will, however, do our best for the boy; we must look into the state of hisaffairs, for I can hear of no kindred of his who are likely to do so. "

Owen was allowed to remain at the vicarage longer than might have beenexpected. It was not easy to find a successor to Mr Hartley. Theplace had a bad name, few incumbents had lived long there. Thetradesmen of Reston, the neighbouring town, however, somewhat hesitatedabout supplying Jane with provisions. 

"But there is the furniture, " she answered, "and that will sell for Idon't know how much; it is very beautiful and kept carefully. "

In Jane's eyes it might have been so, as it was superior to what she hadseen in her mother's humble cottage. In the meantime she employedherself in preparing a proper suit of mourning for Owen. 

"The dear boy will have to go out among strangers, and he shall be welldressed, at all events, " she observed as she stitched away at hisgarments. She had to work up all sorts of old materials. Her own smallwages were due, but of that she thought not; her great desire was thather young master should be properly dressed. 

At length, however, the creditors put in their claims; the furniture andall the property of the late vicar had to be sold, but it wasinsufficient to meet their demands. Farmer Howe, knowing he matterswere likely to turn out, took Owen to his house. 

The farmer had a large farm of his own, but there had been a badharvest, and at no time had Fenside Farm been a very profitable one; hetherefore could not do as much for the poor lad as his kind heartdictated. His second son David, the scholar of the family, as he calledhim, who was articled to an attorney in a neighbouring town, happened atthe time to be at home. 

"David, " said Farmer Howe, "surely the vicar and his wife must have hadsome kith and kin, and we must find out who they are; they may beinclined to do something for the boy, or, if not, they ought to do so. "

"The first thing I would suggest, father, is to question Owen, and hearwhat he knows about the matter, " answered David; "we may then see whatletters the poor lady or the vicar have left; they may throw some lighton the subject. "

Owen was forthwith called in. He had seldom heard his parents allude totheir relatives, but he held an opinion that his father had several, andfrom the way in which he had heard them spoken of he fancied that theywere some great people, but who they were he could not tell. Theycertainly, however, had never shown any regard for Mr Hartley, or paidhim the slightest attention. Owen knew that his mother had relations, and that her father had been in some public office, but had died withoutleaving her any fortune; his grandmother had also died a year or twoafter her marriage. This much Owen knew, but that was very little. "Ohyes, " he said, "I remember that her name was Walford. "

"Well, that must have been your grandfather's name too. Do you knowwhat your mother's maiden name was?" asked David. 

Owen could not tell. 

"Perhaps it will be in some of her books, " suggested David. "Theysometimes help one in such cases as this. "

"The books, I am afraid, were sold with the other property, " said thefarmer. 

"Then we must find out who bought them, " remarked David; "perhaps Dobbsof our town did. I saw him at the sale. He is not likely to havedisposed of them yet; I will get him to let me look over them. "

David fulfilled his promise. Mr Dobbs allowed him to look over thelibrary of the late Vicar of Fenside, and at length he came to a volumeof "Sturm's Reflections, " on the title page of which was written, in aclear mercantile hand, "Given to Susan Fluke, on her marriage with HenryWalford Esquire, by her loving cousin Simon Fluke. "

David bought the volume and returned with it in triumph. "I have, atall events, found out the maiden name of the boy's grandmother on hismother's side, so, if we cannot discover his relatives on one side, wemay on the other. We have now got three names--Fluke, Walford, andHartley. The Hartley side will give us most difficulty, for it is clearthat the vicar and his father held no communication for many years withany of the relatives they may have possessed. Fluke, however, is not acommon name; we will search among the Flukes and Walfords, and see ifany persons or person of those names will acknowledge young Owen. SimonFluke, Simon Fluke--the London and County Directories may help us; ifthey cannot, we must advertise. It will be hard if we cannot rake upSimon Fluke or his heirs. To be sure, that book may have been given tohis grandmother fifty years ago or more, and Simon Fluke may be dead. "

David carefully locked up the book. "It may tend to prove yourrelationship with the said Simon Fluke; and who knows that he may be, ormay have been, a rich man, and that you may become his heir, " heremarked to Owen. 

Owen, although he listened to what the young lawyer said, scarcelyunderstood the full meaning of his observations. Farmer Rowe, ill as hecould afford the expense, sent David off next day to London to makeinquiries. Both the farmer and his family did their best to amuse theorphan. 

Although the hearts of the young are elastic, his loss had been sorecent, and his grief so overpowering, that, in spite of all the effortsof his kind friends, he could not recover his spirits. Owen, however, had become calmer when Jane Hayes came to wish him good-bye. She hadbeen offered another situation, which, seeing that he was well takencare of, she had accepted. Owen was in the garden when Jane arrived;the sight of her, as she came to meet him, renewed his grief. They satdown on a bench together, under a tall old tulip-tree, just out of sightof the house. Owen burst into tears. 

"That's just what I feel like to do, Master Owen, " said the faithfulwoman, taking his hand; "but it seems to me, from all master used to saywhen he was down here with us, that up there, where he and missis havegone, there is no crying and no sorrow. So you see, Master Owen, youshould not take on so. They had their trials on earth, that I am surethey had, for I seed it often before you was born; but when you came youwas a blessing to them. Now they are happy, that is the comfort Ihave. "

"I am not crying for them, Susan, " said Owen, trying to stifle histears, "I am crying for myself; I cannot help it. I know you love me, and you always have ever since I could remember--if you punished me itwas kindly done--and now you are going away, and I do not know when Ishall see you again. Mr Rowe is very kind and good, and so are MrsRowe, and John, and David, and their sisters, but, Jane, it is frompity, for they cannot care much about me, and I feel all alone in theworld. "

"Well, I will give up the place, Master Owen, and work for you; I cannottell how I should ever have had the heart to think of going away andleaving you among strangers, although I have known Farmer Rowe and hisfamily all my born days, and good people they are as ever breathed. "

Owen took her hand and put his head on her lap, just as he used to dowhen he was a little child, and thus he remained without speaking. Janelooked down on him with the affection of a mother, and tears droppedslowly from her eyes. 

"The Lord bless the boy, " she murmured to herself, as she lifted herface towards the blue sky, "and take care of him, and give him strengthagainst all the enemies he will have to meet--the world, the flesh, andthe devil. " Her plain features--for Jane had little to boast of inregard to good looks--were lighted up with an expression which gave hera beauty many fairer faces do not possess. 

Owen lay still for some time; Jane thought that he was sleeping, and wasunwilling to arouse him. At length, looking up, he said--

"I never can repay you enough for all you have done for me. I should beacting a cowardly part if I were to let you give up a good place for mysake, and allow you to toil and slave for me, when I am ready enough towork for my own support; you cannot tell how much I can do, and how muchI know. I do not say it for the sake of boasting, but my father assuredme that I knew enough to teach boys much older than myself. If I wasbigger, I could become an usher at a school, or perhaps Mr OrlandoBrowne, David Howe's employer, would take me as a clerk. So you see, Jane, that I am not afraid of having to work, or afraid of starving; youmust therefore go to Mrs Burden's and look after her children, I amsure that they will love you, and then you will be happy. It is theknowing that some one loves us that makes us happy, Jane. I know thatyou love me, and that makes me happy now. "

"Ah, Master Owen, there is One who loves you ten thousand times morethan I can do, and if you will always obey Him, you will never cease tobe happy too. Master often used to say that to us, you mind. Ah! ifyou think of his sayings--and he spoke the truth out of the Book--itwill be a blessing to you. "

"Thank you, Jane, for reminding me, " answered Owen, his countenancebrightening. "I do, I do; I will try ever to do so. "

"That's right, Master Owen, that's right, " said Jane; "it makes me veryglad to hear you say that. "

The shades of evening were coming on; they warned Jane that she ought tobe on her way. Unwillingly she told Owen that she must be going. Heaccompanied her to the gate, for she could not bring herself to go inand say good-bye to the farmer's family. "They will know that it wasfrom no want of respect, " said Jane. "God bless you, Master Owen, Godbless you. "

Owen looked after her until she was lost to sight at the end of thelane. It was some time before he could command himself sufficiently togo back into the house. 

CHAPTER TWO. 

David Rowe had been a week in London engaged in the search for Owen'srelatives. At last a letter came from him, desiring that the trap mightbe sent over to Reston, as he would be down, God willing, by the coachthat day. 

His arrival was eagerly looked for by all at Fenside Farm. David'slaconic letter had not mentioned anything to satisfy their curiosity. 

"Well, lad, what news?" exclaimed the farmer, as David stood while hismother and sister Sarah assisted him off with his great-coat. "Have youfound out friends likely to help young Owen?"

"As to that I cannot exactly say, " answered David; "I have discovered arelative who ought to help him--the identical Simon Fluke who gave thebook to Susan Walford. Simon Fluke must be the boy's cousin, althoughremoved a couple of degrees; but that should make no difference if Simonhad any affection for his cousin, for the boy is certainly her onlysurviving descendant. "

"But have you had any communication with Simon Fluke?" inquired thefarmer. 

"No, I thought that would be imprudent; it would be politic to let theboy introduce himself. I made all inquiries in my power, however, andascertained that Simon Fluke is a bachelor, reputed to be rich, and hasa flourishing business as a ship's chandler. As to his character, all Ican learn is, that he is looked upon as a man of honour and credit inhis business, although of somewhat eccentric habits. In regard to hisprivate character I could gain no information; he may be as hard-heartedas a rock, or kind and generous. I went to his place of business in thehopes of having the opportunity of forming an opinion for myself, but Ifailed to see him, and therefore had to come away as wise as I went. "

"What step do you advise us to take next?" asked the farmer. 

"Send him up at once, and let him present himself at Simon Fluke's--saywho he is, that his parents are dead, and that he wishes for employment. Do not let him appear like a beggar asking for alms; he will succeedbest by exhibiting an independent spirit, and showing that he is readyto do any work which is given to him. We know he is quick, intelligent, writes a beautiful hand, and has as good a head on his shoulders as manya much older person. "

"But surely we cannot send the boy up by himself, " urged Mrs Rowe; "andyou, I suppose, cannot go again! David?"

"I'll go with him, mother, " said John, the eldest son, "and willinglybear the charge, for I should be glad to get a chance of seeing the bigcity. If Simon Fluke were to refuse to receive young Owen, what wouldbecome of the boy? I have heard of dreadful things happening to lads inLondon, especially when they have no friends to care for them. "

And so it was settled. John undertook to start the very next morning, if Owen was willing to go. 

Owen, who had been out in the garden making himself useful, now came in. David gave him the information he had obtained, and inquired whether hewished to pay a visit to his supposed relative?

"If he is likely to give me something to do, I am willing to go and askhim, " answered Owen. 

"There is nothing like trying, and you can lose little by asking forit, " observed David. 

Susan had prepared Owen's wardrobe to the best of her ability, so thathe was ready the next morning to start with John Rowe. They dulyreached the great city, and John and Owen managed to find their way toWapping. They walked about for some time, making inquiries for PaulKelson, Fluke and Company, whose place of business was at last pointedout to them. They had passed it once before, but the name on the sideof the door was so obliterated by time that it was scarcely legible. 

"Now, Owen, you go in, and success attend you, " said John, shaking himby the hand, as if they were about to separate for an indefinite period. "Do not be afraid, I will not desert you!"

Owen, mustering courage, entered the dingy-looking office. Johnremained outside while Owen presented himself, as has been alreadydescribed, to Simon Fluke. 

Faithful John walked up and down, keeping a watchful eye on the door, incase Owen might be summarily ejected, and resolved not to quit his postuntil he had ascertained to a certainty that the boy was likely to bewell cared for. "If the old man disowns him, I will take him to someLondon sights, and then we will go back to Fenside, and let him turnfarmer if he likes, and I'll help him; or it may be that David will hearof something more to his advantage, or perhaps find out some of hisother relatives. David is as keen as a ferret, and he'll not let achance pass of serving the lad. " John's patience was seriously tried. He saw seafaring men of various grades pass in and out, corroboratingthe account of the flourishing business of Paul Kelson, Fluke andCompany, and he concluded, while Simon Fluke was engaged with them, thatyoung Owen would have but small chance of being attended to. 

"Well, I can but wait until they are about to close the place; then, ifOwen does not come out, I must go in and look for him, " thought John. He was resolved, however, not to do anything which might interfere withthe boy's interests; it took a good deal to put John out of temper. 

Meantime Owen's patience was undergoing a severe trial. The twobrown-coated old gentlemen appeared to him to be a long time lookingover those big books. They had just concluded, when a junior clerk camein to say that Captain Truck wished to see Mr Fluke. Glancing at Owenas he passed, Mr Fluke hurried into his private room, while the oldclerk, tucking the big books under his arm, and filling his hands withthe papers, left the office. He stopped as he was passing young Owen. 

"Sit down there, boy, " he said, pointing to a bench near the door; "MrFluke will speak to you when he is disengaged. "

Several persons came in, however, before Captain Truck had gone away. They were admitted in succession to speak to Mr Fluke; so Owen had towait and wait on, watching the clerks as they sat at their desks, andobserving the visitors as they paced up and down, while waiting theirturns to have an interview with the principal of the establishment. This impressed Owen with the idea that the brown, snuffy old gentlemanwas a far more important personage than he had at first supposed. Several of the clerks who were moving about with papers in their handsfrequently passed the young stranger, but no one spoke, or bestowed evenan inquiring glance at him. Owen, who was tired with his journey andlong walk, was, in spite of his anxiety, nearly dropping asleep, when heheard the words--

"Well, boy, what is it you want? Quick, say your business, I have notime to spare. "

The words were spoken by the brown-coated old gentleman. Owen, startingup, followed him into the inner office. Here Mr Fluke, nimbly takinghis seat on his high stool with his back to the desk, again asked in atesty tone, "What is it you want?" Owen stood, hat in hand, as he haddone nearly two hours before, and began briefly recounting his history. 

"Tut, tut, what's all that to me?" exclaimed the old gentleman, pushingup his spectacles, and taking a huge pinch of snuff, as he narrowlyscrutinised the boy with his sharp grey eyes. "What more have you gotto say for yourself?"

"I did not explain, sir, as I ought to have done at first, that mymother's name was Walford, and that she was the daughter of a Miss SusanFluke, who married my grandfather, Mr Henry Walford. "

The old gentleman had not hitherto ceased kicking his legs against thehigh stool, a custom which had become habitual. He stopped, however, onhearing this, and looked more keenly than ever at Owen. 

"What proof have you got, boy, that your mother was once Susan Fluke?"he asked in a sharp tone. 

"David Rowe, who is clerk to Mr Orlando Browne the lawyer, found thename in a book which had once been my grandmother's, and left by her tomy mother, called `Sturm's Reflections. '"

"I should like to see the book, " said Mr Fluke, in a tone which showedmore interest than he had hitherto exhibited. 

"David Rowe has the book at Fenside, but I could get it sent to you, sir, if you wish to see it, " said Owen. 

"I do wish to see it; I want proof of the strange story you tell me, "said the old man, taking another pinch of snuff. "And suppose it istrue, what do you want of me?"

"I want to find employment, sir, and the means of supporting myself. Idon't wish to be a burden on Farmer Rowe, the only friend I have besideJane Hayes, my old nurse. "

Mr Fluke surveyed Owen from head to foot. "What can such a boy as youdo, except run errands, or sweep out the office?" he asked in a tone ofcontempt. "What do you happen to know? Can you write? Have you anyknowledge of arithmetic?"

"Yes, sir, " said Owen, "I am tolerably well acquainted with quadraticequations; I have gone through the first six books of Euclid, and havebegun trigonometry, but have not got very far. I am pretty well up inLatin. I have read Caesar and Virgil, and a little of Horace; and inGreek, the New Testament, Xenophon, and two plays of Aeschylus; and myfather considered me well acquainted with English history andgeography. "

"Umph! a prodigy of learning!" muttered the old gentleman. "Can you dothe rule of three and sum up?--that's more to the purpose. What sort offist do you write? Can you do as well as this?" and he exhibited acrabbed scrawl barely legible. 

"I hope that my writing would be more easily read than that, sir, "answered Owen. "I could do the rule of three several years ago, and ampretty correct at summing up. "

"Umph!" repeated the old gentleman, "if I take you at your word, I mustset you down as a genius. I don't know that the learning you boast ofwill be of much use to you in the world. If, however, I find theaccount I have just heard correct, I may perhaps give you a trial. I amnot to be taken in by impostors, old or young; you will understand, therefore, that I make no promises. I am busy now and cannot spend moretime on you, so you must go. I suppose that you did not come up here byyourself?"

"No, sir, John Howe, Farmer Rowe's eldest son, accompanied me, and iswaiting outside; if you cannot give me employment, he wants me to goback with him to Fenside. "

"Tell him to stay in town until I have seen the book, and have had timeto look into the matter, " said Mr Fluke. "Where are you stopping, incase I may wish to send to you? But I am not likely to do that. Comeagain when you have got the book. "

"We are stopping at the `Green Dragon, ' Bishopsgate Street, sir, " saidOwen. 

"Well, write down your address and the name of your friend, " and SimonFluke handed a pen to Owen, and placed a piece of paper on the deskbefore him. "Umph! a clear hand, more like a man's than a boy's, "muttered the old gentlemen to himself as he examined what Owen hadwritten. "You may go now, and remember what I told you. "

Saying this, Mr Fluke turned round on his stool, and applied himself tohis work without another parting word to Owen, who, making the best ofhis way through the office, hastened out at the door. He looked up anddown the street, wondering whether John would have got tired and goneaway, but John was too faithful a friend to do that. He had merelycrossed over the street, keeping his eye on Paul Kelson, Fluke andCompany's office. Seeing Owen, John hastened over to meet him. 

"Well, what news, Owen?" he asked, without uttering a word of complaintat the time he had been kept waiting. 

Owen described his interview with Simon Fluke. 

"Not very promising, " observed John; "I suspect that Simon Fluke's heartis very like what David thought it might be, hard as a rock, or he wouldhave shown more interest in you when he heard that you were SusanFluke's grandson. However, we will do as he asks, and send for thebook, and in the meantime you and I'll go and see this big city ofLondon. There's the Tower, and Exeter Change, the British Museum, SaintPaul's, and Westminster Abbey, and other places I have heard speak of. The Tower is not far from here--we passed it as we came along; we willgo and see that first. "

On their way, however, they began to feel very hungry, and were thankfulto find an eating-house where they could satisfy their appetites. Thefare was not of the most refined character, nor were the people who camein. Two or three, seeing at a glance that John was fresh from thecountry, offered to show him and his son the way about London. 

"Maybe you'd like to take a glass for good fellowship, " said one of themen who addressed him. 

But John, suspecting the object of the offer, declined it, as he didothers subsequently made him, and taking Owen by the hand, he gladly gotout of the neighbourhood. They made but a short visit to the Tower, asJohn was anxious to get back to the "Green Dragon, " that he might writeto David for the book. 

"We will show it to the suspicious old gentleman, but we must take carehe does not keep it, " said John. "I don't think, Owen, you must raiseyour hopes too high. If he gives you the cold shoulder, you will not beworse off than you were before, and you shall come back with me. Youwill not be left without friends while father, David, and I are alive, so cheer up whatever happens. "

John, who, although country-born and bred, had his wits about him, managed to see as many of the sights of London as he intended. Owen wasmuch interested by all he saw, and the days passed quickly by. Theimportant volume, which was, he hoped, to convince Simon Fluke of hisrelationship, safely arrived one evening, and he and John the followingmorning set off with it to Wapping. John insisted on remaining outsidewhile Owen had his interview with Simon Fluke, and ascertained whetherany employment was to be given him. 

"If I find you are comfortably settled, then I shall go home happy in mymind, " said John; "if not, as I said before, you shall come back withme; I won't leave you alone in this big city. "

Owen entered the office with the book in his hand. Mr Fluke wasengaged in his private room. Mr Tarwig, the head clerk, got off hisstool to speak to him, and had Owen put a proper value on this piece ofcondescension, he would have considered it a good sign. 

"Sit down, my boy, the master will be out soon, and he has something tosay to you, " said Mr Tarwig, pointing to a bench, and nodding to Owen, he returned to his seat. In a few minutes the door opened, and afine-looking seafaring man, evidently the master of a ship, came out. As he passed by he gave a glance at Owen, who heard him addressed by MrTarwig as Captain Aggett. "What a pleasant look he has, " thought Owen;"I should like to be under him. I wonder if he can give me anything todo?" Mr Fluke put his head out directly afterwards, and seeing Owen, beckoned him in. 

"Well, lad, have you got the book?" he asked. 

Owen undid the parcel, and handed him the volume. The old man examinedit minutely, but Owen could detect no change in his countenance. 

"That's my handwriting, there's no doubt about it, written when I gavethe book to my cousin Susan, as she was about to marry Henry Walford, "muttered Mr Fluke to himself. He was then silent for some time, forgetting, apparently, that any one was in the room. "Have you anybooks with the name of Walford in them?" he asked, fixing his keenglance on Owen; "that would be more clear proof that you are the personwhom you say you are. "

"Yes, sir, I remember several of my mother's books which she had beforeher marriage, and others which had belonged to my grandmother, withtheir names in them; I do not know, however, whether they can berecovered. A bookseller purchased the whole of them at the sale whichtook place at the vicarage, but perhaps he has not yet disposed ofthem. "

"Boy, the books must be got at any price, " exclaimed the old man, in anauthoritative tone, like that of a person not accustomed to becontradicted. "Write to your friends, and tell them to buy them all up;I will send them a cheque for the amount. We must not let them go tothe grocer's to wrap up butter and cheese. "

"I will do as you desire, sir, " said Owen. 

"I am inclined to believe the account you give of yourself, boy, and youshall have a trial, " said Mr Fluke; his manner was far less abrupt thanit had hitherto been, and comparatively gentle. "Go to the outeroffice, I am busy now; Mr Tarwig will look after you, and tell me whathe thinks. "

He went to the door, and summoned his head clerk. 

"Try him, " said Mr Fluke, pointing to Owen. 

"Come along with me, " said Mr Tarwig, and he made a sign to Owen to getup on a high stool, handing him, at the same time, the draft of aletter. "There, copy that. "

Owen transcribed it in a clear, regular hand, correcting two or threeerrors in spelling. 

"Good, " said Mr Tarwig, as he glanced over it, perhaps not discoveringthe improvement in the latter respect. "Now cast up these figures, " andhe handed him a long account. 

Owen performed the work rapidly, and when checked by Mr Tarwig, it wasfound to be perfectly correct. 

"Good, " said the head clerk; "you'll do. "

He handed him several accounts in succession, and which requiredconsiderable calculation. 

"Ah me!" exclaimed Mr Tarwig, and taking the papers he actually wentacross the office to show them to his immediate surbordinate, who lookedround with a surprised glance at the young stranger. 

What "Ah me!" meant Owen could not tell, but he judged that Mr Tarwigwas satisfied with his performance. Owen had not forgotten John. 

"A friend is waiting for me outside, sir, " he said; "if I am not wanted, I must rejoin him. "

"Stay and hear what Mr Fluke has got to say to you, " answered MrTarwig; "or go out and call your friend in, perhaps the master may havea word to say to him. "

Owen gladly did as he desired. 

"I think they are pleased with me, " he said to John; "and I understandthat Mr Fluke wants to speak to you, I suppose it is about getting backmy mother's books, " and Owen related what had occurred. 

"A good sign, " said John. "Things look brighter than I expected theywould, but we must not raise our hopes too high. "

Owen ushered John into the office, feeling almost at home there already. In a short time Owen and John were summoned into Mr Fluke's room. John was not prepossessed by that worthy's manner. 

"You are John Rowe, I understand, " he began. "Believing this boy'saccount of himself I am going to give him a trial; if he behaves well, he will rise in this office, for there is no doubt that he possesses thetalents he boasts of. He shall come and stop at my house. Go and gethis things and bring them here, for I shall take him home with me. Nowlisten, Mr John Rowe, I want you to perform a commission for me. Hereis a cheque, you can get it cashed in the country. Buy up all the bookswith the name of Walford in them which were sold at the Fenside Vicaragesale. "

As he spoke, he handed a cheque for 10 pounds to John, adding, "Do nottell the bookseller why you want them, or he will raise the price. Buythem in your own name. If this sum is not sufficient, let me know;should it be more than you require, take it to defray the expenses youhave been at on the boy's account. "

John thanked Mr Fluke, and promised to carry out his wishes, highlypleased at what he considered Owen's good fortune. 

Owen, however, felt somewhat disappointed at not being able to spendanother evening with his friend. 

From Mr Fluke's manner, John saw that it was time to take hisdeparture, and Owen followed him to the door. John had to return withOwen's box of clothes, but there probably would not then be time for anyconversation. 

Owen sent many grateful messages to Fenside Farm. "I hope that MrFluke will let me go down and see you sometimes, " he added, "for I nevercan forget all the kindness you, your father, and David have shown me, and your mother and sisters. "

"Well, if you are not happy here, mind you must tell us so, and youshall ever be welcome at Fenside, " said John, as they parted. 

CHAPTER THREE. 

John Rowe brought Owen's little trunk all the way from the "GreenDragon" on his own broad shoulders, and deposited it at Paul Kelson, Fluke and Company's office. Having done so he hurried off, not wishingto be thanked, and considering there was not much advantage to be gainedby another parting with his young friend. Owen, however, wasdisappointed, when he found that his box had arrived, that he had missedseeing John. 

The instant five o'clock struck, Simon Fluke came out of his office, anddirecting one of his porters to bring along the boy's trunk, took Owenby the hand, and having tucked a thick cotton umbrella under his otherarm, led him out. They trudged along through numerous dirty streets andalleys, teeming with a ragged and unkempt population, and redolent ofunsavoury odours, until they emerged into a wide thoroughfare. 

"Call a coach, boy!" said Mr Fluke, the first words he had spoken sincehe had left the office. "How am I to do that, sir?" asked Owen. 

"Shout `Coach, ' and make a sign with your hand to the first you see. "

"Will the coach come up, sir, if I call it?" asked Owen. 

"Of course, if the driver hears you, " answered Mr Fluke in a sharptone. "The boy may be a good arithmetician, but he knows nothing ofLondon life, " he muttered to himself. "To be sure, how should he? Buthe must learn--he will in time, I suppose; I once knew no more than hedoes. "

Owen saw several coaches passing, and he shouted to them at the top ofhis voice, but no one took the slightest notice of him. At length thedriver of a tumble-down looking vehicle, with a superb coat of arms onthe panel, made a signal in return and drew up near the pavement. 

"You will know how to call a coach in future, " said Mr Fluke. "Stepin. "

The porter, who had been watching proceedings, not having ventured tointerfere by assisting Owen, put the box in, after Mr Fluke had takenhis seat, and then told the coachman where to drive to. The latter, applying his whip to the flanks of his horses, made them trot off, for afew minutes, at a much faster rate than they were accustomed to move at. They soon, however, resumed their usual slow pace, and not until MrFluke put his head out of the window, and shouted, "Are you going tosleep, man?" did he again make use of his whip. 

"You must learn to find your way on foot, boy, " said Mr Fluke. "I donot take a coach every day; it would be setting a bad example. I neveryet drove up to the counting-house, nor drove away in one, since Ibecame a partner of old Paul Kelson, and he, it is my belief, never gotinto one in his life, until he was taken home in a fit just before hisdeath. "

Owen thought he should have great difficulty in finding his way throughall those streets, but he made no remark on the subject, determining tonote the turnings as carefully as he could, should he accompany MrFluke the next morning back to Wapping. 

The coach drove on and on; Mr Fluke was evidently not given toloquacity, and Owen had plenty of time to indulge in his ownreflections. He wondered what sort of place his newly found relativewas taking him to. He had not been prepossessed with the appearance ofthe office, and he concluded that Mr Fluke's dwelling-house wouldsomewhat resemble it. The coach at last emerged from the crowdedstreets into a region of trees and hedge-rows, and in a short timestopped in front of an old-fashioned red brick house, with a high wallapparently surrounding a garden behind it. At that moment the door ofthe house opened, and a tall thin female in a mob cap appeared. 

"Bless me!" she exclaimed, as she advanced across the narrow spacebetween the gate and the doorway; "and so he has come!"

She eyed Owen narrowly as she spoke. Simon Fluke declining her help ashe stepped out, pointed to Owen's box, which the coachman, who had gotdown from his seat, handed to her. Mr Fluke having paid the fare, about which there was no demur, he knowing the distance to an inch, ledthe way into the house, followed by Owen, the old woman, carrying hisbox, bringing up the rear. 

"I have brought him, Kezia, as I said I possibly might. Do you lookafter him; let us have supper in a quarter of an hour, for I am hungry, and the boy I am sure is. "

The house wore a greater air of comfort than Owen expected to find. Inthe oak panelled parlour into which Mr Fluke led him a cheerful fireburned brightly, although the spring was well advanced, while a whitecloth was spread ready for supper. 

"Now come into the garden, " said his host, who had entered the room, apparently merely to deposit his umbrella. A glass door opened out onsome steps which led down into a large garden, laid out in beds in whichbloomed a number of beautiful flowers, such as Owen had never beforeseen in his life, and on one side, extending along the wall, was a largegreenhouse. 

"Do you know what those are, boy?" asked Mr Fluke. "Every one of thoseflowers are worth a hundred times its weight in gold. They are allchoice and rare tulips, I may say the choicest and rarest in thekingdom. I prize them above precious stones, for what ruby or sapphirecan be compared to them for beauty and elegance? You will learn in timeto appreciate them, whatever you do now. "

"I am sure I shall, and I think they are very beautiful!" said Owen. 

Mr Fluke made up for his former silence by expatiating on theperfections of his favourites. While the old gentleman was going theround of his flower beds, stooping down with his hands behind him, toadmire, as if to avoid the temptation of touching the rich blossoms, aperson approached, who, from his green apron, his general costume, andthe wheelbarrow he trundled full of tools before him, was easilyrecognised as the gardener. He could not have been much younger thanhis master, but was still strong and hearty. 

"They are doing well, Joseph; we shall have some more in bloom in a dayor two, " observed Mr Fluke. 

"Yes, praise the Lord, the weather has been propitious and rewarded thecare we have bestowed on His handiworks, " answered the old gardener. "Iam in hopes that the last bulbs the Dutch skipper Captain Van Tronkbrought over will soon be above ground, and they will not be long afterthat coming into bloom. "

Mr Fluke, having had some confidential conversation with his gardeneron the subject of his bulbs, and given him various directions, it bythat time growing dusk, summoned Owen to return to the house. 

"A pretty long quarter of an hour you've been, " exclaimed Kezia to hermaster, as he re-entered; "it's always so when you get talking to my manJoseph Crump about the tulips. If the rump steak is over-done it's notmy fault. "

Mr Fluke made no reply, except by humbly asking for his slippers, whichKezia having brought, she assisted him in taking off his shoes. 

"There, go in both of you, and you shall have supper soon, " sheexclaimed in an authoritative tone, and Mr Fluke shuffled into hisparlour. 

Owen remarked, that though Mr Fluke ruled supreme in hiscounting-house, there was another here to whom he seemed to yieldimplicit obedience. Not a word of remonstrance did he utter at whateverKezia told him to do; it was, however, pretty evident that whatever shedid order, was to his advantage. Probably, had she not assumed sodetermined a manner, she would have failed to possess the influence sheexerted over her master. He made a sign to Owen to take a seat oppositehim on one side of the fire. Mrs Kezia Crump, as she was generallydesignated outside the house, placed an ample supper on the board--inlater days it would have been called a dinner--two basins of soup, someexcellently cooked rump steak, and an apple tart of goodly proportions. 

"I know boys like apple tart, and you may help him as often as he asksfor it, " she remarked as she put the latter dish on the table. 

A single glass of ale was placed by Mr Fluke's side. Owen declinedtaking any, for he had never drank anything stronger than water. 

"Very right and wise, boy, " observed his host in an approving tone. "You are the better without what you don't require. I never drank aglass of ale till I was fifty, and might have refrained ten years longerwith advantage, but Kezia insisted that I should take a glass at supper, and for the sake of quiet I did so. Kezia is not a person who willstand contradiction. She is sensible though. Could not have enduredher if she were not. But she is not equal to her husband Joseph. Theone rules supreme in the house, the other in the garden. You've seenwhat Joseph Crump has done there. What do you think of my tulips? I amindebted to Joseph for them. Beautiful! glorious! magnificent! Arethey not?"

Owen nodded his head in assent. 

"Their worth cannot be told. Once upon a time one of those splendidbulbs would have fetched thousands. That was nearly two centuries ago, that events repeat themselves, and, for what we can tell, that time maycome round again, then, Owen, I shall be the richest man in England. Noone possesses tulips equal to mine. "

"Indeed, " said Owen; and he thought to himself, when at Wapping this oldman's whole soul seems to be absorbed in business, while out here allhis thoughts appear to be occupied in the cultivation of tulips. Howcould he have been first led to admire them? Before many minutes wereover Mr Fluke answered the question himself. 

"Twenty years ago I scarcely knew that such a flower as a tulip existed, when one day going on board a Dutch vessel I saw a flower growing in apot in the cabin. I was struck by the beauty of its form--its brilliantcolours. I learned its name. I was seized with the desire to possessit. I bought it of the skipper. The next voyage he brought me over anumber of bulbs. I wanted something to engage my thoughts, and fromthat day forward I became fonder and fonder of tulips. "

The evening was passed more pleasantly than Owen had anticipated. MrFluke, indeed, appeared to be an altogether different person to what hehad seemed at his first interview with his young relative. 

"Boys want more sleep than old men, " said Mr Fluke, pulling out histurnip-like watch. 

"Here, Kezia!" he shouted, "come and take him off to bed. She will lookafter you, " he added, nodding to Owen; "you must do as she bids youthough. "

The old man did not even put out a finger as Owen advanced to take hishand to wish him good night, but said, pointing to Kezia, who just thenentered the room, "There she is; go with her. "

"How impatient you are, Mr Fluke, this evening, " exclaimed the dame. "In half a minute more I should have been here, and saved you frombawling yourself hoarse. I know how the time goes, I should think, atmy age. "

Her master made no reply, but merely attempted to whistle, while Kezia, turning to Owen, said, "Come along, my child. " She led him up an oakenstaircase into a room of fair proportions, in which, although thefurniture was of a sombre description, there stood a neatdimity-curtained bed. 

"There, say your prayers and go to bed, " said Kezia. "I will come inpresently to tuck you up, and to take away your candle. "

"Thank you, " said Owen; "you are indeed very kind. "

"No, I ain't kind, I just do what I think right, " answered the dame, who, if she did not pride herself on being an original, evidently wasone. "The old man told me that you had lost your parents, and you'llfeel the want of some one to look after you. I once had a little boymyself. He grew to be bigger than you are, but he was never strong orhearty. He used to go to the office every day of his life, hot or cold, rain or sunshine, wet through or dry; he died from over work. It wasmore my fault than the old man's though, so I don't blame him, for Iought to have kept the poor boy in bed instead of letting him go out andget wet through and through as he did time after time; but I'll takecare that it is not your fate, " and Mrs Kezia sighed. "I must notstand prating here though. "

She came in according to her promise. Having carefully tucked him up, she stooped down and kissed his brow. 

"Thank you, thank you, " said Owen. The tears rose to his eyes, and hefelt more happy than he could have supposed possible. 

"Have you said your prayers?" asked Kezia. 

"Yes, I never forget to do that, " answered Owen. 

"Good night, my child, " she said; "the Lord watch over you and keepyou. " Taking the light she left him. 

His slumbers were peaceful. Kezia took care to call him betimes in themorning. 

"The old man is off early, and he would not be pleased if you were notready to start with him, " she said. 

When Owen came down he saw Mr Fluke in the garden, holding a conferencewith Joseph. He presently came in to breakfast, which was as ample ameal as the supper had been. 

Kezia put a small paper parcel into Owen's pocket. 

"That will be for your dinner, " she said; "you'll want something beforeyou come back, and you'll get nothing there fit to eat. It's as bad tolet growing boys starve as to leave plants without water, as JosephCrump says, " and she looked hard at her master. 

"Kezia's a wonderful woman, " remarked Mr Fluke, after she had left theroom. "I have a great respect for her, as you see. She is worth herweight in gold; she keeps everything in order, her husband and me toboot. Years ago, before she came to me, I had a large black tom cat; hewas somewhat of a pet, and as I kept him in order, he always behavedproperly in my presence. He had, however, a great hatred of allstrangers, especially of the woman kind, and no female beggar ever cameto the door but he went out and arched his back, and spat and screechedand hissed at her until she took her departure. When I engaged Keziaand Joseph Crump, I thought Tom would understand that they were inmatesof the house, and behave properly. But the very first time Kezia wentupstairs, after she and her husband had installed themselves in theirroom below, there was Tom standing on the landing with his back uplashing his tail, and making a most hideous noise. Most women wouldhave turned round and run down again, or perhaps tumbled over and brokentheir necks; but Kezia advanced, keeping her eye on Tom, and as hesprang at her, she guessing that he would do so, seized him by the neckand held him at arm's length until every particle of breath was squeezedout of his body. `There, ' she exclaimed, as she threw him over thebanisters, `two cannot rule in one house, ' and she went upstairs andcommenced her work. When I arrived at home, and saw Tom lying dead onthe floor, I asked who had killed the cat. `I killed him, ' answeredKezia, and she then told me how it had happened. `If you think I waswrong, and don't like it, give me a month's warning; I am ready to go, 'she said. I didn't say a word in reply, and I tell you I have a greaterrespect for that woman than for any of her sex, and maybe I have morefear of her than I ever had of old Tom, who, once or twice, until Itaught him better manners, had shown his evil disposition even to me. "

"Mrs Kezia is a very kind, good woman, " observed Owen; "I am sure ofthat. "

"She's a wise woman, " answered Mr Fluke; "if she were not, she couldnot manage my house. Now, boy, finish your breakfast, and be preparedto start with me in ten minutes. "

Owen lost no time in getting ready. 

"Come along, " he heard Mr Fluke shout; and hurrying out of the roomwhere he was waiting, he found that gentleman descending the steps. 

"Stay, you have forgotten your umbrella. What are you thinking about, Mr Fluke, this morning?" exclaimed Kezia, handing it to him as shespoke. 

Mr Fluke tucked it under his arm, and taking Owen by the hand they setoff. 

"Do not dawdle on the way back, and take the coach if it rains hard, "cried Kezia, shouting after them. 

They walked the whole distance at a fair pace, which Owen could easilymaintain. He was glad of the exercise, although he did not like passingthrough the narrow and dirty streets at the further end of his walk, where squalor and wretchedness appeared on every side. Mr Fluke beingso used to it, was not moved by what they beheld. 

"Surely something ought to be done for these poor people, " thought Owen. "If my father had been here, he would have spent every hour of the dayin visiting among them, and trying to relieve their distress. " Owen wasnot aware that much of the misery he witnessed arose from the drunkenand dissipated habits of the husbands, and but too often of the wivesalso. 

On their arrival at the office, which had just before been opened, MrFluke handed Owen over to Mr Tarwig, who at once set him to work. There was plenty to do. Two clerks had recently left; their places hadnot been supplied. Owen was therefore kept hard at work the greaterpart of the day, and a short time only allowed him for eating the dinnerwhich Kezia Crump had provided. He was better off, however, than mostof the clerks, who had only a piece of bread to eat if they remained inthe office, or if they went out, had to take a very hurried, ill-dressedmeal at a cookshop. Some, indeed, were tempted to imbibe instead aglass of rum or gin, thus commencing a bad habit, which increased onthose who indulged in it. 

The weather was fine, and Owen walked backwards and forwards every daywith Mr Fluke. One day a box arrived marked private, and addressed toS. Fluke, Esquire. On glancing at the contents, Mr Fluke had it againclosed, and that evening he went away earlier than usual, a portercarrying the box to the nearest coach-stand. Owen was saved his longwalk, which, as the weather grew warmer, was sometimes fatiguing. Thebox, which had been carried into the parlour was again opened by Keziaand Owen, who begged leave to help her. After supper Mr Fluke, whoappeared for the time to have forgotten his tulips, employed himself inexamining the contents, which proved to be the books he had directedJohn Rowe to purchase for him. 

"Your friend has performed his commission well, " he said, as he lookedover book after book. "I recognise Susan's handwriting--yourgrandmother, I mean; it must seem a long time ago to you, but to me itis as yesterday. I had not from the first moment any doubt as to yourbeing Susan Fluke's grandchild, but I am now convinced of it. You willfind more interesting reading in these books than in any I possess, andyou are welcome to make use of them. "

Owen accepted the offer, and for many an evening afterwards pored overin succession most of the well-remembered volumes. 

Mr Fluke, the next morning, on his way to the office, called at anupholsterer's, and purchased a dark oak bookcase, which he ordered to besent home immediately. On his return home, with evident satisfaction hearranged the books within it. 

Owen had every reason to be thankful for the kind treatment he received, but the life he spent was a dull one. In reply to letters he wrote tohis friends at Fenside they warmly congratulated him on his goodfortune. 

Day after day he went to the office, where he was kept hard at work fromthe moment of his arrival until the closing hour, for, as it was foundthat he was more exact in his calculations than any one else, and as hewrote a hand equal to the best, he had always plenty to do, a fewminutes only were allowed him to take his frugal dinner. Frequentlyalso he was unable to enjoy even a few mouthfuls of such fresh air asWapping could afford. 

Generally he walked in and out with Mr Fluke, but he sometimes had togo alone. He was soon able to find his way without difficulty, but henever had an opportunity of going in other directions, so that all heknew of London was the little he saw of it while visiting the sightswith John Rowe. Whatever the weather, he had to trudge to and fro. Several times he got wet through, and had to sit all day in his dampclothes. 

Kezia suggested to Mr Fluke that the boy required a fresh suit--"Hisown is threadbare, and would be in holes if I did not darn it up atnights, " she observed. 

"It's good enough for the office, and what more does he want?" answeredMr Fluke. "Why, I have worn my suit well-nigh ten years, and it is asgood as ever. Who finds fault with my coat, I should like to know?"

"The boy wants a thick overcoat, at all events, " continued Kezia, whohad no intention of letting the matter drop. "If you don't get him one, I will. He will catch his death of cold one of these days. He is notlooking half as well as he did when he came, although he has grownwonderfully; he will, indeed, soon be too big for his jacket andtrousers, if they do not come to pieces first. "

"Do as you choose, Kezia, " said Mr Fluke. "You always will have yourown way, so there's no use contradicting you. "

"Then I'll get him a fresh suit and a topcoat before many hours areover, and not a day too soon either, " answered Kezia, rubbing her handsin the way she always did when well satisfied with herself or withthings in general. 

"No! no!" almost shrieked Mr Fluke. "If he gets a topcoat that willhide the threadbare jacket you talk of, and that will serve well enoughin the office for a year to come, or more. "

"You said, Mr Fluke, that I was to do as I chose, " exclaimed Kezia, looking her master in the face. "You are a man of your word, and alwayshave been from your youth upwards, and I, for one, will not let youbreak it in your old age. I choose to get Owen a new suit and atopcoat, so say no more about the matter. "

The next morning Kezia appeared in her bonnet and shawl as Owen wasabout to start. 

"Let the old man go on first, I am going with you, " she said. 

Mr Fluke was never a moment behind time in starting from home, and heknew that Owen could easily overtake him. 

Kezia accompanied Owen to Mr Snipton's, a respectable tailor in theCity, where she ordered an entire suit and a thoroughly comfortabletopcoat. 

"Take his measure, " she said, "and allow for his growing; remember SimonFluke will pay for the things. "

Mr Snipton did as he was directed, and while Owen hurried on toovertake Mr Fluke before he reached the office, Kezia returned home. Owen had, however, to wear his threadbare jacket for some days longer. During this period he was returning one evening, and was crossingBishopsgate Street, when a hooded gig, or cab, as it was called, containing two young gentlemen--one of whom, dressed in a naval uniform, was driving--came dashing along at a rapid rate. It was in a narrowpart of the street, of which a waggon and some other vehicles occupied aconsiderable portion. In attempting to pass between the waggon andpavement the cab was driven against the hinder wheel of the ponderouswaggon, which was going in the same direction that it was--towards theBank. The natural consequence ensued--the horse came down, and both theyoung gentlemen were thrown out, one narrowly escaping falling under thewheel of the waggon, while the tiger behind, whose head struck againstthe hood, fell off stunned. Owen ran forward to render what assistancehe could. 

"Go to the horse's head, boy!" exclaimed the elder of the gentlemen, addressing Owen in an imperious tone, while he was picking himself up. "Reginald, are you hurt?"

"Not much, " was the answer of the younger, who began swearing in nomeasured terms at the waggoner for not keeping out of the way, andordering him to stop. The latter, however, taking no notice of this, went on. "They got the worst of it this time, " he muttered. "Betterthat than to have run over an old woman, as I see'd just such a pair asthey do not long ago. "

A fresh volley of abuse uttered by the young naval officer followed theretreating waggoner. 

"Come, Reginald, don't waste your breath on the rascal, " cried the eldergentleman. "I'll help the boy to hold down the horse, while you undothe traces. What's become of Cato?"

"Here I, my Lord, " said the black tiger, who, having partiallyrecovered, now came hobbling up. 

Owen, in the meantime, had been using every exertion to keep down thespirited horse, until the harness, detached from the cab, would allowthe animal to rise without injuring itself. Several persons, mostlyidle men and women, instead of coming forward to assist, stood by, amused at the disaster which had occurred to the gentlemen. 

"Had but the young cove kept a decent tongue in his head plenty wouldhave been ready to help him, " remarked one of the bystanders. 

The black boy seemed somewhat afraid of the horse, and having scarcelyrecovered was of no use. The gentlemen, therefore, had to depend ontheir own exertions, aided by Owen. 

The one called Reginald, when once he set to work, quickly got theharness unstrapped. 

"Here, Arlingford, you take the horse's head, and let him get up. Outof the way, boy, or he'll be over you, " he shouted to Owen. 

The horse, hitherto held down by Owen, rose to its feet. It took sometime before the eldest of the young men, by patting its neck andspeaking soothingly, could quiet the animal sufficiently to be again putinto the cab. Owen assisted in buckling up the harness, while the blacktiger, now recovered, came and held the horse. 

"Have you got a coin about you of some kind, Arlingford?" asked thenaval officer. "If you have, chuck it to the young fellow. "

Owen did not hear this remark. 

"Here, boy, " cried the elder, putting half-a-crown into Owen's hand;"just take this. "

"No, thank you, sir, " answered Owen, returning the money. "I am happyto have been of any service. I did not think of a reward. "

"Take it, stupid boy, " said Reginald. 

Owen persisted in declining, and turned away. 

"A proud young jackanapes! What is he thinking about?" exclaimedReginald, who spoke loud enough for Owen to hear him. 

"Here, I say, boy, don't be a fool, take this, " and Reginald pitched thecoin at Owen, who, however, not stopping to pick it up, walked on. Asmay be supposed, a scramble immediately ensued among the mob to obtainpossession of the coin, until, shoving at each other, three or fourrolled over against the horse. The effect of this was to make theanimal set off at a rate which it required the utmost exertions of thedriver to control. Indeed the cab nearly met with another accidentbefore it had proceeded many yards. 

Owen had remarked a coronet on the cab. "Can those possibly be youngnoblemen who made use of such coarse language, and who appear to be soutterly devoid of right feeling?" he thought to himself. "I hope that Ishall not meet them again; but I think I should remember them, especially the youngest, who had on a naval uniform. His being a sailorwill account for the activity he showed in unbuckling the harness. "

Owen gave an account of the incident to Mrs Kezia. 

"That is like you, Owen, " she said. "Do what is right without hope offee or reward. I am afraid that the old man does not give you much ofeither. What salary are you getting?"

"I have received nothing as yet; nor has Mr Fluke promised me asalary, " answered Owen. "I conclude that he considers it sufficient toafford me board and lodging, and to teach me the business. I should notthink of asking for more. "

"And you'll not get it until you do, " observed Mrs Kezia. "I'll seeabout that one of these days. "

"Pray do not speak to Mr Fluke, " exclaimed Owen, earnestly; "I amperfectly content, and I am sure that I ought not to think of asking fora salary. If he is good enough to pay for the clothes you have ordered, I shall be more than satisfied, even were I to work even harder than Ido. "

Mr Fluke, however, grumbled, and looked quite angry at Owen, when heappeared in his new suit. Mrs Kezia had been insisting, in her usualstyle, that the boy required new shoes, a hat, and underclothing. 

"You'll be the ruin of me with your extravagant notions, Kezia, "exclaimed Mr Fluke; "you'll spoil the boy. How can you ever expect himto learn economy?"

He, notwithstanding, gave Mrs Kezia the sum she demanded. 

Had it not been for her, Owen would probably have had to wear hisclothes into rags. Mr Fluke would certainly not have remarked theirtattered condition. 

Notwithstanding all Kezia's care, however, Owen's health did not mend. Months went by, he was kept as hard at work as ever. 

Kezia expostulated. At last Mr Fluke agreed to give him some work inthe open air. 

"I'll send him on board the ships in the river; that will do him goodperhaps. "

The very next day Owen was despatched with a letter on business toCaptain Aggett of the ship "Druid, " then discharging cargo in theThames. 

Owen had seen Captain Aggett at the office; he was a tall, fine-lookingman, with a pleasant expression of countenance. He recognised Owen ashe came on board. 

"Stop and have some dinner, my boy, " he said; "the steward is just goingto bring it in. "

Owen, being very hungry, was glad to accept the invitation, and CaptainAggett himself declared that he could not write an answer until he hadhad something to eat. Possibly he said this that Owen might have alegitimate excuse for his delay. The captain had a good deal ofconversation with Owen, with whom he seemed highly pleased. He took himover the ship, and showed him his nautical instruments, which Owen saidhe had never seen, although he had read about them, and knew their use. 

"What! have you learned navigation?" asked Captain Aggett. 

"I am acquainted with the principles, and could very soon learn it, Ibelieve, if I had a book especially explaining the subject, " answeredOwen. 

Captain Aggett handed one to him, telling him to take it home and studyit. 

"Is this the first time you have been on board a ship?" asked thecaptain. 

"Yes, sir; for since I came to London I never have had time, havingalways had work to do in the office, " answered Owen. 

"How long have you been there?" asked the captain, who remarked thatOwen had a cough, and looked very pale. 

"Rather more than a year, sir. "

"Not a very healthy life for a lad accustomed to the country. A seatrip would do you good. Would you like to make one?"

"Very much, if Mr Fluke would allow me, " answered Owen. "I should notwish to do anything of which he might not approve. "

"I'll see about it, youngster, " said Captain Aggett. 

Although Owen was sent on several trips of the same description to othervessels, he was still kept too constantly at work in the office tobenefit much by them. 

He naturally told Kezia of his visit to Captain Aggett, and of theinvitation he had received. 

"Although I should be very sorry to have you go away from here, Owen, Iam sure that the captain is right. It is just what you want; a seavoyage would set you up, and make a man of you, and if you remain in theoffice you'll grow into just such another withered thing as the old man. I'll speak to him, and tell him, if he wants to keep you alive andwell, he must let you take a voyage with the good captain. I have heardof him, and Mr Fluke has a great respect for him, I know. "

Mrs Kezia did not fail to introduce the subject in her usual manner. Mr Fluke would not hear of it. 

"Nonsense, " he answered, "the boy does very well; he can walk to andfrom the office, and eats his meals. "

"He does not eat one-half what he used to do, " answered Kezia; "he isgrowing paler and paler every day. He has a nasty cough, and you willhave him in his grave before long if you don't take care. "

"Pooh! pooh!" answered Mr Fluke. "Boys don't die so easily as that. "He turned away his head to avoid Kezia's glance. 

She did not let the matter drop, however. A fortnight or more hadpassed by. Mr Fluke had missed one of his favourite tulips, which grewin a flower-pot. 

On inquiring for it of Joseph: "It's all safe, " was the answer, "I'mtrying an experiment with it. "

Whenever Mr Fluke asked about the tulip, he always received the samereply: "We shall see how it gets on in a few days. " At length oneafternoon when he came home, somewhat to his surprise, Kezia appeared inthe garden. 

"What about that tulip, Joseph, which master was asking for?" she said. 

"Should you like to see it, sir?" asked Joseph. 

"Of course I should, " answered Mr Fluke, expecting to see the flowergreatly improved in size and beauty. 

"I told Joseph to put it in the tool-house, just to see how it looksafter being shut up in the dark without air, " said Kezia in her mostdetermined manner. 

"In the tool-house!" exclaimed Mr Fluke. "What in the world made youput it there, Joseph?"

"Kezia bade me, sir, and you know I dare not disobey her, " answeredJoseph, demurely. 

"And I bade him just for the reason I said, " exclaimed Kezia. 

"Let us see it by all means, " cried Mr Fluke, hastening in thedirection of the tool-house, which was in a corner of the garden on thenorth side, out of sight. 

Kezia stalked on before her master and her husband. She entered first, and came out with a flower-pot in her hand. The tulip, instead ofhaving gained in size and beauty, looked withered, and its once proudhead hung down, its colours sadly faded. 

"There, " she exclaimed; "that's just like our Owen. You shut him up inyour dark office, and expect him to grow up strong and healthy, with thesame bright complexion he had when he came to us. Some natures willstand it, but his, it is very certain, cannot. Maybe, if we put thistulip in the sun and give it air and water, it will recover; and so mayhe, if you allow him to enjoy the fresh breezes, and the pure air of thesea. Otherwise, as I have told you, all your kindness and the goodintentions you talk of to advance him in life will come to nothing. Irepeat it, Mr Fluke, Owen Hartley will be in his grave before anotheryear is out if he has to breathe for eight hours or more every day theclose atmosphere of Kelson, Fluke and Company's office. "

Mr Fluke walked away without answering Kezia, and kept pacing up anddown the garden in a state of perturbation very unusual for him. 

Owen had been kept at the office, and did not get home until late. Heobserved that Mr Fluke was watching him narrowly. 

"Yes, you do look somewhat pale, " said the old gentleman; "I see it now. How do you feel, boy?"

"Very well, sir, " answered Owen, naturally enough; "only a little tirednow and then. It is my own fault, I suppose, that I do not sleep sosoundly as I used to do, and do not care much about my food. "

The next day, although without any preconcerted arrangement, CaptainAggett called at Mr Fluke's office, and desired to see him on privatebusiness. 

The captain had been a regular customer for many years, and Mr Flukeheld him in great respect. 

"I have taken a fancy to that boy of yours, a relative I understand. Ihave observed how ill he looks, very different from what he was when Isaw him first on my last voyage. If you will let me take him a trip Iwill bring him back safe and sound, the dangers of the sea excepted, andbetter able by far than he is now to attend to your interests. "

Mr Fluke declined to give a positive answer. He would see if the boycould be spared; he was very useful in the office, and it would bedifficult to get any one to supply his place. 

"I will come for a reply to-morrow, " said Captain Aggett, as he took hisdeparture. 

"Well, are you going to let our Owen make a voyage?" asked Kezia whenMr Fluke came home. "There are plenty of captains who would be readyto take the boy. He would be able to make himself as useful to them ashe is to you, and you would be at no cost. "

Mr Fluke, however, only gave Kezia the same reply he had to CaptainAggett. 

"I tell you, before long he'll leave the place vacant whether you likeit or not, " observed Kezia in a firm voice, looking sternly at hermaster. 

"You must have your own way, Kezia, " answered Mr Fluke, turning hishead aside to avoid her gaze, as a dog does when scolded. "If the boywishes to go, he may go, but I'll not send him off against his will. "

Owen was called in and told of Captain Aggett's offer. He acknowledgedthat he wished to accept it. 

"You have been very kind to me, sir, " he said, "and I do not wish toleave you, but I should like to make a voyage and see something of theworld, and I feel as if it would set me up. When I come back I hope tobe of more use to you than ever. "

So it was settled. Mr Fluke never drew back when he had once made apromise, and next day, when Captain Aggett called, Mr Fluke told himthat he might take Owen, and that he himself would defray any expensesto which he might be put on the boy's account. 

Owen wrote immediately to his friends at Fenside. 

John, who replied, expressed their anxiety for the dangers to which hewould be exposed on a long voyage, but if it was considered to be forhis good, they would not urge him to remain on shore, and would prayearnestly that he might be preserved from all the perils of the deep. 

Kezia desired him to ascertain from Captain Aggett what articles wererequired for his outfit; and immediately on obtaining a list, set towork to prepare all that lay within her province. 

CHAPTER FOUR. 

The day arrived for Owen to go on board the "Druid. " She was bound forthe East Indian seas. How far off that was Kezia had no exact notion, but she knew it must be a long way, and many months, at all events, mustpass by before Owen could come back. She embraced him with an affectionwhich made him think of his old nurse, Jane Hayes. "May God, who rulesboth sea and land, protect you from the many dangers you have toencounter. I don't hide them from myself, and I don't want you to shutyour eyes to them, but trust in Him, and be prepared for whatever mayhappen. I'll pray for you, Owen, and He will hear the prayers even ofsuch an obstinate, self-opiniated old woman as I am. "

She had insisted that Joseph should go on board with Owen, in order tobring her back a last account of the boy. She would have gone herself, but she had to take care of the house. 

Owen and Joseph drove off. They were to call at the office at Wappingbefore they took boat to proceed down the river. 

Owen hurried in. Mr Fluke received him in his private room, and, putting a purse into his hand, said, "Take care of that. Spend itscontents as you may find necessary, but do not be swindled out of it. Iam not given to words, Owen, but understand that I am pleased with you, and proud of acknowledging you as a relative; and when you come back, strong and well, as I hope, I shall be glad to see you and stand yourfriend. "

The old man got up and placed his hand on Owen's shoulder, and thenturned away to conceal some very unusual feelings which agitated him. 

Mr Tarwig, who had been his chief task-master, shook him warmly by thehand, and said more kind words than he had ever before been known toutter. The rest of the clerks imitated his example; and Owen, with aheart grateful for all the kindness he had received, rejoined Joseph inthe coach. They were soon at that well-known locality "Wapping oldstairs, " from whence they embarked and pulled down the river to wherethe "Druid" was lying. 

Joseph was able to report that Owen had a small berth to himself openingfrom the main cabin; that Captain Aggett had received him with greatkindness, and expressed his pleasure that he had been allowed to come. 

The river pilot was soon on board, the sails were loosened, the anchorhove up, and the "Druid, " with a fair wind, glided down the stream. 

"Although you may not take to the sea, you'll like to learn as muchseamanship and navigation as you can while you are on board, " observedCaptain Aggett. 

"Indeed I should, sir, " answered Owen; "but I want to make myself usefulto you also, if you can show me how. "

"Certainly you can, " said the captain; "you shall act as my clerk, andyou will be of great assistance to me. "

Fine weather continued, and the "Druid" had a quick passage downchannel. Owen, from the first set to work to learn the names of all thesails and ropes, indeed of everything onboard. 

There were several other boys--apprentices--of whom two were calledmidshipmen, although they had to do the same duty as the rest. CaptainAggett had entered Owen as an apprentice, but he was looked upon as thecaptain's guest, and only mixed with the others when on duty. He wasbusy from morning until night, always learning something, when notengaged in writing for the captain in the cabin. He quickly masteredall the simpler details of seamanship, while the captain in themeantime, according to his promise, gave him instruction in navigation;so that he was shortly able not only to take meridional observationscorrectly (or to shoot the sun, as midshipmen call it), and to work aday's work as well as anyone, but to use the chronometer and to take alunar. 

Owen was not a prodigy; any lad of intelligence; who possesses asufficient knowledge of mathematics, may do the same. He learned tosteer, beginning first in fine weather, and he soon could go aloft andand and reef with any of the lads in the ship, some of whom had alreadymade two or three voyages. The rapid proficiency he acquired, and thefavour bestowed upon him by the captain, created some jealousy in thebreasts of several of his younger shipmates. Strange to say, the firstmate, Jonas Scoones, imbibed an ill-feeling for Owen, without any otherreason, as far as could be known, except that he was the captain'sfavourite. 

Mr Scoones was a first-rate seaman, but a poor navigator, for he wasalmost destitute of education; indeed he was as rough-looking inappearance and manners as any of the men before the mast. How CaptainAggett had consented to his becoming first mate it was difficult to say;perhaps he thought that his excellence as a seaman would make up for hisimperfect knowledge of navigation. He was also a good disciplinarian, and, by mixing freely with the men, while still maintaining his ownposition, he was well able to manage them. The second mate, Ralph Grey, was a great contrast to Jonas Scoones. He was a young man of goodmanners and disposition, well-educated, and was an especially expertnavigator, so that he was well able to assist the captain. 

Scoones overawed him, however, by his blustering, dictatorial manners, so that Grey never ventured to dispute a point with the first mate, however obviously wrong the latter might be. 

Ralph Grey liked Owen, and was always ready to assist him with anyinformation he required, and was never tired of explaining the why andthe wherefore of everything. The third mate was a young man, a fairseaman, but without anything particular about him worthy of notice. 

The captain was certainly not aware of his first mate's propensity todrink hard when the opportunity occurred. Scoones generally avoideddoing so when there was any duty to be performed, but he spent most ofhis time on shore in a state of intoxication, which had certainlycontributed to weaken his mental faculties. 

The "Druid" was a large ship of nearly nine hundred tons, and waschartered by the British Government to carry out stores to the squadronthen engaged in operations against the Dutch East Indian islands, whichhad been taken possession of by the French. She carried sixteen gunsand a numerous crew, in order that she might protect herself, not onlyagainst any French cruisers, but might be able to beat off the piraticalMalay proas which swarmed in those seas. Her duty, however, was not tofight, but simply to defend herself if attacked. That she might be ableto do so, Captain Aggett, as soon as the ship was fairly at sea, exercised the men daily at the guns, by which means he gave them plentyof employment, the best plan for keeping a ship's company in good order. 

Owen took a pleasure in learning the gun exercise, as he did inacquiring a knowledge of all the other duties of a sailor. Every day herapidly gained health and strength, while the colour returned to hischeeks, which were getting well-browned by the hot sun and sea air. 

"Your friends at Wapping would not know you again, " observed CaptainAggett, after they had been at sea a few weeks. "When we get back theywill declare I have exchanged you for some one else. I don't know howyou will like returning to your high desk in Mr Fluke's dingy office. "

"If it is my duty to go back, I shall be ready to do so, sir, " answeredOwen; "but I confess that I should prefer a life at sea, as far as myexperience goes. "

"You are right, Owen; as to doing what duty demands, stick to thatprinciple, and you will never go wrong!" observed the captain. "But youmust remember we do not always enjoy the fine weather we have hithertohad. You must take the rough with the smooth; we may chance to meetwith a typhoon in the eastern seas, or heavy gales off the Cape, andthings won't be as pleasant as they are now. "

"I am aware of that, sir, " said Owen. "When I came to sea I was fullyprepared to meet with bad as well as fair weather. I should be mostsorry not to meet with a gale of wind during the voyage. "

"You are not likely to be disappointed in that respect, although I havebeen out and home without having had to lift tack or sheet for weekstogether, " observed the captain. 

"I was going to ask you, sir, if I might be placed in a watch, shouldyou think me sufficiently competent to do the duty. "

"O yes, I will trust you for that; and as you wish it, you shall be inthe first mate's watch. "

"And so, youngster, you want to turn sailor?" said Mr Scoones, thefirst night on which Owen was in his watch. 

"As I am at sea I wish to learn all I can, " answered Owen. 

"You'll have a chance of picking up a smattering before we get homeagain; but I never knew any `cabin young gentlemen' turn out sailors, "answered the mate, with a sneer. "A man is not worth anything unless hecomes in at the `hawse holes, ' to my mind. "

"I will do my best while I am on board, and get all the knowledge Ican, " said Owen. 

"Well, you'll have to obey me pretty smartly, or look out for squalls, "growled the mate, turning away. 

Owen did not like these remarks, but of course he made no reply. Hesoon found that the first mate acted up to his threats. Among the boyswas a young lad, Nat Midge by name, who was constantly the victim of themate's tyranny. Nat had come to sea for the first time, and, althoughintelligent and fairly educated, did not always understand what he wasto do. He also was in the first mate's watch. When he did not appearto comprehend the orders he received Owen explained them, taking everyopportunity of instructing him. Nat was grateful, and conceived a warmfriendship for his instructor. 

Owen told him how he himself had learned so rapidly, and advised him tofollow the same plan. 

"Among so many men you will find several good natured enough to explainmatters to you, and never fail to ask the why and the wherefore ofanything you see done, " he said. "Do not be disheartened should youreceive a rebuff. If you ask me, and I don't know, I'll try and getinformation from some one. "

Nat followed this advice, and improved rapidly. The first mate had nowno legitimate excuse for ill-treating him, but it seemed, notwithstanding that his ill-feeling towards the lad had increased, sothat even on the most trivial pretexts he would give him a taste of therope's end. Midge, although he keenly felt the ill-treatment hereceived, did not resent it. Of course the example set by the mate wasfollowed by the badly disposed among the crew, who unmercifully bulliedpoor Nat. 

Owen, observing this, was highly indignant. 

"You should complain to the captain. I am sure that he would not allowit, " observed Owen. 

"If I do I shall only be worse off than ever, for the mate will bringproof that I deserve all I get, " answered Nat. 

"But I can bear evidence in your favour, " said Owen. 

"The mate will prove that you know nothing about the matter, that you donot see how I behave, and I shall be treated ten times as badly asbefore, " said poor Nat. "Tom Dicker, who has made two voyages, saysthat he had to go through as much as I have, and advised me to grin andbear it. Sometimes it is more than I feel I can do, and I am like tojump overboard. "

"Don't allow so dreadful a thought to enter your mind, " exclaimed Owen. 

"O no, no! I don't really think of doing it, " answered Nat. "I shouldmiss the object for which I came to sea. I have a number of brothersand sisters, and no father or mother. I want to become a sailor, andmake money and help to support them, for there is only our oldgrandmother left, and it is a hard matter for her to feed and clothethem. "

Owen, on hearing this, became more resolved than ever to protect Nat. He thought over various plans, and at last decided that the next time hesaw the boy punished unjustly he would speak privately but boldly to themate, and try to talk him out of such conduct, but that if he did notsucceed, he would tell the captain and clearly explain how mattersstood. Nat might be somewhat saved by being removed into the secondmate's watch, although he would still of course be subjected toill-treatment in the day-time when all hands were on deck. He had notlong to wait. A paint pot had been upset. The mate came forward, andNat was, by some of his enemies, pointed out as the culprit, whereuponMr Scoones, calling him up, gave him a severe rope's ending. Nat knewthat it was owing to the carelessness of one of the men, but dared notaccuse him. Owen at that moment came forward, but he of course couldnot interfere. When the mate returned aft he went up to him andexplained that Nat was innocent, and went on to say that he had veryoften seen him punished without any just cause. 

"It is sufficient, sir, to make the boy grow weary of life, and what aheavy responsibility would rest on those who drove him to commit an actof desperation. "

"What's all that you are talking about, boy?" exclaimed Mr Scoones, inan angry tone. "Mind your own business; you'll soon be fancyingyourself captain of this ship, I suppose. "

"I know my position, " answered Owen, "but I cannot stand by and see anyone so cruelly ill-treated as Nat Midge is. I do not wish to appear ashis champion in public, but I felt it my duty to speak to you. "

"You'll find it your duty to hold your tongue, youngster, " answered themate, with an oath. "Look out, or I'll treat you as I treat the otherboys; I would advise you in future to attend to your own business. "

Owen feared that he had done no good by speaking to Mr Scoones. Hedetermined therefore to mention the matter to the captain, although wellaware that he should thus bring upon himself the vengeance of the mate. 

He carried out his intention the first time that he found himself alonewith the captain in the cabin. 

"Such things will occur on board ship, " answered Captain Aggett, "but Idid not suppose that the first mate would have been guilty of suchtyranny as you describe; I always fancied that he was a favourite withthe men. "

"He may be with some of them, sir, " observed Owen, "but he certainly isnot with others, and I could not bear longer to see a helpless boyill-treated, as young Midge has been for many weeks past. "

"I'll see to the matter, " said Captain Aggett. "Take care not to letthe mate discover that you have spoken to me; it will place you in adisagreeable position with him, and, if he is capable of acting as youhave described, he may do you some injury. "

"I'll run the risk of that rather than let the boy be bullied, " saidOwen. 

Several days passed by, and, as far as Owen could judge, Nat was bettertreated than formerly; he hoped, therefore, that his remarks to the matehad produced some effect. The mate's manner, however, was distant andsurly, showing that he had no good feeling towards him. When crossingthe line the usual ceremonies were gone through, the captain notconsidering it necessary to forbid them. Neptune, with his wife andTritons, came on board, accompanied by the barber and doctor--thecharacters who invariably take part in the drama. The arrangements hadbeen made under the superintendence of the first mate, who had selectedthe seamen he chiefly favoured. 

A sail triced up was filled with water to serve as a bath. The barbercarried a piece of rusty hoop instead of a razor, and a pot of greasefor lather, while the doctor, with a huge pill box and a knife, which hecalled his lancet, stood by to prescribe the treatment each patient wasto receive. When Neptune and Amphitrite had taken their places, thosewho had not crossed the line were summoned to appear before them, andwere interrogated as to their birth-place and parentage, how long theyhad been at sea, and the voyages they had made. Those who could notgive proof that they were freemen of the ocean were instantly seized, and after being shaved in order to get the hay seeds from their hair, were doused in the bath to wash the dust off their feet. No one had achance of escape, for, if he attempted to fly and hide himself, he waschased and brought back by the Tritons. Owen and Nat Midge were amongthe chief sufferers. The barber covered their faces and heads withlather, and when they attempted to cry out dabbed the brush into theirmouths; then he applied the iron hoop, and scraped away, pretending toshave off their hair, while the doctor felt their pulses, declaring thatthey must be bled and blistered, and take a dozen of his pills. Fortunately, before he could administer his remedies the Tritons carriedthem off to plunge them in the bath. After undergoing this disagreeableprocess for some time till they were almost drowned, they withdifficulty scrambled out, and made their way below. The first matestood by grinning as he saw the youngsters undergoing this ordeal. Owenmade no resistance, nor did he cry out; but as soon as possible he gotaway to his berth, to cleanse himself from the filth with which he hadbeen covered. Some of the other lads and young men resisted lustily, and suffered in consequence far more even than had either Owen or Nat. The crew having amused themselves for some time, the captain ordered themate to pipe to quarters. The bath was emptied, Neptune and his gangspeedily doffed their theatrical costume and appeared in their properdresses, each man hurrying to his station at the guns ready to meet anenemy should one have been in sight. 

"You behaved wisely, Owen, " observed Captain Aggett the next day. "Isaw that you were pretty severely treated, but it would not have donefor me to have interfered; depend upon it, the men will respect you themore for not having complained. "

Owen found that the captain was right. A day or two afterwards one ofthe men, as usual, was ill-treating Nat. Owen, who was on deck, wentforward. 

"If you had a younger brother, or a nephew, how would you like to seehim rope's ended and treated as you do that orphan boy, who has nofriends to protect him?" he exclaimed. 

"Are you an officer of this ship?" asked the man. "If not, what righthave you to command me?"

"I do not command you, " said Owen, "I am merely asking you a simplequestion. "

"The young gentleman's right, " observed several of the men. "Let himalone, Dan; the little chap has had hard lines since he came aboardhere, from you and others, and we won't stand by and see him ill-usedany longer. "

Dan dropped the rope he held in his hand, and turned away, while Owen, hoping that he had gained friends for poor Nat, walked aft. 

"He'll make a smart officer one of these days, " observed one of the men. 

"Ah, that he will, Ned, " said another. "He is as handy already as manywho have been at sea ten times as long. "

The ship had now got well to the southward, and the influence of thetrade-winds began to be felt. With yards squared she stood for theCape. 

Owen had just come on deck, when, looking forward, he saw a figurefalling into the water. Instantly there was a cry of "man overboard. "He ran on to the poop. The first mate, who was the officer of thewatch, instantly gave the necessary orders to clew up the courses, putthe helm down, to brace the yards to starboard, and bring the ship on awind. At the same time preparations were made to lower a boat. 

Owen, who saw that the person, whoever he was, unless a good swimmer, would be drowned before a boat could be lowered, seized a grating, andhove it overboard, then throwing off his jacket, plunged after it. He, though little accustomed to salt water had been from his earliest daysin the habit of swimming in a large pond not far from Fenside, and hispride had been to swim round it several times without resting. He nowbrought his experience into practice; pushing the grating before him, hemade towards the drowning person, who, from the wild way in which hethrew his arms about in attempting to keep afloat, was evidently noswimmer. The sea was tolerably smooth, so that Owen made good way, andin a short time he saw that the person was no other than his friend NatMidge. 

"Cheer up, Nat, " he shouted. "Do not exhaust yourself; keep your handsquiet and tread water. "

Nat heard him, and did his best to obey his injunctions. The shipappeared to be getting further and further from them, but the gratingwould be sufficient to support both if Owen once got it up to Nat. Itwas very clear, however, that Nat could not swim to it. 

Owen struck out with all his might. He would have got on faster withoutthe grating, but, in case Nat should get frightened, it might bedangerous to approach him. "It must be done, though, " thought Owen; "hewill sink if I do not get up to him quickly. " Leaving the grating, therefore, he struck out rapidly for the boy, and had just time to seizehim before, exhausted by his fruitless exertions, he was disappearingbeneath the surface. Owen held him up. Happily the drowning ladretained his senses. 

"Put your hand on my shoulders, " said Owen, "and I will tow you up tothe grating; just float, and do not attempt to help yourself. "

Nat did as he was bid, and at length Owen had the satisfaction ofreaching the grating, which Nat at once grasped. 

"Hold on tight, and do not struggle so as to exhaust yourself. The boatwill soon come to pick us up. If you can keep your head above waterthat is all that is necessary, " said Owen. 

But Nat had scarcely sufficient strength even to hold on. Owen, therefore, taking one of his hands assisted him to retain his holdbeside him. The grating enabled them to keep their heads well out ofthe water, and Owen found that he could raise himself high enough up tolook about him. Where was the ship? She appeared far away to leeward, but, as she had hove to, he felt sure that a boat was being lowered. Still it seemed a long time to wait; the wind was increasing and the seawas getting up. It would be a hard matter to hold on to the grating, over which the sea frequently washed. 

"They won't leave us, Mr Hartley?" said Nat; "it would be hard for youto have to die with me. "

"No fear of that, " answered Owen. "Do not give way; and see, there'sthe boat coming. "

He was right. The boat which had been lowered on the lee side at thatmoment appeared from under the stern of the vessel, and pulled rapidlytowards them. 

Owen undid his handkerchief and waved it above his head. He had thrownoff his cap before he had jumped overboard. 

The boat, which was commanded by the second mate, was soon up to them. 

"You did that well and bravely, Hartley, " said Mr Grey, as Owen wasseated by his side supporting poor Nat, who was in a very exhaustedstate. "I did not know even that you could swim, and you are the onlyone who thought of jumping overboard to the poor lad. "

Loud cheers greeted them as they came alongside, and Owen received thecompliments of the captain and the officers; even Mr Scoonescondescended to acknowledge that he had done a brave thing. 

Nat, under the care of the doctor, soon recovered. 

"You have saved my life, Mr Hartley, and you have stood my friend eversince I came on board this ship, " exclaimed Nat, the tears bursting fromhis eyes. "I wish I could show what I feel, but I cannot, and I nevercan thank you as much as I ought to do, that I know!"

"I don't see that I did anything out of the way, " said Owen. "I sawsomebody drowning, and I just acted as I judged best to save him; anytolerable swimmer could have done the same. "

"That may be, sir, " answered Nat, "but no one thought of doing it, andif you had not I should have been drowned, so I have good reason tothank you. "

Captain Aggett had been for some time unwell, although he had come ondeck as usual. He now grew worse, and for days together was confined tohis cabin. Owen endeavoured to repay the kindness he had received bybeing unremitting in his attentions. He sat by his bedside smoothingthe pillow which supported his fevered head. He read to him whenever hewas able to listen, and was always at hand to give him a cooling mixturewith which to moisten his parched lips. Although he talked of goingashore at the Cape, he had so much recovered by the time the shipreached Table Bay that he resolved to continue the voyage. 

The ship therefore only remained sufficient time to take in water andfresh provisions, and to have some slight repairs made which could notbe done at sea, when she again sailed. 

Owen had been very regular in taking observations, which Mr Grey alwaysfound to be correct, although they differed frequently from those of thefirst mate. 

"The truth is that he is wrong, and you are right, " observed Mr Grey. "If the captain falls ill again I do not know which of us two is tonavigate the ship. If we go by his calculations, the chances are thatwe shall run her bows on some rock or other. "

"I sincerely hope that the captain will not fall ill, " said Owen. "Ifhe does, I am afraid that Mr Scoones will not acknowledge that hehimself is ever out in his calculations. "

Unhappily the captain's fever returned, and he became utterly unable toleave his berth. The doctor shook his head when speaking about him, andexpressed a fear that his illness would prove fatal. 

CHAPTER FIVE. 

The "Druid" had run more than half across the Indian Ocean. She hadencountered a heavy gale, and had been driven somewhat out of hercourse, but the weather moderated, and she was now steering for theStraits of Sunda. Unfortunately she received considerable damage. Oneof her boats had been lost, her bulwarks stove in, and her fore-yardsprung. 

The captain, who had been on deck during the continuance of the gale, had over-exerted himself, and was now again confined to his cot. Forseveral days, owing to a cloudy sky, no observation had been taken. Owen had one evening entered the cabin shortly before the time fortaking a lunar observation, in order to ascertain the longitude. MrGrey had just before gone on deck with his sextant. 

"Is the weather clear?" asked Captain Aggett. 

"Yes, sir. There are but few clouds, and I think we shall get a goodobservation. "

"I must go on deck and take one, " said the captain, attempting to rise. He sank back, however, before he could get out of his cot. Owenendeavoured to assist him, but his strength was insufficient. Again thecaptain endeavoured to rise. "I am weaker than I fancied, " he murmured. He lay quiet for a few minutes. 

"Owen, " he said at length, "I am afraid that my days are numbered. Ishould have been thankful had I lived to carry the ship into port, butGod may will it otherwise. If I die, when you get home, see my poorwidow, and deliver to her such property as I possess. She will not beleft as well off as I should wish. I have not been as prudent as Iought to have been. "

"You may trust that to me, sir, and I will do the best I can, " answeredOwen; "but perhaps you are not so ill as you suppose. Let me call thedoctor, and he may give you something to restore your strength. "

"Yes, call him; but I doubt if anything he can give me will do that, "answered the captain. 

The doctor had turned in, but immediately rose on being summoned byOwen. He brought some medicine with him, which he at once gave to thecaptain on feeling his pulse. 

"You are a brave man, Captain Aggett, " he said, "I will not disguise thetruth from you. You are sinking. Any worldly matters you have toarrange should be settled without delay. "

"I have done that already, doctor, " answered the captain, in a weakvoice. "Who has the watch, Owen?"

"The third mate, sir, " he answered. 

"I will see the first and second mates then, as soon as they havefinished their observations. Go and call them, Owen, " said the captain. 

Owen hurried on deck. The second mate, with the assistance of thethird, had just taken a satisfactory observation. 

Owen told Mr Grey that the captain wished to see him, but Mr Scooneshad not made his appearance on deck. Owen found him in his berth, andgave him the captain's message. 

"Dying, is he? That's the lot of all men, " observed the mate in anindifferent tone. 

Owen saw that, although not tipsy, he had been drinking, but hoped thatthe captain's last words would have a good effect. He therefore said--

"Come, sir, quickly, or I fear that Captain Aggett may be dead beforeyou get to him. "

Unwilling to be absent longer than possible, he then hastened back tothe cabin. The second mate was with the captain, who was weaker thanbefore, although perfectly composed. He had been bidding Mr Greyfarewell, and had been sending a few parting words to the officers andcrew. The first mate soon appeared. 

"I wish to say good-bye, Mr Scoones, " said the captain. "I am anxiousabout one point, and you will pardon me if I tell you what it is. Iknow you to be a first-rate seaman; you are one of those who never ordera man to do what you are not ready to do yourself; but you are not agood navigator, for I have several times found that you have mademistakes in your calculations. I wish, therefore, when you take commandof this ship that you should trust to Mr Grey's and Owen Hartley'scalculations. Owen has had the advantage of a careful training, so thatyou have no cause to be jealous of him. "

"They may be the best calculators in the world for what I care, "answered the first mate, roughly; "but I will back Jonas Scoones to takea ship round the world with any man alive, so do not trouble yourself onthat point, Captain Aggett. You and I have never had a tiff while wehave sailed together, and I do not want to have one now, so I'll say nomore about the matter. "

This unsatisfactory answer evidently pained the captain, but he was tooweak to reply. He put out his hand. 

"I wish you would listen to reason, " he said. "The consequences may beserious if you do not. "

The first mate turned away, for he was not a man who liked to be at adeath-bed; it made him think of what might happen to himself. 

The captain being anxious to know the exact position of the ship, thesecond mate went into the main cabin to make his calculations. 

Owen and the doctor remained with the captain. He did not rally, andjust before daybreak, as he himself believed would be the case, hebreathed his last. 

The doctor, as was his duty, reported the event to the first mate. 

"We shall see who is going to be captain now, " exclaimed thelatter--"Mr Grey, that youngster, or I. From the way Captain Aggetttalked, one would have supposed that he fancied young Hartley was aswell able to take charge of the ship as a man who has been to sea allhis life. The youngster will soon find out his mistake. "

Owen knew that Mr Scoones had now the power to treat him in any way hemight please--to confine him to his cabin, or even to put him in irons;at all events, that his own position in the ship would be greatlyaltered. Scarcely, indeed, had the captain's body been committed to itsocean grave than Mr Scoones turned him out of the cabin and made himtake up his berth with the apprentices amidships. Owen bore his changeof circumstances without complaining. He considered that there would beno use in expostulating with Mr Scoones; indeed, that by so doing hemight make matters worse. 

The first mate, or rather the captain, for so he insisted on beingcalled, ordered him about as he did the other apprentices, and made himperform the roughest style of work. 

"You want to be a sailor, my lad, and I never knew one who did not diphis hand in the tar bucket, and you will now have to put yours in veryoften, " he exclaimed. He then ordered Owen to black down some of therigging. 

It was a seaman's duty, and Owen was ready to perform it. Mr Scoones, seeing that he obeyed willingly, was resolved to try him yet further, and ordered him aft to sweep out the cabin and to wait upon him attable. The doctor, who was a kind man, on discovering this, advisedOwen to decline obeying the order. 

"He now commands the ship, and as long as he does not direct me to doanything which will injure any one, I am bound, I consider, to obey, "answered Owen. "It is not pleasant, but I do not thus really disgracemyself. "

Owen had been accustomed to take an observation with the captain andmates. As soon as he appeared, Mr Scoones ordered him off the poop, exclaiming, in an angry tone--

"We don't want any boys fresh from school here with their new-fanglednotions. If I see that sextant again I will break it to pieces. Themates and I can look after the navigation of the ship, I expect, withoutyour assistance. "

Owen went below and stowed away his sextant, which was one given him byCaptain Aggett, and which he highly prized. The other officers wereindignant at the way in which Owen was treated, and no one was more sothan Nat Midge. He almost cried with rage when Owen came below and toldhim what had occurred. 

"I don't care for what he says, " observed Owen, "but I am vexed at notbeing allowed to improve myself in navigation. I hope that we may get anew captain when we reach Batavia. "

"I am sure so do I, " said Nat. "If it were not for you, I'd run fromthe ship. I should not like to leave you, and I wish you would comewith me. "

Owen laughed. "I do not think we should improve matters by that, " hesaid. "It would only be like falling out of the frying pan into thefire. "

"I could not be worse off than I am on board this ship, for I have led adog's life ever since our kind captain died, " answered Nat. "It was badenough before, but I have been far worse treated since by the first mateand some of the men. "

Owen endeavoured to comfort Nat. "When things get to the worst they aresure to change for the better, " he remarked. He ultimately persuadedNat to bear patiently any ill-treatment he might receive. 

Several days passed by without any event of importance occurring, Owenall the time performing sailor boy's duty. The second and third mates'observations did not agree with those of the new commander, who, insisting that he was right, would not attend to theirs, but kept theship on the course he had marked out. The weather had been tolerablyfine since the first gale, but signs of a change now appeared. MrScoones, however, declared that the wind would not be down upon them forsome hours to come, and kept all the canvas standing as before. Suddenly the wind dropped, and the sails flapped loudly against themasts. It was Mr Grey's watch; he had just relieved the third mate. Casting his eye to the northward, he shouted--

"All hands on deck; shorten sail! Be smart, my lads, or we shall havethe masts whipped over the sides. "

The crew who were on deck flew aloft; the watch below came tumbling upand hastened to join the rest, some laying out on the fore andmain-topsail yards, while others handed the royals and topgallant sails. Owen, with the other boys, lay out on the mizen-topsail yard. 

"What's all this about?" exclaimed Mr Scoones, who had been in hiscabin. His face was flushed and manner excited. "Why don't you waituntil I order you to shorten sail?" he added, turning to the secondmate. 

"Because there would not have been time to save the ship's masts andspars, " answered Mr Grey, in a firmer tone than he had hithertoassumed. 

"Shake out the reefs and make sail again, " shouted the captain. 

"Go on, and carry out the orders I gave you!" cried Mr Grey. "While Iremain second officer of this ship, I will not stand by and let her cometo harm if I can help it. "

"Mutiny! mutiny!" shouted Mr Scoones; but the men, who saw as clearlyas the second mate the importance of shortening sail, continued theirwork. Even the boys, although holding him in dread, instigated by Owenand Nat, remained aloft, until they had handed the mizen-royal andtopgallant sail, and close reefed the topsail. Scoones, completelybeside himself, was hurrying off the deck, apparently for the purpose, from the words he let drop, of getting his pistols, when a long thinline of hissing foam was seen rushing across the ocean. 

"Down, my lads, down, quick, " cried the mate. 

The boys rapidly descended from the mizen-yard. Then the voice of thehurricane was heard, and a fierce wind struck the ship. In an instantshe heeled over, and the close reefed mizen-topsail was blown from thebolt ropes. The helm being put up, she, however, righted, and away sheflew before the hissing and foaming sea, which now rose up on eitherside as if eager to overwhelm her. 

"We must furl the main-topsail, " exclaimed Mr Grey, as soon as theyards were squared. 

Scarcely were the words uttered, than with a clap like thunder the sailwas blown away, and flying out in tatters was quickly whisked round andround the yard. Whatever had been the intentions of the first mate, henow returned perfectly sobered, and taking the command, issued everysubsequent order with coolness. He did not however, condescend topraise Mr Grey, by whose promptness the ship had been saved. 

For two days the ship ran on under a close reefed fore topsail. Thefore-yard had been so well fished that it stood the immense strain putupon it, although most of the crew expected every instant to see it go. Once more the wind moderating, the sorely battered "Druid" hauled upagain on her course. The sky, however, was obscured, and the weatherthick, and no observation could be taken. Mr Grey had carefully keptthe reckoning, and knew, as he believed, more or less, her position; buthe found, on comparing notes, that the calculations made by Mr Scoonesplaced her at a considerable distance from where he supposed she was; hewas therefore eagerly looking out for a glimpse of the sun by day or astar by night to ascertain which was correct. The wind was againfavourable, and for some days they had been making good progress. 

It was night, and the ship was running along with a pretty stiff breezeand a moderate sea under whole topsails and topgallant sails. MrScoones, although acting as captain, found it necessary to keep hiswatch, in which Owen and Nat remained as before. The sky was cloudy, and as there was no moon it was very dark. A good look-out was keptforward, although the keenest pair of eyes could not have pierced thegloom many fathoms ahead. Mr Scoones paced the deck, every now andthen, shouting to the men forward. Some care seemed to oppress him. Hemight not have had the full confidence in his own reckoning which heprofessed to have. Still, as the proud ship went scudding on across thebroad ocean, no one would have supposed that danger was near. 

Owen was on the quarter-deck, when a startling cry came from forward. 

"Breakers ahead! breakers on the starboard bow!"

"Down with the helm, " shouted the first mate, rushing to assist the manat the wheel; but ere he reached him an ominous grating noise was heard, the ship trembled through her whole frame, but she surged on. 

"We may yet scrape free, " cried some of the men, as they sprang to thebraces. 

The next instant, however, there came a fearful crash; the tall maststottered, the fore and main topmasts fell over the side, still leaving, however, the lower yards standing; the mizen mast at the same instantwent by the board. The wheel spun round, casting the helmsman to thedeck. A huge sea striking the devoted ship swept him and several othersoverboard. 

Owen found Nat Midge close to him. 

"Let us hold on to the stanchions until daylight, and we shall then seewhere we are, " said Owen. "There is no use in attempting to do anythingnow, and it is dangerous to move about, as we may be washed overboard. "

In the meantime the rest of the officers and the watch had rushed ondeck, and a cry arose of "Clear away the boats!" Several of the crewattempted to perform this difficult operation, but the fore-part of thefirst boat as she was being lowered hung in the falls, and the men whojumped into her were swept out, while she, driven against the side ofthe ship, was immediately knocked to pieces. An attempt was made tolaunch another boat on the same side, and although she reached thewater, so many sprang into her that she filled before she could beshoved off. A few got on board by the falls, but the rest were drowned. 

"We will hoist out the long-boat, " cried Mr Scoones. "We shall have tocut away the masts, and we must get her into the water before that. "

He issued the orders to rig the necessary tackles. As this boat was tobe got into the water on the lee side, there was a greater probabilityof her swimming, provided she did not encounter any rocks. 

"Hadn't we better try to get in her?" said Nat to Owen. 

"She is not in the water yet, " answered Owen, "and if she were, I doubtif Mr Scoones would let us; besides, she will run a great risk of beingthrown on the rocks, or swamped during the darkness. The ship does notgive signs of going to pieces yet; perhaps the wind may abate beforemorning, we shall then be able to get ashore on a raft, if any shore isnear, and there is one boat left which nobody seems to have thought oflaunching. "

"I'll do as you advise, but perhaps we may get off in the boatby-and-by, " said Nat. 

They eagerly watched the operation of launching the long-boat. Theseas, which had battered in a portion of the bulwarks, swept across thefore-part of the deck, and rendered it very difficult. Two or three ofthe men who neglected to secure themselves were carried overboard. Onesaved himself by a rope, but the shrieks of the others were heard asthey struggled vainly in the seething ocean. 

What had become of the doctor, and the other officers and apprentices, Owen could not tell. Mr Scoones he could hear issuing his orders, buthe had reason to fear that some of the others had been washed overboard, or perhaps killed by the falling blocks and spars. Still a good manymen remained, the greater number of whom were engaged in lowering theboat on which they believed their safety depended. At length she waslaunched over the side, and five or six men got into her, and shoutedout far oars. 

A search was made for them, but only three could be found; without moreshe would be almost helpless in the raging sea. She was now held by awarp, floating clear of the ship, which was working fearfully on therocks. 

"She will go to pieces if we do not cut away the masts, " shouted MrScoones. "Axes! axes!"

They were brought, and the boat being veered off to a safe distance, thetwo remaining masts were, with a few strokes, cut away, and falling overon the lee side, were allowed to float clear of the wreck. 

Nothing more could now be done until morning, for which all handseagerly waited. 

"The boat won't hold half of us. Let us form a raft, lads, " shouted MrFidd, the boatswain. 

This was no easy matter in the dark. The brave boatswain setting theexample, a portion of the crew began to collect such spars as they couldfind on board, and to drag them to the after part of the deck, which wasmore protected than the other parts of the ship, over which the seacontinually broke, carrying away everything before it. 

"We ought to be assisting, " cried Owen, who with Nat had hithertoretained their tolerably secure places. "We are better off here, "answered Nat. "It's our duty to help our shipmates, " answered Owen, andhe, followed by Nat, joined the working party. 

They found great difficulty in keeping on their feet. The deck was wetand slippery, and inclined over towards the lee side. The bulwarks onthat side had been gradually torn away, so that every instant the riskincreased of their being carried overboard. Still, Owen and hiscompanions persevered One only of the apprentices had joined them. "Where are the others?" asked Owen. 

"They are gone, I am afraid. I saw them standing together trying tolower a boat, when a sea took the whole of them off their legs. I wasnearly gone too, but got hold of a rope just in time to save myself, "was the answer. 

It would have been better if Mr Scoones had endeavoured to keep all themen employed. As soon as he had declared that nothing more could bedone until daylight, several of them stole away instead of joining thoseworking at the raft. Some time had passed, when Owen heard voicescoming out of the captain's cabin, some singing sea ditties, othersshouting loudly in discordant tones. 

"The rascals have gone in and got drunk, " cried the boatswain, who heardthem also. He made his way into the cabin, intending to turn them out. His efforts were in vain, they jeered and laughed at him. 

"If the ship goes down, we intend to go down with her, " cried one of hisown mates. "A short life and a merry one. Oh! come and join us, oldFidd. "

The boatswain finding remonstrance useless, and unwilling to waste timereturned to his labours. Just at that moment there came a fearfulcrash, the stout timbers and beams were rent, as if composed of meretouchwood. The ship broke in two. The sea, rushing through the sternports, swept every one out of the cabin, and the ribald songs and jestsof those within were in a moment changed for cries of help and mercy. 

Owen and Nat regained their former position, where they were partiallyprotected by the only portion of the bulwarks remaining above water. The survivors of the crew on the after part of the ship here joinedthem. The raft, still incomplete, remained on deck. What had become ofthe boat they could not tell, but shouts were heard amid the roaring ofthe sea, which came either from her, or from some of the men who hadgained the other part of the wreck. No one having seen Mr Scoones, itwas supposed that he had shared the fate of the other officers. 

Never had a night appeared so long to Owen. Eagerly he and hiscompanions in misfortune looked out for the first streaks of dawn in theeastern horizon. They appeared at last, and a faint cheer burst fromthe seamen. 

"A sail! a sail!" cried Mike Coffey, an Irish seaman. All eyes were atonce turned in the direction he pointed, but, as the light increased, disappointment took the place of the hopes which had been raised, andthe jagged point of a rock, whitened by the sea-birds perched upon it, was seen rising above the troubled waters. The remnant of theshipwrecked crew now looked out in the opposite direction, in the hopeof discovering land. 

A line of rocks rising a few feet out of the water were alone visible atthe distance of eighty or a hundred fathoms from the ship. 

The long-boat, on which their hopes of safety depended, had been carriedaway when the ship parted, and was nowhere to be seen. By theincreasing light, however, some people were observed on the rock. Thoseon the wreck waved to them. The signal was returned. Some of theirshipmates had thus reached a place of comparative safety. As daylightincreased the wind considerably lessened, but still the heavy surgescontinued beating against the wreck. 

"Come, lads, " cried the boatswain, "we will finish the raft, and getaway from this before the old ship goes to pieces completely. "

A second invitation was not required, and all hands set to work with awill. It was soon finished and launched, but how to guide it to therocks was a difficult question. 

"Before we shove off we must try and get some provisions and water, "said Owen, more thoughtful than his companions. 

"You are right, youngster, " answered Mr Fidd. A cask of water whichhad washed up was fortunately secured, as was a tub of butter, a barrelof salt beef, and another of flour, and some cases containing cheese, dried fruit, and biscuits. 

Here was sufficient food to support the crew for a few days, should theyreach the rocks in safety. There seethed, however, a greet likelihoodof their not doing that, as the raft must inevitably be turned over bythe surf as it reached the rocks, and dashed against them. 

"We must find a warp, lads, and then we will do it, " cried theboatswain. 

A search was made, and a rope of sufficient length and strength wasdiscovered. One end was secured to the firmest part of the wreck, therest of the coil being thrown on the raft. 

"Now, lads, steady, " cried the boatswain; "let each man take his place--four to the paddles, and the rest to stand by the warp to pay it out asI direct. "

The raft was all this time surging up and down, go that the men had nolittle difficulty in seating themselves on it. Had there been anyscrambling, many probably would have been washed off. The boatswainculling them by name, they sprang on to the raft two at a time, andsecured themselves as he directed. Owen and Nat had not been summoned. 

"Are we to be left behind?" cried Nat. 

"Not if we can help it, " said Owen. 

Some of the men on the raft were shouting out, "Shove off! shove off!"Those nearest the wreck got out their knives and cut the ropes whichheld it. Owen and Nat rushed across the deck, and were about to springon board, when the men who had charge of the warp paid it out, and aheavy sea sweeping round, carried the raft to a considerable distance. 

"Haul in again, lads, we must not leave those boys behind, " shouted theboatswain. 

But the men did not appear to heed him. They scarcely, indeed, had thepower to do as he ordered. The raft went tossing up and down, and wascarried farther and farther from the wreck. 

"Oh! they have deserted us, " cried Nat. 

"Never mind, we must make a raft for ourselves, " answered Owen; "thelighter the better, and the more the sea goes down, the more easily weshall get a landing on the rocks. " They found a couple of gratings, andtwo small spars. These they lashed together. 

"We must secure some lanyards to hold on by, " said Owen. 

There was still plenty of small rope which had become entangled in theshattered bulwarks, and their raft was soon completed. They hadhitherto not had time to watch the progress of the large raft. Just asthey were about to launch their own they looked out for it. At thatmoment they saw a sea strike it; the warp parted, or was carried out ofthe men's hands, and the raft was turned completely over, the nextinstant to be dashed violently against the rocks, every soul beingwashed off. Owen saw that many of the men were striking out, and werehelped up by their companions on the rocks. 

"The same thing may happen to our small raft, " said Nat. 

"I hope not, " said Owen; "we will make a couple of paddles, and we shallthen be able to guide it. "

They returned for this purpose. The tools, fortunately for them, hadbeen left behind. The paddles were soon made. 

"In case we get on shore safely, these tools may be useful. You gofirst, Nat, and I will hand them to you, " said Owen. 

Nat sprang on to the raft. Owen then handed down a bag of nails, ahammer and saw, some gimlets and chisels, which Nat secured, as he wasdirected by Owen, who leapt down after him. As it was dangerous toremain alongside the wreck among the masses of timbers, they immediatelycast off the ropes and began paddling away. 

Their slight raft was several times nearly struck by pieces of floatingwreck. Shoving away from them with their paddles, they, however, floated clear. Owen observed an opening between two of the higherrocks. 

"If we can pass through there we may get round the lee side, and landwithout difficulty, " he said. 

They exerted all their strength to reach the opening. Again they werein great danger from a piece of wreck which came surging up and downclose to them. They, however, scraped clear of it. "We shall getthrough now, " cried Owen; "paddle away, Nat. "

In a few minutes more they reached the opening, which was just wideenough to allow their small raft to pass through. 

"Hurrah! we have done it, " cried Nat, as they saw the white surfbreaking astern of them. The current, however, threatened to carry themout to sea, but by great exertion they kept close to the rocks, andpaddled on. At length they reached the rock where their shipmates werecollected. As they scrambled up on the rock the first person they sawwas Mr Scoones. 

"Well, youngsters, you little expected to find me here, I've anopinion, " he said; "you'll have to look out, and do as I order you. "

Owen had expected a more friendly greeting from those who had escaped. Neither he nor Nat made any reply. They at once carried up the toolswhich they had brought for safety to the top of the rock. Several ofthe men who had reached the rock congratulated them on their escape. Owen inquired for Mr Grey and the other officers. No one had seenthem, and it was feared that they had been washed away by the seas whichbroke over the ship when she first struck. The long-boat had beendriven against the rocks and dashed to pieces, although those in her hadmanaged to reach the rock. Owen was grieved also to hear that theboatswain had been lost, with several of the men, when the raft turnedover. The only officer, indeed, who had escaped was Mr Scoones. 

The position of the sufferers, numbering altogether twenty persons, wasstill dangerous in the extreme, as at any moment the sea might rise andsweep them all away. As the morning mists cleared off and the sun burstforth, they saw, a couple of miles to the eastward and southward, asand-bank, which rose apparently some feet above the water. Theintervening space appeared to be filled up with rocks and sand, so thatit might be passed by wading, and perhaps occasionally swimming to getover it. Mr Scoones pointed out to the men that their only chance ofsafety was at once to get to the sand-bank, which was of considerableextent. 

"The youngsters raft will assist us to carry across the things whichhave been saved, " he observed. 

Fortunately most of the casks which had been brought by the large rafthad been picked up, as well as a good many others. Those which wouldnot float of themselves were now placed on the small raft, and the mate, taking a long spar in his hand, set out to lead the way. Four of themen took charge of the raft, while others dragged after them casks ofbeef and water and two of beer. Owen was thankful that no spirits hadbeen picked up. He knew too well what would have been the consequence. 

"I am afraid, Owen, that I shall not be able to get across if there areany deep places, " said Nat, "as you know I cannot swim. "

"Then you keep close to the raft, and I will get the men to let you holdon to it. "

The two lads had taken two of the casks of water, which was as much asthey could drag. The men who had charge of the raft, fortunately, wereamongst the best of the crew, and at once acceded to Owen's request;indeed they looked upon him as an officer, and were willing to obey himas such. Mr Scoones, who was a powerful man, aided by his long pole, made great progress. Every now and then, when he got to a distance fromthe men, he turned round and shouted to them to come faster. 

"It's all very well for him to cry out come faster when he has gotnothing to carry, " grumbled some of the men. 

Presently, as he was shouting out, he was seen suddenly to sink down; hehad stepped without feeling his way into deep water. He, however, atonce struck out; in a short time he again rose, and pressed on asbefore. When the raft reached the deep water Owen made Nat hold on toit, and he swimming they soon got across. Several of the men, however, who could not swim had to be assisted by their shipmates and draggedover by ropes, which the best swimmers carried across. As they wentalong they found several articles floating about, and these were addedto those they were dragging with them. 

They were crossing a narrow channel, in which the water reached up totheir middles, when one of the men cried out, "A big fish; he will serveus for dinner. " The fish swam up the channel where the water wasshallower. Chase was made, and before it could escape it was overtakenby two of the men, who had provided themselves with broken spars aswalking sticks. Having stunned it by the heavy blows they inflicted, they towed it back in triumph. 

"Why, you have got a young shark!" exclaimed Mike Coffey; "surely he'llbe eating us up, for he's only half kilt. " Whereupon the Irishman, taking out his knife, nearly severed its head from its body. "He'll notbe afther doing us any harm now, " he said, laughing, as he secured theprize. 

At length the sand-bank was reached. It was found to be much higher outof the water than at first supposed, and of considerable extent; but nota tree grew upon it, nor was it probable that a spring of water would befound there. They might exist for a short time, exposed to the burningrays of the sun by day and the dews by night. When Owen looked at thetwo small casks of water, he reflected that it could not last more thanfive or six days, even with the greatest economy. The raft being hauledup on the beach, the various articles they had brought were placedtogether. 

"Men, " said Mr Scoones, "we have got provisions enough here to keepbody and soul together for ten days or more; in the meantime we must seewhat can be done to make our escape. Perhaps one of the boats may bedriven on shore, or, if not, we must build a raft and make our way toJava, or maybe some ship may appear and take us off. It won't do for atto be down-hearted. "

"Can you tell about where we are?" asked Owen. 

"What's that to you, youngster?" answered the mate, who in reality hadbeen utterly ignorant of the position of the ship when she struck. 

Owen walked away: he saw that the less communication he had with MrScoones the better. 

He proposed to Mike Coffey and two other men that they should make anexcursion along the beach, in the hopes of picking up any articles whichmight be washed ashore from the wreck. 

"Shure, we will have our dinner first off the shark, " observed Mike, "orthere will be but poor picking for us when we come back. "

Among the things saved was a tinder box and matches; the latter wereperfectly wet, and it was supposed that they were spoiled. Owen, however, undertook to dry them. 

"If you will pick up the fuel, we will soon have a fire burning, " heobserved. 

By exposing the matches to the hot sun they quickly dried. Fromportions of the wreck driven on shore during the night and old driftwood, a sufficient amount of fuel was collected to form a good fire. After some trouble one of the matches was lighted. The men cheered asthey saw it blaze up, and bits of paper were produced to catch thewelcome flame. In a short time a good fire was burning, at which theshark, cut up in pieces, was placed to cook. 

Owen saw the beer barrel broached with considerable uneasiness. However, he could not interfere. All hands obtained a good meal fromthe roasted shark and some sopped biscuit, which Mr Scoones served outto them. Owen and his companions then set out, and were fortunateenough in finding several casks, cases, and bales of goods; and what wasof still greater value, the main topmast, with its spars, rigging andcanvas, although apparently in inextricable entanglement. Theyimmediately set to work, however, and, by using their knives, succeededin dragging up a topsail and topgallant sail. 

"This will assist us in forming a tent, " said Owen; "and if we can findanother sail or two we may have shelter enough for all hands. "

Two of the men volunteered to tow the heavier articles they had foundalong the beach, while Owen, with Nat and Mike, dragged the sails towhere they had left their companions. 

"Shure, " said Mike, "it would be wiser to camp where we are, or maybe, when we get the tent up, Mr Scoones will be afther turnin' us out. "

"I hope he won't act so unjustly, " said Owen; "and we must not set theexample of selfishness for fear of his doing so. "

The spars they had brought served as a tent pole, and as there wereplenty of lengths of small rope, in a short time a tent was put up ofsufficient size to accommodate the whole party. As they were all veryweary, they gladly lay down to rest, and thus commenced their firstnight on this truly desert island. 

CHAPTER SIX. 

Owen was awakened by a kick in the side. 

"Rouse out, there, you lazy young rascal. Light the fire, and get thebreakfast ready, " said the person who had thus rudely disturbed hisslumbers. 

Glancing up, he saw the first mate standing over him. He sprang to hisfeet, looking, as he felt, much astonished at the treatment he hadreceived. 

"Call the other boy to help you, " continued Mr Scoones. "Be sharpabout it. "

Owen made no reply. He knew that to do so would be useless, and wouldprobably increase the mate's ill-temper. He shook Nat, who was sleepingnear him, by the shoulder, and told him what the mate had ordered themto do. The rest of the men were still sleeping. As Owen and Nat wentout of the tent they saw the mate take a bottle from a case which he hadkept close to where he had slept, and fill up a tin cup. It wasprobably not the first draught he had taken that morning. Owen and Natcollected all the wood they could find, and piled it up a short distancefrom the tent. A light was struck, but it was some time before theycould produce a flame. 

"Be quick there, boys, or you shall have a taste of the rope's end, "shouted the mate from within the tent. 

"He seems in a terribly bad humour this morning, " said Nat. 

"I am afraid his temper will not improve if he continues to drink as hehas begun to do, " answered Owen. "What I fear is, that the men willfollow his example, and that nothing will be done to preserve our lives. However, it becomes the more necessary that we should exert ourselves, and use the sense God has given us. "

"It seems strange that Mr Grey and the other officers should have beenlost, and this one have been saved, " observed Nat. 

"We do not understand God's ways; all we know is that He orderseverything for the best, " answered Owen. "He may have allowed them tobe drowned to save them from greater suffering. "

They spoke in low whispers so that the mate could not hear them. Bythis time the sun had risen above the horizon. As the sky was uncloudedits rays struck with great force on their bare heads, for they had losttheir hats. 

"We must make some covering for our heads, or we shall be suffering fromsun-stroke, " observed Owen. "What I dread most, however, is the want ofwater; we must search for it. I have heard that even on such sandyislands as this springs have been found. If we can discover one, it maybe the means of saving our lives. Blow away, Nat, we shall soon have ablaze. "

In a short time a brisk fire was burning. The other men now began torouse up. The mate ordered Mike Coffey to act as cook. Among thearticles saved was a large iron fish-kettle. The provisions were nowturned over to discover what was most suitable for breakfast. 

"Shure the best way to cook the food will be to boil all together, "observed Mike. Having filled the kettle half full of water, he cut upwhatever was brought to him; some beef, biscuits, a tin of preservedvegetables, a drowned fowl, and some handfuls of split peas. He hadfixed over the fire a tripod of three poles, to which he hung hiskettle, which Owen and Nat were told to watch in order to prevent thepoles burning through. 

The mate sat in the tent, apparently with no intention of exertinghimself, while the rest of the men wandered about in twos and threesalong the shore, in search of anything that might have been cast up. Itwas possible, also, that they may have been discussing together themate's conduct, as every now and then one of them looked back at thetent to see if he was coming out. He sat still, evidently consideringthat the others were bound to obey him. By the time the seamen cameback Mike's porridge, as he called it, was ready. The lid of the kettleserved as a dish, into which he baled it with a tin cup. How it wasafterwards to be divided was the difficulty, as there were only threecup among the whole party. 

"I saw some big shells on the beach, " said Nat; "they will serve us forplates. "

He and Owen went down and soon collected enough for all hands. The mateclaimed his share first, and ordered a shell as well as his cup to befilled. The men looked at each other, but said nothing. 

Mike's porridge was pronounced excellent. 

"Shure, mates, you shall have the same for dinner, " he said; "but thereis one thing I've got to ask--how long is it to last? We have made agood hole in the beef cask already; we shall make a bigger one atdinner-time. "

The men, however, did not listen to the Irishman's remark, but as soonas the meal was over lay down, some in the shade of the tent, whilstothers, indifferent to the heat of the sun, stretched themselves on thesand, exposed to its full force. Some had saved their pipes, otherstheir tobacco, and the pipes being filled, were passed round. Precioustime was thus lost which should have been employed in searching forprovisions which might have been cast on shore. 

"Although others are idle it is no reason why we should be so, " observedOwen to Nat and Mike. "Come along, let us see what we can find. "

Mike, though an Irishman, was a very steady fellow, and at once agreedto what Owen proposed. Nat was always ready, and they set out. Theyhad not gone far when they found several casks and bales which had beenwashed out of the wreck. 

They dragged them up on the beach to wait an examination at a futuretime. They opened only one bale, which contained muslin. 

"Very little use this to us, " observed Nat. "On the contrary, it willbe of the greatest service, " answered Owen. "We can make coverings withit for our heads, which will afford greater protection against the heatthan any hats we could manufacture. My head has begun to ache already. "

"Mr Hartley is right, " said Mike. "The Indian fellows out here alwayswear things of this sort on their heads. "

Owen had no great notion how to form a turban, but he had seen picturesof Orientals, and was aware that their headdress consisted of longtwists of muslin turned round and round. He immediately set to work, and fitted one to Nat's head. 

"Shure you look like an illegint hathin, " said Mike. "Now, Mr Hartley, just plase to fit me with one like it. "

Owen succeeded better even than he had in Nat's case. He then made onefor himself, and they all laughed heartily as they looked at each other. 

"If any Indians come this way they'll be afther taking us forcountrymen, and be friendly at once, " said Mike. 

"I don't think there is much chance of that, but we shall save ourselvesfrom sun-stroke, and I hope the rest of the men will follow ourexample, " answered Owen. 

"Shure there is some big black thing out there on the beach, " exclaimedMike, pointing ahead. "What can it be?"

"Can it be a big fish?" asked Nat. 

"It looks to me more like a piece of wreck, " said Owen. 

They hurried on, eager to ascertain what object it was. 

"Hurrah! it's a boat, " cried Owen, who had kept ahead. On examinationthe boat was discovered to be the second cutter. The falls had been letgo when no one was in her, and she had washed clear of the rocks rightup to the sand-bank; she was, therefore, but little damaged. 

The carpenter had been drowned, but the carpenter's mate had escaped, and was a good workman, and he might easily repair her and fit her forsea. She would not carry the whole of the party, but some might maketheir way to Batavia and get a vessel to return and take off the rest. Who, however, would have the command?

The only person who was capable of navigating the boat, besides thefirst mate, was Owen himself. He had had but little experience ofnavigation, and still less of the management of a boat in a heavy sea. The first mate therefore was undoubtedly the proper person to go; butwould he undertake the adventure?

These thoughts passed through Owen's mind as he and his companions wereendeavouring to haul up the boat. Their strength was only sufficient toget her a short way up the beach, so that there would be no risk of herbeing washed off again. They continued their search, tempted onwards byseeing objects floating in the surf. The most valuable, undoubtedly, were three casks of water. They also found some kegs of spirits, theheads of which they knocked in, for Owen felt convinced that should themen get hold of them, they would attack the contents until they had losttheir senses. Although a considerable quantity of provisions of varioussorts had come ashore, some had been damaged by the sea water. Still, when all had been secured there was enough, with due economy, to lastfor several months, and, providing water could be found, they mightlive. But the precious fluid which had been saved would, even with avery short allowance to each man, soon be exhausted. Owen now proposedthat they should go back and get some of the men to secure their prizes. 

On approaching the camp, however, they heard shouts and wild shrieks oflaughter. It was evident that they had been following the example setthem by the mate. They had got hold of a cask of spirits, which theyhad broached, as well as one of the beer casks. When Owen and hiscompanions got up to the camp, their appearance elicited loud shouts oflaughter, and cries of "Who are these young Turks? Where do you comefrom?" The men having amused themselves for some time, invited Owen, Nat, and Mike to sit down and drink with them. 

"We have no time to do that, " answered Owen; "but we want you to comeand help us secure a number of articles we have found. "

"Have you got any spirits or beer?" asked the men. 

"No, " said Owen; "but we have found some casks of water, which are offar more value. "

This remark created a further laugh, and all united in inviting Mike tojoin them. 

"Do not you be persuaded, " said Owen. "In a short time, when the liquoris gone, they will be sorry that they exhausted it so soon. "

The mate had not spoken, indeed he lay on the ground inside the tent ina worse condition than the men. 

"It will be impossible to remain with these people, " said Owen. "Ipropose, therefore, that we go to some distance, out of their sight, andmake a tent for ourselves. We shall find sufficient materials from thebales of cotton cloth which have been washed up. "

Mike and Nat agreed. "But, shure, they've got the iron kettle, and howare we to cook our mate without that?" exclaimed Mike. 

"We must roast our meat, and make use of shells for cups, " answeredOwen; "anything would be better than remaining with them. "

When the men saw that the two lads and Mike were going away, theyshouted after them to stop, but finding that they were resolute, beganto abuse them, Mike coming in for the largest share of vituperation. This made his temper rise. 

"Arrah! but I'll be afther paying thim off for this, " he exclaimed. 

"Keep quiet, Mike, " said Owen, taking his arm; "you were doing what wasright, and must not mind them. "

Mike was at last pacified, and they went on, until they reached a partof the bank considerably higher than that where they had left theircompanions. 

By means of some spars they set up a framework which was easily coveredby several folds of cotton cloth, so that in a short time they had avery comfortable tent. They then collected wood for a fire, rolled upone of the casks of water, and got together some of the provisions theyhad just discovered. 

Mike, however, continued to sigh for the fish-kettle. 

"We must manage to do without it, at all events for the present, " saidOwen; "perhaps to-morrow you will find something which will answer thepurpose. Here we shall have to remain until the men have drunk up allthe spirits and beer, and then perhaps they will regain their senses, and steps may be taken to enable us to escape. "

They could just distinguish the top of their shipmates' tent, but theirown being low, would not, they hoped, be observed, and they should thusescape molestation from any of the tipsy crew. That their fire mightnot be seen at night, Owen proposed to put it out. 

"We'll not do chat, Mr Hartley, " said Mike. "We'll just scrape theashes into a hole, and put a little wood on them, and the fire will keepin until to-morrow morning, and so it will be ready for lighting, andsave our matches. "

As long as there was sufficient light they continued their search alongthe beach, and were rewarded by discovering a case which contained, among other articles, fish-hooks and lines. This was indeed a prize, for undoubtedly fish swarmed along the shore, and they might catchenough to supply themselves with food for an indefinite period. Still, Owen recollected that unless water was found they must perish. 

There was little chance of rain falling at that season of the year, andif it did, they had but scanty means for securing it. Still heendeavoured to overcome any gloomy anticipations about the future, andendeavoured to be prepared for all contingencies. Thus several dayspassed by. The party at the large tent continued their revels, as Owendiscovered when going in that direction by hearing their voices singingand shouting; occasionally, too, from the noises which reached him, hesuspected that they were quarrelling and fighting. 

At last Nat proposed that they should launch the boat, and try and maketheir escape from the island. 

"There are several reasons against our so doing, " answered Owen. "Inthe first place, the boat requires repairs; she has neither mast, norsails, nor oars, and none of us three is well acquainted with themanagement of a boat. Wait patiently; when the liquor is gone we mayperhaps get the boat repaired, and a crew to sail in her. The firstthing I propose to do is to rig up a flagstaff, so that we may have abetter chance of attracting a passing vessel; and as we have plenty offuel, we ought to keep a good blaze during the night. This would havebeen done at first had the mate kept sober. "

Owen and his two companions immediately set to work to carry out hissuggestion. An ensign, although somewhat torn, had been washed onshore, and spars of various sizes lay on the beach. These they draggedto the highest part of the bank. By lashing them together they got aflagstaff nearly forty feet long. They found sufficient rope only fortwo stays, and having fixed one of the stays securely to the sand by theaid of stakes driven deep into it, the butt end was placed in theground. Owen and Nat then going over to the opposite side hauled away, while Mike assisted to lift up the flagstaff, which was thus in a shorttime set up. Provided the wind remained moderate, they had no doubtthat it would stand. 

"Should a vessel pass within four or five miles of the sand-bank itwill, I hope, be seen, " observed Owen, "and it may be visible evenfurther off, if the weather is clear. "

Owen had at first entertained some fears that Mike would join the otherparty, but the Irishman remained faithful, and did with alacrityeverything he advised. 

For a whole day or more none of the men had been seen, nor had any soundcome from the direction of the camp. Owen began to fear that somethingmight have happened to them. Mike offered towards night to go andascertain how matters stood. 

"Just keep up a bit of a fire to light me back, " he said. "I'll soonfind out if they are sleeping all this time. "

He set off, and Owen and Nat waited some time expecting his return. Still he did not come back. They began to fear that an accident hadhappened to him, or that he might have remained, notwithstanding hisgood intentions, with his drunken shipmates. 

At last they heard some one approaching. 

"All right!" cried Mike; "I've got the fish-kettle into the bargain. Every man alive of them is fast asleep, for they have drunk out the lastdrop of their liquor. I sounded each cask, and made sure it was empty. They will for a good reason be sober enough now. "

"Now we have got the fish-kettle we will make use of it; but I wish, Mike, you would return it, as they will otherwise justly accuse us ofstealing it. "

"Shure, we have as good a right to it as they have, " answered Mike; "itwill be a mighty long time before they want it, and, seeing that theirfire has gone out, even if they get the kettle they can't use it at allat all. "

"When they want fire, we must, however, give it to them, " observed Owen;"because some of them have behaved ill to us, we must not refuse to helpthem. "

"If they find out that we have got a store of water, they will be comingto drink it all up, and we shall be left without any, " said Mike. 

"Still we must try to help them when they require assistance, " observedOwen. 

"Would it not be wise to hide our casks of water in the sand?" suggestedNat; "then if they come and ask for it, we can give them a little at atime, and they will value it the more. "

"A very good idea, " said Owen. 

Nat's suggestion was forthwith acted upon; and with some staves of oneof the broken casks they dug holes in the higher part of the sand-bank, in which they concealed two casks of the precious fluid, covering themcarefully over again, so that they were not likely to be discovered. The water was thus kept cooler than it would have been if left exposedto the hot sun. This being done, Mike lost no time in cooking a supplyof "his porridge, " as he called it, sufficient for their supper and forthe next day. 

They all felt the better for the comfortable meal, and lay down to rest, grateful for the protection hitherto afforded them. 

Mike had volunteered to get up every two or three hours to see if thebeacon-fire which they had lit was blazing up. 

Owen and Nat had been sleeping for a couple of hours or more, when theywere aroused by Mike's voice. 

"Bedad! but the weather has changed entirely, and our beautiful fire hasgone flying away right over the island, " he exclaimed. 

Owen and Nat started up. A fierce gale was raging, threatening everyinstant to carry away their tent; while the sea, which had hitherto onlylapped the edge of the sand-bank, now came foaming up against it inheavy billows. 

"The boat, the boat!" cried Owen. "Our first care must be to secureher, if she is not knocked to pieces already. She is of more importancethan the tent or anything else. " They hurried off to where the boatlay, some little distance from their tent. They were but just in time, as already the sea had driven her broadside to the beach and had begunto break into her. She was already nearly half full of water, and, being thus very heavy, they could only drag her up a foot or two. Fortunately there came a lull. 

"If we had anything to bale her out with we might succeed, " observedOwen. 

"The lid of the kettle will be the thing, " cried Mike. "Nat, run andget it!"

Nat was not a couple of minutes away, and, jumping into the boat, hebaled away with all his might, while Mike and Owen endeavoured to dragher up. The greater part of the water having been baled out of her theysucceeded better than at first, and at length got her, as they hoped, beyond the reach of the seas. The stake to which she was secured wasthen carried up as far as the painter would allow, and then fixed asdeeply as possible into the sand. The tent had withstood the wind, andthey further secured it by placing the casks and bales on the lower partof the cloth, so that, although it might be torn, it was not likely tobe carried bodily away. They were thus engaged when they heard shoutsand cries coming from the direction of the camp. The cause was tooevident. The sea, driven by the wind, had risen considerably, and wasrolling much further up the higher part of the bank than it had hithertodone. Too probably, therefore, it was sweeping over the lower end, onwhich their shipmates had remained. 

"The sea must have caught them while they were still asleep, and theyhave only just discovered their danger, " exclaimed Owen. "They won'tknow in which direction to run, and they are not aware of this higherspot on which they might take refuge. "

"Thin the best way will be to light up a bit of fire to show them theway, " said Mike. "There are a few embers up there still burning. "

Mike and Nat quickly collected some of the burning pieces of wood, and asmall fire was soon blazing up. It required constant watchfulness, however, to prevent it from being blown away. In the meantime Owen andhis companions shouted together at the top of their voices. 

Again and again cries were heard. Owen proposed starting off to guidethem to the only spot where safety could be found, but Mike and Natentreated him not to make the attempt. Indeed it was evident that hewould run great risk of being lost. Already the white foam could beseen through the darkness like masses of snow sweeping over theintermediate space between them and the camp, where the ground wasapparently of a somewhat lower level. 

Although possibly their companions were on somewhat higher ground, yetat any moment the sea might sweep over it. The three shouted andshouted again. At last they heard voices crying out in reply, but itwas too dark to enable them to distinguish any one. All this time theboat, their tent, and the flagstaff were running great risk of beingcarried away. But the preservation of their fellow-creatures was ofmore consequence than anything else. At length they caught sight of afigure emerging from the gloom, rushing through the seething water whichswept by him. The party on the sand-bank shouted to encourage him. Nowhe stopped, afraid of being carried off his legs. 

"On, on!" shouted Owen, who had brought from the tent a long line oftolerable thickness. 

"Hold on to this, " he cried to Mike and Nat. "I will fasten it round mywaist, and should any of the men be knocked down, I will try and savethem. "

Such appeared very likely to happen to the person they saw approachingthem. Already he seemed half covered with foam. Again, however, thesea receded, and taking courage he rushed forward, and Owen, catchinghim in his arms, dragged him up. He proved to be the carpenter's mate. Just then two more people appeared, making their way towards thebeacon-fire. They were followed by a third, who quickly overtook them, and pushing on without hesitation soon reached the bank. Owenrecognised Mr Scoones. 

"I am glad you are safe, sir, " said Owen. 

"No thanks to these fellows, for no one roused me when they saw the seabreaking close up to their feet. "

Of the two other men who were making their way, one hesitated, while theother, following the example of the mate, rushed boldly forward. He waswithin a few yards of the bank, when the sea, sweeping by as it receded, rose up to his middle. He vainly attempted to stem it; he was liftedoff his feet, and was being hurried out among the breakers when Owen, springing forward into the receding water as it swept round thesand-bank, caught him by the arm, and they were both pulled up by theircompanions. 

"Thank you, sir, " said the man, whose name was Bill Pratt, generallycalled Bill, and who was a well-conducted fellow when sober. "I owe youa good turn for this, Mr Hartley. "

The mate and the other men had thrown themselves down, overcome by theirexertions. The fourth man was yet some distance off, and as another seacame rolling up, he was lifted off his feet. He shrieked wildly forhelp, but had he been even a good swimmer no strength of arm could havesaved him. 

In an instant the foaming waters closed over his head, and although Owenstood ready to plunge in and attempt to save him, he could nowhere beseen. His was probably the fate of the rest. Three or four otherfigures were seen for an instant making their way towards the fire; thenthey suddenly disappeared. Owen waited a short time, but no one elsecame. 

"Stay by the fire, Nat, " he said; "we must now look after the boat. "

He hurriedly told the mate that the boat had been washed on shore, andbegged him and the two other men to assist in securing her, as he wasafraid every instant that she would be lost. Although scarcely yetrecovered from his debauch, the mate was sufficiently alive to theimportance of this object not to hesitate. Leaving Nat to watch thebeacon-fire, the whole party set off to where the boat had been left. They found her in even a worse condition than she had been before. Thesea was beating against her with great force, and would in a few minuteshave rendered her a complete wreck. 

Owen, who had thoughtfully brought the lid of the kettle with him, jumped in and baled her out, while the rest, uniting their strength, gother head round, and by great exertions Mike and Bill, putting theirshoulders under her, managed to drag her up early to the highest part ofthe bank. 

"If the sea does her any harm here, it won't much matter, for we shallall be swept away at the same time, " observed the mate. 

As they were returning to the tent, a crash was heard; the flagstaff hadgone. It was useless attempting to put it up that night, and theyreturned to the tent, where the mate, throwing himself down, declaredthat he was too much fatigued to work any more. 

Owen, still hoping that more men might be saved, joined Nat to watch atthe beacon-fire. Should any one be seen they would be ready to givethem help. But after watching for some time in vain, they returnedtogether to the tent with hearts saddened at the thought that so many oftheir shipmates had lost their lives mainly through their own folly. The condition of the survivors was still perilous in the extreme. Thesea, as far as they could judge, was still rising, and might at anymoment overwhelm them. The gale raged as fiercely as at first. Therain, so unusual in that latitude, came down in torrents. Had theyprepared anything for catching it, it would have proved of the greatestbenefit. Owen recollected the bale of cotton cloth. He called Nat andMike to undo it. They cut off a couple of lengths, which they held overthe empty fish-kettle, and by stretching it tightly the rain ran off itinto the fish-kettle, which was quickly filled. Two of the casks, outof which Owen had emptied the spirits they had contained, lay near thetent. He immediately brought one of them and filled it with theprecious fluid which had been obtained. 

"Quick--quick, " he cried, as he replaced the fish kettle; "let us havethe other cask, not a drop of water must be lost if we can help it. "Bill Pratt, the carpenter's mate, who, seeing what they were about? hadjoined them, rolled up the cask, and that also was nearly filled whenthe rain ceased. 

"That cask has had better stuff in it than water not long ago, " observedBill, putting his nose to the bung-hole. 

"It was the stuff which caused the death of so many of our poorshipmates, and has brought thousands and tens of thousands of others toruin and death, " answered Owen. "Before long, you would thankfullyexchange a dozen casks of spirits, if you had them, for one cup of suchpure water as we have just obtained. If we are wise we shall collectall the empty casks we can find, and be ready to fill them shouldanother shower fall. "

"Ah, sir, I believe you are right; and I wish that others had had aslittle love for liquor as you have, and we shouldn't have been where wenow are, with our stout ship knocked to pieces, " said Bill, glancing atthe mate who lay asleep in the tent. 

"We have now to do our best, and pray to God for deliverance, " observedOwen. "Perhaps we shall be blessed with another shower, and be able tofill up this cask, and any others we can find. "

Although the rain had ceased, the wind blew as hard as ever. Still thewater rose until the white foam reached almost close up to the spot onwhich their tent stood. A few minutes more might decide their fate. Owen felt deeply the awfulness of their situation. Ere long he and hiscompanions might be standing in the presence of their Maker. 

Throughout that live-long night the shipwrecked group sat beneath theirtent on that narrow strip of sand. Its length they had not ascertained, but its width, as far as they could judge, was now scarcely fifty yardsacross. They waited on, knowing that, should the tide rise high, asingle wave might sweep them all off. Mike proposed getting into theboat, there to await their fate. 

"She would not live ten minutes with such a sea running outside. Without oars to steer her, we should be worse off than we are now, "answered Bill Pratt. 

And thus they sat on and on, anxiously watching for daylight. 

CHAPTER SEVEN. 

Dawn at last appeared, and as the light increased, Owen and hiscompanions on looking out discovered, to their joy, that the water hadgone down considerably, and that other parts of the sand-bank wereappearing above the hissing foam, although the water at intervals stillswept around them. The wind, also, had abated. Their first care was tolook after the boat. She lay broadside to the beach, proving that shehad been in no small danger of being carried off, but happily she hadescaped any serious damage. Small as she was, she would carry their nowdiminished company. 

They all agreed that it was important that they should get away with aslittle delay as possible from the sand-bank, and either reach somehigher island or make their way to Batavia. There was a possibilityalso of their being picked up by some passing vessel. Owen, who knewthat the distance to the Straits of Sunda could not be much less than800 miles, and perhaps very much more, earnestly hoped that they mightbe fortunate enough to meet with a vessel. 

Although the mate talked of going to Batavia he seemed far lessconfident in his manner than usual; indeed he appeared greatly out ofspirits. 

"Do you think, sir, that we could make Batavia?" asked Owen, findinghimself alone with the mate. 

"Yes, and we might go twice as far in our boat; but you have got a headon your shoulders, as you have lately shown, and should recollect thatwe cannot make a voyage of five or six days without water, and we may betwice as long as that. Why, those small casks you have will beexhausted before the boat can be got ready. "

The mate's spirits rose considerably when Owen in reply told him thatthere were two other casks concealed in the sand. "Oh, then we need notstint ourselves as we have been doing, " he answered. "We shall probablyget another shower before long, only I wish that we had some good liquorto mix with it. "

"But we may not get a shower, and the small supply we possess can only, with the greatest economy, last us two or three weeks, " remarked Owen. 

The mate did not reply, but shortly afterwards, going to one of thecasks, took a large draught of water. His thirst seemed insatiable--again and again he applied his mouth to the cask--had it containedspirits he would have done the same, and would speedily have become astipsy as before. Owen was thankful that such was not the case, butregretted having told the mate, who had thus exhibited his utterselfishness, of the two casks concealed in the sand. He resolved atlength to appeal to the men, and to advise them to insist that an equaland limited allowance of water should be served out to each person, ameasure absolutely necessary for the preservation of their lives. BillPratt, to whom he first spoke, agreed to this, as did the rest, and Billundertook to be the spokesman. The mate was overawed, and having drunkas much water as he just then required, sulkily agreed to the proposal. 

Happily, in a short time, another large cloud was seen coming up withthe wind, the last, apparently, of the vast mass which had latelyoverhung the sand-bank; the casks were got ready, the cloth stretchedout. Anxiously the shipwrecked seamen gazed at the approaching cloud. The rain was seen falling into the sea. Would it cease before itreached them? On it slowly came. They could hear the precious rain asit reached the ocean. In another instant down it came upon them. Thecasks were filled. With proper economy they would have enough water tolast them for many a day. How to repair the boat was the next question. The tools and nails which Owen and Nat had saved had been left at thecamp, and, too probably, had been washed away. Unless they could findsome more tools in one of the chests thrown up they could scarcely hopeto fit the boat for sea. There were spars and planks enough, but theycould not shape them with their knives alone for the purpose. Theysearched in vain, however, and found only a few nails sticking in someof the planks, but not a tool of any description. Nat had set out tolook along the beach, while the rest of the party were consulting aboutthe boat. He made his way in the direction of the camp. 

As the tide had now fallen to its usual level, the intermediate groundwas perfectly dry. He had been absent for some time. The mate directedthe rest of the party to collect all the spars, planks, and cordage theycould find. 

"We might live on here for months, lads, " said Mr Scoones, "but shouldanother gale spring up somewhat rougher than the last, we may all beswept away; so depend upon it, the sooner we get off this sand-bank thebetter. Where there's a will there's a way; and as we have no othertools we must do the best we can with our knives. It will be a longbusiness, and we must take care not to break them. The first thing wehave to do is to stop the leaks in the boat; we must then form some oarsfrom the spars we have got and the staves of the casks. They won't bevery shapely, but they will serve to move the boat along, and the endsof the ropes will afford us oakum. We have cotton enough to make a suitof sails, although they might not be fit to stand a strong wind. Wehave also spars for masts and yards. "

The mate having got over his drunken fit, was now completely himselfagain, and, although he was occasionally surly and overhearing, Owen wasthankful that he had been saved. He was certainly better able to carryout the proposed plans than any one else. 

Owen suggested that while they were repairing the boat they should notlose the chance of being seen by any passing vessel. The flagstaff wastherefore again erected near where it had before stood, and the driftwood collected to dry in the sun in order that it might serve to form abeacon-fire at night. The first thing to be done was to caulk the boat. Mr Scoones and the carpenter's mate undertook to do this and to nailsuch planks as had been started, which was no easy matter, as not astone could be found, and they had only the handles of their knives. But patience and perseverance had overcome greater difficulties thantheirs. The carpenter's mate looked grave as he surveyed the boat. 

"If it keeps calm she will swim, sir; but if it comes on to blow, heavily loaded as she will be, my idea is that she will swamp to acertainty. Had we the tools, I should have raised her a streak allround and put a bit of a deck on her fore and aft. "

"No use to talk about that, " said Mr Scoones, with a sigh; "it isbeyond our power. "

While they were thus employed Nat's voice was heard in the distance, andhe was seen running from the direction of the old camp. He was holdingaloft what they soon discovered to be a saw. 

"Hurrah! I have found this and many things more, " he exclaimed, as hedrew near. 

On coming up to the party, he explained he had found that the sea hadbarely washed over the higher part of the bank, on which the tent hadstood. 

This latter, though knocked over, still remained, with a quantity ofcordage and other heavy articles, besides some provisions. On hearingthis, Mr Scoones took possession of the tools and nails, with which heand the carpenter's mate worked away at the boat, while he despatchedthe rest of the party to bring up the other articles. It was heavy worktoiling over the sand, but Owen, setting the example, the restcheerfully obeyed. It took several days to fit the boat for sea. Thetools were blunt, and no means existed to sharpen them. 

Every day at sunrise the flag was hoisted, and every night thebeacon-fire lighted, but the signals were observed by no passing vessel. While Mr Scoones and the carpenter's mate were working at the boat, the rest of the party were engaged in arranging the provisions, repairing two of the water casks which leaked, in picking oakum, or inother work. No one could afford to be idle. 

"It would be a fine thing now if we could only pick up a keg ofspirits, " said Bill Pratt to Mike, as they were working at the watercasks. 

"Do you think so, mate?" observed Mike. "Shure wasn't it the spiritscost all the rest of the poor fellows their lives, and well-nigh yourown? I am thinking that it would be a good thing if there was neveranother dhrop of the crathur brewed in the world. How was it that theship came to be cast away, I should like to know? Look at the matethere; he is steady enough now, but let him get liquor to his lips wedon't know what mad freak he would play. No, no; if we find a keg, thebest thing we can do will be to knock in the head at once, before anyone is tempted to touch it. "

Fortunately no keg of spirits was found, for the force of the gale haddashed everything which came out of the wreck to pieces, and had not theshipwrecked party secured a sufficient supply of provisions at first, they would have run great chance of starving. The hull of the boat wasnow complete. The flagstaff had to be taken down to be cut up intomasts, spars, and oars. Mr Scoones, partly with the canvas which hadserved for a tent, and partly with cotton cloth, had fitted a suit ofsails. 

At length all was ready; the boat was launched, and appeared to betolerably seaworthy. Her cargo was piled up on the beach. The men hadto wade up to their middles to carry it on board. When everything wasin her she was somewhat heavily laden, but with the prospect of a longvoyage before them they were unwilling to leave either water orprovisions behind. 

All climbed on board. The sand-bag which served as her anchor washauled up, the oars got out, and they pulled away to the northward, clear of the reefs. The sails were then hoisted. They consisted ofthree lugs and a foresail, for, from the light materials of which theywere formed, it was considered more prudent to have several small sailsthan two large ones. The wind blew from the northward, and was thusabeam, and her course was about E. N. E. 

The wind soon increased, and it became necessary to close reef all thesails, while the quick motion of the boat, as she danced lightly overthe seas, made every one, with the exception of Mr Scoones and Owen, very ill. The mate abused them for giving way. 

"Shure it's not for pleasure, sir, " exclaimed Mike. "As soon as the seachooses to be quiet, we will be quiet too. "

His remark produced a laugh, even among those who appeared the worst. In a short time they got better. The night as it approached threatenedto be stormy, and some of the party expressed a wish that they were safeback again on the sand-bank. 

"Suppose such another gale as we had before were to drive the water overit, where should we be?" asked Mr Scoones. "Depend upon it we arebetter off in a tight boat, with twice as much sea as we have runninghere. "

Owen thought the mate was right. He did his best to keep up the spiritsof his companions. The wind increasing, the sea got up more and more. It was necessary to keep the boat's head close to the wind, sometimesindeed to put the helm hard down so that she might ride over the seas, which otherwise would have broken on board and swamped her. As it was, in spite of the additional streak, the water constantly fell on board, and two hands were kept continually baling it out. The leastcarelessness in steering would inevitably have caused the destruction ofthe boat. It seemed surprising, small as she was, that she could live. All night long the wind continued to blow as hard as ever, and noprogress was made. There was a fear, indeed, that they might drive backon the sand-bank. When morning broke Owen looked out anxiously to thesouthward, expecting to see it under their lee. He was, however, thankful to find, as the light increased, that they were out of sight ofthe dreaded bank. 

For two days the same weather continued. Some of the people began tolose heart. 

Owen did his best to cheer them up. "Depend upon it we shall have clearskies and a smooth sea before long; we shall then run along famously, and make up for lost time, " he observed. 

Mr Scoones kept up his character as a good seaman. For hours togetherhe sat at the helm, and only gave it up to Bill Pratt, who was the nextbest hand to him. At last, as Owen had predicted, the wind fell, andthe sea went down. Once more the boat was put on her course to theeastward. During the day they steered by the sun, and at night by thestars, which shone forth with great brilliancy. Although Owen had oftengazed before at the Southern Cross and the other beautifulconstellations of that hemisphere, he now watched them with greaterinterest than ever. With the fine weather the spirits of the partyrose. Owen proposed that each man should recount his adventures, tell astory, or sing a song. His proposal was adopted; it served to beguilethe time, and prevented the men from thinking of the dangers which mightbe in store for them. Mr Scoones did not interfere. He sat silent andgloomy, as usual. He might possibly have reflected that it was throughhis own obstinacy that the ship had been cast away, and the lives of somany of her crew sacrificed. Fishing lines were also constantly keptout, and several fish were caught. The only means of cooking them wason a fire of chips on the lid of the fish-kettle. They proved avaluable addition to their fare, and assisted, with the dried fruitwhich had been saved, in warding off scurvy. The wind was, however, very light, and but slow progress was made. At length it becameperfectly calm. 

Mr Scoones immediately ordered the men to get out the oars. Owen setthe example, and Nat and Mike obeyed, but the others grumbled, assertingthat the advantage to be gained was so slight that it was not worthwhile to exert themselves. 

Mr Scoones became very angry, and standing up with the tiller in hishand, declared that he would knock the first man overboard who refusedto obey his orders. 

"You'd better not try it, " answered the carpenter's mate, apowerful-looking man, seizing the hammer which lay near him. "Havingthree or four hundred miles to sail, as I understand, we can do littlegood in tiring ourselves out by pulling along at the rate of two knotsan hour in this blazing sun. Let those boys and the Irishman put intheir oars. They will only kill themselves if they keep at it. "

Mr Scoones saw by this how slight was his authority over the men, andwisely gave up the attempt. After a time the calm became more difficultto endure than had been the gale. Owen and his two friends had theirheads protected by the turbans which they had at first manufactured, butthe others had taken no similar precautions. The straw hats they wore, which had been washed ashore, afforded but a slight resistance againstthe penetrating rays of the sun. Night brought them all some relief. 

Then all hands, excepting one who remained on the watch, lay down tosleep. When it was Owen's watch he saw the mate several times get upand look about him as if his slumbers were light and troubled. Forupwards of four days the calm continued. Provisions were served outregularly, but Mr Scoones, believing that they would reach Batavia inten days or so, had not put the people on an allowance of water; theconsequence was that they drank away at the water casks without stint, as they had done at the spirit kegs. One of the casks was soon emptied. Without telling Mr Scoones, they began upon a second. Even Owen wasnot aware how rapidly the water was being exhausted, until Nat told himthat he was afraid they were half-way through the second cask. Owen atonce informed Mr Scoones, who on this occasion had good cause for hisanger. 

"If you wish to live, you fellows must consent to be put on shortallowance. We have not made good more than thirty miles of the distancewe have to run, and for what we know, we may chance to meet withcontrary winds and more calms, and if so, we shall soon all die ofthirst. Being without water is, as you will find, worse than beingwithout food. "

These remarks brought the men to reason. The remainder of the kegs, including those which had been washed up upon the island, were thereforebrought and kept aft by Mr Scoones, who served out half a cupful at atime twice a day to each man. 

Owen, as before, tried to animate his companions. 

"Here comes a breeze, " he exclaimed, as a light blue ripple was seenadvancing over the mirror-like surface of the ocean. The sails weretrimmed, and the boat once more glided on at the rate of three or fourknots an hour. Even should the breeze continue, however it would takethem many days to reach Batavia. The wind lasted but a few hours, whenthey were again becalmed. Thus they lay, making no progress for anothertwo days. Once more a breeze sprung up, but it was directly in theirteeth. The boat was hauled on the wind and stood to the northward. 

"We may have a long beat of it, but it cannot be helped, " said MrScoones to Owen. 

It was trying work; now they tacked to the south-east, now to thenorth-east. The imperfect observations they were able to take showedthem, however, that they had gained some ground Owen cheered the men byreminding them that they were in the course of homeward and outwardbound vessels, and that they might hope to fall in with one or theother. 

Still day by day went by, and they were yet a long way from land. Oncemore the weather changed, and the wind shifted to the northward. 

Night came on; Mr Scoones, unwilling to lose advantage of the breeze, continued to carry all sail, and it was evidently as much as the boatcould bear. During the darkness a squall struck her. Before the sheetscould be let go, the whole of the lighter canvas was blown away. Hadnot this happened, the boat would have been upset. She had now but herfore lug and foresail, so that she could no longer keep close to thewind without an after oar kept constantly going. The night, however, passed away without any farther accident. It was not until noon, whenthe weather moderated, that all hands turned to and tried to repair thetattered sails. This operation was almost beyond their power. Theymanaged, however, to patch up a mizen, which enabled the boat once moreto stand on her proper course. 

Several days passed by; no land appeared in sight. Their provisionswere almost exhausted. They had been on short allowance for some time;but a few pints of water remained in their last cask. Again the boatlay becalmed. The three men who had escaped with the mate from thecamp--their strength previously weakened by drinking--had given in andlay at the bottom of the boat, or leaned against the side, unable toexert themselves. 

Mr Scoones, strong and hardy as he had been, was utterly exhausted. Owen, Nat, and Mike, though feeling weak, were by far the most active ofthe crew. 

Another day passed by; the carpenter's mate was the first to die, theother two quickly followed. Owen had endeavoured to restore them bymoistening their parched lips with water; but it was of no avail. Hefelt himself imbued with a strength which surprised him. The deadbodies were lifted over board. No funeral ceremony was possible. 

Owen then went aft to attend to the first mate, who lay in the sternsheets unable to move. Owen brought him some water; he drank iteagerly, and opened his eyes. 

"Is there much more?" he asked. 

"Very little, sir; but we will take only what will keep us alive, youcan have the rest. "

Owen, faithful to his promise, continued to give the apparently dyingman a few thimblefuls at a time. 

"Were a breeze to spring up we might yet be saved, " said the mate. "Doyou see any signs of one?"

"Not as yet, sir, " answered Owen, after he had looked round the horizon;"but cheer up, sir, God may still think fit to preserve us, although wedo not see how it is to be. I'll get you a little more water. "

All day long Owen continued, as at first, to attend on the mate. Mikeand Nat sat still, their spirits were too low to talk; but they wereperfectly satisfied that the mate should have the water, though theirown share was thus much diminished. They all ate sparingly of theprovisions which remained. Fortunately among them was some of the driedfruit, which assisted to assuage their thirst. The mate did not appearto grow worse, and Owen hoped that during the cool hours of the night hemight revive. The sun went down in a cloudless sky, and the stars shoneout brightly above their heads. Still no breeze came. The first mateoccasionally spoke and inquired how the weather looked, but Owen couldonly give the answer as before. Morning was approaching. 

"If we do not make the land, Hartley, " said Mr Scoones, "or do not getpicked up to-day, I shall not see another sun set. "

"I hope you will hold out, sir, " answered Owen; "we have still a littlewater, and our provisions are not quite exhausted. I trust you will notget worse. "

He said this, though scarcely a couple of pints of water remained, whilethe provisions he spoke of consisted of a small piece of dry salt beefand half a dozen figs. Owen, feeling that he could hold out some timelonger, was anxious to give the mate as large a share as possible, forhe evidently required it more than any one. 

Owen spoke to Nat and Mike, and they agreed that he should have a doubleallowance. The night air had revived him considerably. Owen gave him afew drops of water, after which he managed to chew some beef and eat afig. Owen then gave him a further allowance of the precious fluid. Heasked for more. "You shall have it, sir, but we are running veryshort, " said Owen. 

"How many gallons have you?" asked the mate. 

"Gallons, sir! we have not more than a pint. "

"Good heavens! a pint only, and that among four people, with such a sunas we shall have scorching down upon our heads before long, " exclaimedthe mate. "I feel my inside burning already. "

"I would give you another draught, but you will want it more by-and-bythan you do now, sir, " said Owen. "Perhaps when the sun rises we mayget a breeze and make the run you expect. "

Although the mate kept crying out for more water, Owen was firm. Thesun rose on a sky undimmed by a single cloud. The sea shone like asheet of burnished gold, not a ripple played over it, excepting when, here and there, a fish rose to the surface, or leapt out of the water, sending far around a circle of tiny wavelets. Occasionally, too, asea-fowl winged its flight through the blue ether, and ever and anonwould plunge down to seize its prey from the ocean. The appearance ofbirds showed that land could not be far off, but not the faintestoutline could as yet be discovered. The mate, dragging himself up tothe side of the boat, gazed round with aching eyes, then sank down witha groan to his former position. Owen felt himself growing weaker andweaker. Poor Nat and Mike could scarcely raise their voices above awhisper. 

"Water! water!" groaned the mate; "give me some if you would save mylife. "

The other two pointed to their lips, and gazed eagerly at the casks. Owen dragged himself towards them. He could have drunk the whole of thewater himself, and yet not have been satisfied. He poured out a smallquantity and took it to the mate. 

"Sip it slowly, sir, " he said, "we have very little more remaining. "

To his dismay, as he again went to pour some in the cup, he found therewas scarcely sufficient left to fill it. He took what he believed to behis own share, and then carried the remainder to Nat and Mike. He putit to the lips of the first, who seized it with both his hands, andwould have drained it to the bottom. 

"Let go, " cried Owen, "this is Mike's share as well as yours. " Withsome difficulty he rescued it, and handed the cup to the Irishman, whoswallowed it eagerly. Owen had not the heart to tell them there was nomore. Before long they again cried out for water. Owen made no reply. 

"Water! water!" groaned the mate. Owen shook his head. He had scarcelystrength enough to crawl back and show that it was exhausted. The mateat last understood him. 

"Is there none in any of the other casks?" he asked. 

Owen knew that they had been emptied to the last drop. He crawled towhere they were stowed, and tried one after the other. They wereperfectly dry. Without water to moisten their lips, no one would beable to masticate the last remnants of food. 

"I knew it would be so, " groaned the mate. "Any sign of a breeze?"

"None that I can perceive, sir, " answered Owen. He dragged himself upby the mast so as to obtain a wider range of observation. Unable tostand long he soon sat down again. After a lapse of some time the mateagain asked in a faint voice, "Any sign of a breeze?"

Owen once more looked out. He was about to sink down on the thwart, when his eye fell on a white spot in the horizon. He gazed at itwithout speaking; it might be only a sea-bird's wing. Again and againhe looked with straining eyes. 

"A sail! a sail!" he exclaimed. His voice sounded hollow and strange;he fancied some one else was speaking. 

"Are you mocking us?" asked the mate. 

"No, sir, I am certain it is a sail, " answered Owen. 

His voice aroused Nat and Mike, who turned round and looked over theside. The mate, who just before appeared to have entirely lost hisstrength, dragged himself up and took Owen's place at the mast. 

With what sounded like an hysterical laugh, "Yes, " he cried out, "asail! no doubt about it; she is bringing up a breeze, and standing thisway. We are saved! we are saved!"

He kept his post, grasping the mast tightly, and watching theapproaching sail. Owen returned to his seat, from whence he could wellobserve the stranger. A long time must pass before she could be up tothem, and before then she might alter her course. They wore but a speckon the water, and might be passed unperceived. Still the mate kept hispost, waving his hand and trying to shout out, as if at that distance hecould be either seen or heard. By his behaviour Owen thought he musthave lost his senses. Nat and Mike every now and then uttered strangeexclamations, showing that they were much in the same condition. Thestranger's royals had first been seen, then her topgallant sails, andnow the heads of her topsails appeared above the horizon. She wasevidently a large ship, and, as her courses came in sight, the matepronounced that she was a man-of-war, a frigate, or perhaps aline-of-battle ship. She stood steadily on, as if steering for theboat, which, however, could scarcely yet have been discovered. As theexpectation of being saved grew stronger, Owen felt his energies--whichhe had hitherto by great effort maintained, when the lives of hiscompanions seemed to depend on his retaining his senses--giving way. 

He saw the hull of the ship rise above the water, he could count herguns, he knew that she was a frigate; he was certain that the boat wasdiscovered, and then he lost all consciousness. 

CHAPTER EIGHT. 

When Owen regained his senses he found himself in a hammock in the sickbay of the frigate, with Mike and Nat close alongside of him. 

"How do you feel, Mike?" asked Nat, who had not observed that Owen wasawake. 

"Mighty quare, but not sorry to find myself here. I hope Mr Hartleywill come to soon. They seem to treat him as one of us. "

"He ought to be with the officers aft, " said Nat. "The mate is withthem, I suppose, but I have not seen him. "

"Shure he'll not fail to make himself out to be a big man somehow orother, " said Mike. "He'll be after swaring he was the captain of theship, although he will forget to say that it was through him that shewas cast away. "

The conversation was cut short by the appearance of the surgeon, whoobserved, as he glanced over the hammocks--

"I am glad to see you are coming round again, lads. "

He stopped by Owen's side. 

"Well, boy, how do you feel?" he inquired, in a kind tone. 

"Very weak, sir, " said Owen; "but all I want is food and water. "

"You shall have an ample supply by-and-by, but in your present state youmust take only a little at a time. "

One of the sick bay attendants brought in three small basins of broth, from one of which the doctor fed Owen. 

"Thank you, sir, " said Owen, "though I think I might save you thattrouble. "

"You shall be welcome to do so next time, " answered the doctor, smiling. 

"What rating did you hold on board the ship you belonged to?" asked thesurgeon. 

"I was a passenger, although I did duty as a midshipman. "

"Why, the captain described you as a ship's boy, " observed the doctor. 

"Arrah, shure, he'd not the captain at all, at all, " exclaimed Mike, lifting up his head; "he was first mate until the raal capt'n died. Butmaybe he didn't say how the ship came to be cast away. "

The doctor made no reply to the Irishman's remark. "I must see aboutthis, " he said to himself. 

Owen and his companions remained in their hammocks for a couple of days, when they all declared themselves strong enough to get up. A large tubwas brought them to wash in, and they were supplied by the purser with aseaman's suit apiece. Owen was thankful to put on clean clothing, asthe garments he had on when wrecked were worn completely into rags. Thus habited, although in the dress of a common seaman, he certainly didnot look like an ordinary ship's boy. Still, he was allowed to remainforward with his two companions. As yet they had seen nothing of MrScoones, who was, they understood, occupying one of the officers' cabinsaft. 

Owen found that they were on board the "Sylvia, " a thirty-six gunfrigate, commanded by Captain Stanhope, on her way to Batavia. He hadreason to suspect that the sand-bank on which they had been wrecked wasfurther to the westward than Mr Scoones had supposed, and that had theynot been picked up they would have perished long before reaching Java. 

Having now sufficiently recovered to do duty, they were placed in awatch under the command of the second lieutenant, Mr Leigh. Owenconcluded that this was as it should be. It did not occur to him thatit would be of any use to explain who he was, and to endeavour to obtaina better position on board. He thought it but natural that he should beexpected to work, and he was ready to do duty in any station in which hewas placed. He supposed that his friend the doctor had forgotten him, or had not thought fit to carry out his intentions. Owen, who had beenaccustomed to go aloft while on board the "Druid, " soon attracted theattention of Lieutenant Leigh by the activity and diligence with whichhe performed all his duties. The lieutenant at length spoke to him. 

"If you go on as you have begun, you will become a smart seaman, " hesaid, in a kind tone. 

"Thank you, sir, " answered Owen, touching his hat; "I will do my best. "

"What is your name?" asked the lieutenant. 

"Owen Hartley, sir. "

"Owen Hartley!" repeated a tall midshipman, who was in Mr Leigh'swatch, and who was standing near. He looked hard at Owen, but said nomore. 

It struck Owen, as he glanced at the midshipman, that he had seen himsomewhere before, but he could not at first recollect where it was. 

He puzzled his brains for some time. At last he inquired themidshipman's name of one of the men, pointing him out as he walked thedeck. 

"That is Mr Ashurst, a sprig of nobility of some sort, " was the answer. "Take care you don't get foul of him. He carries on with a pretty highhand when he has the chance, especially if you go away with him in aboat, or he is in command on any occasion. "

Shortly afterwards a squall was seen coming up, and the variousnecessary orders were issued for the shortening of sail. The midshipmenhurried to their posts, repeating the orders they had received. MrAshurst came forward, shouting out, as he did so, to the men. 

"Yes, those are the very same tones, " thought Owen, and he recognisedthe naval officer who, with his brother, had been thrown out of theircarriage, and whom he had assisted in getting to rights again. "Hisbrother called him Reginald. If this midshipman's name is the same Ishall have no doubt about the matter. "

Owen had not hitherto been stationed aloft, but one of the other boyswas on the sick list. 

"What are you doing on deck here, you idle young rascal?" exclaimed MrAshurst. "Quick, up the rigging and help to hand the fore royal. "

Owen obeyed, and flew up aloft. The lighter sails were quickly handed. The topsails were reefed, and the crew called down; the frigate stood onher proper course. The way Mr Ashurst addressed Owen convinced himthat he was the person he supposed. 

"I will take care not to give him any cause of offence, for he isevidently not an amiable person, " thought Owen. 

A few minutes afterwards the look-out at the masthead shouted--

"A sail on the weather bow!"

One of the officers immediately went aloft. On his return the bearingsof the stranger were taken. She was a large ship, standing in for theland. 

The frigate was immediately put about. The squall having blown over, all sail was made in chase. Many surmises were expressed as to what shewas, but it was a general opinion that she was a French frigate. 

"If she is, we shall have a fight, and take her too, " cried one of themen near whom Owen was standing. 

"Little doubt about that, mates, " observed another. 

Such were the expressions uttered by the crew. Owen felt as eager asany one. He had not come to sea to fight, but he knew that even onboard the "Druid" they might have fallen in with an enemy and have hadto defend themselves. 

"Is there any chance of her getting away, Mr Hartley?" asked Nat, whonever forgot their relative positions, though Owen treated him as afriend. 

"No, " replied Owen; "for this frigate sails very fast, and from what Ihear, Captain Stanhope is not likely to let an enemy escape him if hecan help it. "

"I feel somewhat strange at the thoughts of having round shot andbullets flying about our ears, " said Nat. 

"We must run our chance along with the rest, " answered Owen. 

Mr Scoones, who had only come on deck that day for the first time, onseeing that there was a prospect of a sharp engagement, seemed to wishthat he had kept below. After pacing up and down several times, hespoke to the first lieutenant. 

"As I have had some experience in dressing wounds, although, of course, I should wish to see the fight on deck, I may be of assistance to thedoctor. With your leave I will go into the cock-pit and offer to helphim. "

The first lieutenant looked at him hard, suspecting the reasons. 

"You are a passenger, and we do not expect you to fight, so do as youplease, " he answered. 

Mr Scoones immediately dived below. The doctor, who had been arrangingthe various instruments and dressings which he expected would berequired, received Mr Scoones coldly. 

"You have not thought of bringing the two boys and the seaman saved withyou. They might like to escape the risk of being shot. "

"They have entered as part of the ship's company, and must run theirchance, " answered Mr Scoones. 

"I thought as much, " remarked the doctor, and continued his preparationswithout further accepting the offer made him. 

The "Sylvia" showed herself to be a fast craft as she rapidly gained onthe chase. As yet, however, the colours of the latter had not beenshown. It was possible, after all, that she might prove to be a friend. All hands were on deck watching the chase. A loud cheer rose from thecrew as the French flag flew out from the stranger's peak. She hadtacked several times to keep the weather gauge, which it was CaptainStanhope's wish to obtain. She was seen to be a frigate of the samesize as the "Sylvia, " if not larger. The decks were now cleared foraction, and the drum beat to quarters. Owen found that he and the otherboys were to be employed in bringing up powder from the magazines inflannel bags placed in buckets. They had then to sit on them until thepowder was wanted for loading the guns. 

He would rather have been employed on some other duty, as he would thushave seen what was going forward. Still he did not for a moment thinkof trying to avoid what he was ordered to do. It was a satisfaction tofind that Nat was near him. 

"I don't half like it, " said Nat; "but there is no one to care for me ifI'm killed, except my old grandmother, and my brothers and sisters. You'll tell them all about me, and take them my love, won't you, MrHartley?"

"Yes, I will not forget your message, and I assure you, Nat, that Ishould care very much indeed if you were to be killed, " answered Owen. "But do not be down-hearted; it will be a great thing to have been in afight, although we may have taken no very active part in it. "

Owen and Nat were stationed on the main deck, and had just brought uptheir powder from below. 

"Hold your tongues, youngsters, " said a midshipman, who just thenpassed. Owen recognised Mr Ashurst; he looked pale, but whether thiswas from the thoughts of the coming fight, or from some other cause, Owen could not tell. He was stationed at the guns which it was Owen'sduty to keep supplied. 

The second lieutenant passed along the deck, speaking an encouragingword to the men at each of the guns, while he gave the orders in regardto their mode of firing. 

He then turned to the boys, and addressed a few kind remarks to them. 

During this time the French frigate had shortened sail, showing that shehad no intention of avoiding an action. 

Owen could only get a glimpse of her through the port. The "Sylvia" hadtacked several times. Again Mr Leigh came along the deck. 

"In another minute we shall pass under the enemy's stern, and every gunfrom forward is to be fired in succession, " he cried. 

Just as he spoke, loud roars were heard, and several of the Frenchmen'sshot struck the frigate's upper works, none penetrating to the maindeck. 

Owen peered out eagerly to try and get a glimpse of the enemy; thentheir own guns began firing, the crew cheering as their shot told withconsiderable effect. The French frigate, however, which had immediatelyluffed up, though too late to avoid being raked, returned the fire withher other broadside. The two frigates ran on together to the eastward, exchanging broadsides as fast as the guns could be run in and loaded. 

"I wonder when she's going to give in?" said Nat to Owen as theyreturned from below with a fresh supply of powder. 

"Before long, if we continue pounding her as we have hitherto done, "said Owen, who after the first shots had been fired felt as cool as hehad ever done in his life. Nat, too, recovered his self-possession, andseemed to have lost all his fears. Still, it was a trying time foryoungsters who had never before been in battle. Round shot at timesstruck the ship in quick succession. Three or four men had been killedon the main deck, and others had been carried below badly wounded. Owenhad observed Mr Ashurst constantly moving about, evidently in no veryhappy frame of mind. 

"I say, " observed Nat, "I rather think he doesn't half like it, "pointing at the midshipman as he spoke. 

"You have no right to think that, " answered Owen. At that moment a shotstruck the cill of the port nearest to the spot where Owen was seated, killing one man and wounding another, then flying across the deck closeto Mr Ashurst, it committed further havoc on the other side, laying lowanother of the crew. 

The midshipman gave a spring and fell over near Owen, who was at thatmoment supplying his gun with powder. As soon as he was at liberty, Owen endeavoured to help the midshipman. 

"Are you hurt, sir?" he asked. 

"I don't know--I thought I was, " answered Mr Ashurst, getting on hisfeet. 

His reply produced a laugh from several of the men who heard him. Hewalked away without uttering a word of thanks to Owen for his goodintentions. Another broadside was fired, when a loud cheer burst forthfrom the crew on the upper deck, and was echoed by those on the maindeck. 

"She has struck! she has struck!"

The English frigate had been a good deal cut up. The Frenchman had losther foremast and main topmast, while her hull was severely battered. The "Sylvia" was hove to, and Mr Leigh, with a boat's crew, sent totake possession of the prize. She proved to be the "Venus, " forty-fourguns. Her captain having been killed, the first lieutenant presentedhis sword to Mr Leigh; as he did so he pointed to a number of dead anddying men about the decks, observing with a sigh--

"We did not yield until we had no hope of success. It is the fortune ofwar. "

"You have fought bravely, monsieur, and you and your crew will betreated as brave men, " answered Mr Leigh. 

He then ordered that the dead should be hove overboard, and the woundedcarried below, to be attended to by the surgeon. He also directed theFrench officers and most of the crew to prepare for going on board theEnglish frigate, though a few were retained for attending to the sick. The remainder of the "Sylvia's" boats which had escaped damage now camealongside with fresh hands to form the prize crew and to carry off theFrenchmen. Mr Leigh, leaving the prize in charge of the master's mate, who had accompanied him, returned on board the frigate to deliver theswords he had received, and report the state of the prize. 

"I intend you to have charge of the prize, and you can take any handsyou choose with you, " said Captain Stanhope. 

Mr Leigh having selected two or three more men, observed--

"I will take the lads we picked up the other day; they are sharpfellows, especially one of them, and may be useful. "

Owen and Nat were summoned and ordered to get into the boat with theother men, among whom was Mike Coffey. Owen was well pleased to havebeen selected by Mr Leigh. 

"We shall be out of the way, too, of that midshipman Mr Ashurst, "observed Nat. "He is a regular bully when he has the chance. "

On reaching the deck of the prize, however, what was theirdisappointment to find that Mr Ashurst had gone on board her in one ofthe other boats. He looked hard at Owen as he came up the side. 

"Who sent you here, boy?" he asked. 

"I was ordered to come, " answered Owen, touching his hat. 

"Well, look out, and see that you behave yourself, " said the midshipman, as he walked away. 

Owen felt a sickening sensation as he looked along the decks of theprize. Those of the "Sylvia" had been bad enough. These, although thedead and wounded had been removed, were still covered in every directionwith blood, while they were thickly strewed with shattered spars, fragments of bulwarks, blocks, pieces of rope, and torn sails, whilefrom below came up cries and groans of the wounded, either waiting tohave their hurts dressed or already in the surgeon's hands. As thefrigates were at the time not far from the coast of Celebes, everyeffort was made to repair the more serious damages, in order to enablethem to haul off the shore before nightfall. The first thing to be donewas to get up a fore jury mast. Rather more than a third of the Frenchcrew still remained on board the prize; but as all hands were requiredfor this work, Mr Leigh waited to send them away until it had beenaccomplished. Most of them, indeed, appeared willing to lend theirhelp. It was nightfall, however, before sail could once more be made onthe frigate. By that time it came on to blow very hard, and the seagetting up, made it dangerous for the boats to pass to and fro. CaptainStanhope, therefore, sent word to Mr Leigh to retain the remainder ofthe prisoners, and should the frigates get parted, to steer for Marrack, the nearest port on the Java coast where shelter could be found. Thefort protecting the harbour had a short time before been captured byLieutenant Lyons with two boats' crews. The captain's last directionsto Lieutenant Leigh were to keep a sharp look-out on his prisoners. Thewind increased, and the night became very dark. The English crewremained on deck, but most of the Frenchmen went below. All the sailthe frigate could carry was set, but it soon became evident that she wasmaking little or no way off the shore. 

Captain Stanhope had directed Mr Leigh to keep the lead going, and toanchor should the prize drift into shoal water. He accordingly orderedthe cables to be ranged ready for that emergency. Owen had beenactively engaged the whole day, and Mr Leigh had employed him to carryorders to the different parties at work. Soon after nightfall the"Sylvia" was lost sight of; as, for her own safety, she had beencompelled to get a good offing, Captain Stanhope not being willing torun the risk of anchoring on a lee shore. His intention was, however, to stand in the next morning and rejoin the prize. Had the wind beenbut moderate, the "Venus" would have run but little risk. Blowing, however, heavily, as it now did, Mr Leigh could not help acknowledgingthat they were in considerable danger. Though under reduced sail, shefortunately stayed very easily. The lieutenant, therefore, did nothesitate to go about as often as he considered necessary. A look-outwas kept for the land, and every time she tacked the lead was hove, butas no bottom had yet been found, it was hoped she might yet be aconsiderable distance from it. The French crew had remained quietlybelow, one or two only occasionally coming on deck, apparently toascertain the position of the ship. 

Strange that even at this time of peril Mr Ashurst should have treatedOwen in his usual tyrannical manner. He never met him without utteringa word of abuse. Two or three times he took up a rope's end and struckhim, declaring that he was idling or not obeying orders. At last Owencould bear it no longer. 

"You are perfectly well aware, Mr Ashurst, that you have no right totreat me thus, " he said in a firm voice. "You are placing yourself inmy power, for were I to complain of you, you would be punished. I haveno wish to do that, but I must beg that you will desist. "

"Who are you, to speak like this to me?" exclaimed the midshipman, apparently astonished at Owen's language and manner. 

"Were I your inferior in birth and education I should have a perfectright to expostulate, " said Owen. 

"In birth--in birth and education! You, a contemptible ship's boy, putyourself on an equality with a nobleman's son!" exclaimed Ashurst. 

"I am not placing myself on an equality, for I am not a nobleman's son, but I am the son of a gentleman, and have received a gentleman'seducation, and have, I hope, the feelings of one, " answered Owen, histemper rising in a way he found it difficult to quell; "all, however, Iinsist on is that you should not strike or abuse me, for by so doing, asyou well know, you are acting contrary to the articles of war. "

"A young sea lawyer, are you!" cried Ashurst. "Look out for squallswhen we get on board the frigate again. "

"Has it occurred to you, Mr Ashurst, that if this gale continues we maynever get there?" asked Owen, feeling suddenly prompted to put thequestion. "We have a wild rocky coast under our lee, and should theanchors fail to hold, we may, before morning, be cast on it with littlehope of any one on board escaping. "

"Who told you that?" asked Ashurst, in a changed tone. 

"My own sense and observation, " answered Owen. "When Mr Leigh sent meinto the cabin this afternoon, I examined the Frenchman's chart, whichlay open on the table, and I saw the sort of coast we are off. I do notwish to alarm you, nor any one else, but I only tell you what I know tobe the state of the case. "

"Does Mr Leigh think the same?" inquired Ashurst, in the same tone hewould have used to an equal. 

"I have no doubt he does, but of course he would not tell the crew untilit was absolutely necessary to do so; unless he had foreseen that weshould probably have to anchor he would not have ordered the cables tobe ranged. "

"I hope things are not so bad as you think, Hartley, " observed Ashurst, although, at the same time, his voice belied his words. Withoutapologising to Owen, he walked away in a very different manner to thathe had just before assumed. 

"It is a great shame that that midshipman should treat you as he does, "said Nat. "Although he is civil enough now, he will be as bad as everbefore long, and I have made up my mind what to do. "

"You'd better not interfere, Nat, " said Owen. "The officers probablywould not listen to you, and you would only get yourself into badodour. "

Nat did not exactly understand what that meant, but he did not minddoing anything which might benefit Owen. By midnight the gale hadincreased considerably, and the English crew, in addition to theirprevious exertions--having to work hard at the pumps--were almostworn-out. It was difficult, therefore, to spare hands to keep a properlook-out on the French prisoners. 

Mr Leigh, calling Owen, sent him below to ascertain what they wereabout. 

"I must get the fellows to take their spell at the pumps, if not, theirlives will be sacrificed as well as ours. "

This last remark Owen did not hear, although the same idea had occurredto him. 

Supposing him to be an ordinary ship's boy, who had come among them forcuriosity, the prisoners took little notice of him. The greater numberwere collected together in the fore-part of the lower deck. Some wereplaying cards, others with dice or dominoes. Some were lying down, others singing snatches of songs, talking and laughing, appearing tohave forgotten altogether that they were prisoners. One group, composedchiefly, it seemed, of petty officers and able seamen, were standingtogether, engaged in more earnest conversation. 

Owen, as he had been directed to do, stood by, counting their numbers, concealed by the foremast from the last-mentioned group. Taking nonotice of Owen the Frenchmen continued their conversation. He was onthe point of going away to report that the prisoners seemed very quiet, when he caught some words which made him listen with more attention. Although not accustomed to hear French spoken by Frenchmen, he hadfrequently read and talked French with his mother, and was wellacquainted with the ordinary phrases in use. The Frenchmen went on. They spoke of the danger the ship was in. That before long she mustanchor, when probably half the crew would lie down to rest, while theother half would be kept at the pumps. They appeared to know the coast;there were several islands abreast where they then were, with channelsbetween them. Their intention was to master the English crew, cut thecables, and, making sail by dawn, to run through one of these channels, where the "Venus" might lie completely concealed. They would then havetime to repair damages, and as soon as the English frigate had goneaway, supposing her prize to be lost, they might make their escape. Only two French officers, however, remained on board who understoodnavigation, and they must be gained over. This the French boatswainundertook to do. Some thought their officers would not agree to theplan. 

"Then they must be forced to do so, " answered the boatswain; "we willmake them prisoners as well as the English, or heave them all overboardtogether. "

"That would be dangerous, " remarked another, "for should we be retaken, they would hang us. "

"The fortune of war, my friend, " answered the boatswain; "remain whereyou are, that the English may see that you are amusing yourselves, whileI pay a visit to our lieutenant and the young Aspirante. They surelywill not refuse to enter into our plan. "

Owen waited some time longer, but finding that he was not likely to gainany further information he stole sway, concealed by the darkness, fromwhere he had been standing, unperceived, as he hoped, by any of theprisoners. The boatswain, he believed, had not yet gone aft, hetherefore hastened to report what he had heard to Mr Leigh. 

"This is important information you have brought me, " observed LieutenantLeigh. "We can easily thwart the Frenchmen's plot, and I doubt whethertheir two officers would agree to it. I had no idea you understoodFrench. The first thing to be done is to send a gang of these fellowsto the pumps. They shall work whether they like it or not. "

Calling Mr Stewart, the master's mate, who had accompanied him, MrLeigh directed him to take a dozen armed men and to bring up thirty ofthe French crew. "If they refuse, let them understand that they will beplaced in irons. Hartley, accompany Mr Stewart, and tell the Frenchmenwhy they are wanted. "

The order was speedily put into execution. The Frenchmen grumbled, butas they had been deprived of all their weapons they could make noresistance, and the number required were marched up to the main deck. The French boatswain and several of his companions were greatlyastonished, shortly afterwards, to find themselves handcuffed by anotherparty of English seamen accompanied by their officers. 

"You deserve it, you rascals, " said the French lieutenant. "Did yousuppose we should break our word of honour, and join you in yourvillainous plot?"

The greater number of the prisoners were now kept at the pumps, with theexception of those in irons and attending to the sick. In vain theyexpostulated. They could not deny that they intended to try andrecapture the ship. The English crew were thus greatly relieved, and aportion were enabled to lie down and obtain the rest they so muchrequired. 

Thus night wore on, and as yet no sign of land had been discovered. Again the lead was hove. It gave twenty fathoms, shortly afterwardsfifteen; and at the same moment, during a lull in the gale, the roar ofbreakers on a rocky shore could be heard. 

Mr Leigh instantly gave the order to prepare for anchoring. The canvaswas quickly taken in and the anchor let go. This was the moment theFrenchmen had intended to carry their plot into execution. The Englishofficers, with a party of men, well armed, kept watch on them, anddeprived of their leaders they dared not make the attempt. It was now aquestion whether the anchor would hold. A second had been got ready tolet go if necessary, and the French lieutenant undertook, should theypart from that, to pilot the frigate through one of the channels ofwhich the boatswain had spoken, where she could remain in safety untilthe gale was over. 

"I will trust you, " said Mr Leigh, shaking him by the hand. "You haveproved yourself a man of honour. "

Notwithstanding the promised assistance of the French lieutenant, MrLeigh felt considerable anxiety as to what might be the fate of thefrigate. The French crew might still rise and attempt to retake theprize should they find themselves at a distance from the "Sylvia. " Thecoast, too, was dangerous in the extreme, and it might be foundimpossible to reach the channel through which it was proposed to pass. Before sail could be made the frigate might be driven on the rocks underher lee, or the sails, if set, might be blown to tatters before shecould again be brought to an anchor. With forebodings of evil, Lieutenant Leigh paced the deck. The night passed slowly away; whenmorning dawned the "Sylvia" was nowhere to be seen. The gale blew asfuriously as ever. Captain Stanhope, in the crippled state to which hisship had been reduced by the action, although she had suffered much lessthan her opponent, had evidently considered it his duty to keep off theshore. "I should have done the same, " thought Mr Leigh. "He wouldhave risked the `Sylvia's' safety by coming to our assistance. It wasright to leave us to our fate. "

Although a long scope of cable had been run out, the "Venus" rodeuneasily over the heavy seas which came rolling in. Now she rose, nowshe pitched into them, as they passed under her, while the spray inthick showers broke over her bows. 

Still the stout cable held, although the lieutenant cast many an anxiouslook astern, where little more than a quarter of a mile away thebreakers burst with a continual roar on the rock-bound coast. Theycould distinguish the entrance to the passage some distance to thenorthward, but even had all the masts of the "Venus" been standing, anda strong crew been ready to make sail, the difficulty of gaining itwould have been very great. Should the French prisoners have succeededin carrying out their design, the frigate would have been cast away. The fate of the wounded would have been certain, and few of those onboard would have escaped. 

Ashurst still continued his ill-treatment of Owen. Nat saw him againstrike him. 

"It is the last time he shall do that, " exclaimed Nat, who was a witnessof what took place. 

Without speaking to Owen, he hurried aft to where Mr Leigh wasstanding. 

"Please, sir, I've something to say to you, " said Nat, touching his hat. 

"What is it, boy?" asked the lieutenant, concluding that Nat had to givehim some information regarding the conduct of the French prisoners. "Are the fellows down below inclined to be mutinous?"

"I don't think so, sir, " answered Nat; "but what I want to say is aboutMr Owen Hartley, who first found out their plot and saved us all fromhaving our throats cut. He is a gentleman, sir, and came out with us asa passenger on board the `Druid, ' and I think, sir, if this had beenknown, he would not have been sent forward amongst us boys. MrScoones, our first mate, who pretended to be the captain, knows it aswell as I do, but he had a spite against Mr Hartley, and so declaredthat he was a ship's boy, and allowed him to be rated as such on boardthe `Sylvia. ' Mike Coffey, who belonged to the old ship, will tell you, sir, that what I say is true. "

"I am ready to believe what you say, and when we return on board thefrigate I will speak to the captain on the subject. But what makes youcome up now to say this? I wish that you had given me the informationbefore. "

"Please, sir, Mr Hartley didn't wish me to do that, " answered Nat, "butI could stand it no longer when I saw, every hour in the day, MrAshurst knocking him about and abusing him as if he were a dog. Hewon't complain himself, so I made up my mind to complain for him, for Iwas sure you would not allow Mr Ashurst to behave in that way if youknew it. "

"Certainly not, my lad, " answered the lieutenant, who, not standing onhis dignity or resenting the unusual conduct of a boy for presuming tobring a complaint against a midshipman, respected Nat for his boldnessand eagerness to protect his friend. "Send Mr Hartley aft to me, butdo not let Mr Ashurst discover that you have complained of him. "

Nat harried forward. As soon as he could find Owen, without saying whathe had done, he told him that Mr Leigh wished to speak with him. Owenwent aft, not knowing what the lieutenant could have to say. 

"Hartley, " said Mr Leigh, "you appear to be superior to the other boys. In what capacity were you serving on board the ship in which you werecast away?"

Owen told him that he had come out as a passenger, but that, understanding mathematics and the principles of navigation, he hadendeavoured to perfect himself in the science, as also to gain aknowledge of seamanship, although he had no intention of becoming asailor, considering himself bound to return to the office in which hehad been employed. Mr Leigh then questioned him, and learned moreabout his history. 

"Had Captain Stanhope known this he would, I think, very likely, had youwished to enter the navy, have placed you on the quarter-deck. Icannot, of course, alter your rating now, but I will appoint you to actas my clerk, and I will let Mr Stewart and Mr Ashurst know that youare to mess with us, and that they are to treat you as a brotherofficer. "

Owen could scarcely believe his senses when he heard this. How wouldAshurst now behave to him? He himself would not of course refer to thetreatment he had received from the hands of the midshipman, but wouldact as if nothing unpleasant had occurred between them. Mr Stewart, the master's mate, who was an amiable young man, had always treated himkindly, and would, he was sure, do so now. 

It was nearly the dinner hour. "You will come at once into the cabin, "said Mr Leigh; "there is no reason for delay. "

Owen made his way forward, and told Nat what had happened. 

Nat, who pretended to look very much surprised, said he was very glad tohear of Owen's good fortune. "But it's only your due, " he added, "andplease for the future remember that you are now in the midshipmen'sberth, and a gentleman, that I am only a ship's boy, and treat meaccordingly. "

"I hope, Nat, I shall always treat you as a true friend, for such youhave been to me, " said Owen. 

There was no time to lose. Owen managed to wash his hands and brush hishair, so that he might appear as neat as possible. 

Mr Stewart had the watch, but Ashurst was in the cabin. He looked hardat Owen as he entered, supposing that he had come to receive someorders, or to wait at table. The two French officers were about to taketheir seats. 

"I am glad to see you, Hartley, " said Mr Leigh, when he came in. 

Ashurst stared, and the colour rose to his brow. 

"Messieurs, " said Mr Leigh, turning to the French officers, "I beg tointroduce this young gentleman to you. Ashurst, I now make him known toyou as I intend to employ him as my clerk, and he will soon become yourmessmate, for I have little doubt, if he wishes it, when we return tothe frigate, that Captain Stanhope will place him as a midshipman on thequarter-deck. "

The first impulse of Ashurst on hearing this was to get up from thetable, but he sat down again and fixed his eyes on Owen without saying aword. Owen, who at first felt somewhat strange at being thus suddenlyintroduced into the society of gentlemen, soon recovered himself, andbehaved as might have been expected. He addressed Mr Leigh withfreedom but perfect propriety, and spoke to the French officers in theirown language. Although the eldest understood a little English, yet heexpressed himself with difficulty in it. 

Whenever Ashurst looked at him it was with a frown on his brow. He didnot once speak to him, even though Mr Leigh attempted to make him doso. The dinner was got over rapidly, for it was not a time when thecommanding officer could be long absent from the deck. The weathercontinued as before. So great was the strain on the cable that itappeared every instant ready to part. Hands were stationed at thestoppers of the second, ready to let it go should the first fail. 

Owen had been sent into the cabin to make out some lists from noteswhich Mr Leigh gave him, the French lieutenant having supplied him withwriting materials for the purpose. 

Mr Leigh called Ashurst, who was on deck, to come to him. 

"I am surprised at your conduct to young Hartley, " he said. "I havemyself observed it, and I should have supposed, now that I have thoughtfit to place him on the quarter-deck, that you would have welcomed himas a messmate. He is gentlemanly and well-informed, and I have no doubtthat he is, as he states, a gentleman by birth. "

"Pretenders often assume good manners when they have an object in doingso, " answered Ashurst, in a scornful tone; "he appeared as a ship's boy, and I treated him as such, and made him do his duty. "

"You may have bullied others, but you have shown a special ill-feelingtowards this lad, " answered Mr Leigh, feeling annoyed at the manner inwhich the midshipman spoke. "In future I beg that you will treat him asan equal. "

"An equal, indeed! Do you forget, Mr Leigh, that I am the son of anobleman, and that he is or was till a few minutes ago, merely a ship'sboy!" exclaimed the midshipman, in a voice which made Mr Leigh almostsmile. 

"Had you said that in your berth, you would have been laughed at by allyour messmates, " observed Mr Leigh, "Come, come, I cannot listen tosuch nonsense. While you remain on board the prize, treat him as Idesire, and when we rejoin the `Sylvia' Captain Stanhope will see toit. " Ashurst walked away, muttering something which Mr Leigh did nothear. All day long the weather continued the same as before, and nightcame on without any signs of an abatement of the gale. The British crewwere well-nigh worn-out. Although the Frenchmen were now compelled tolabour at the pumps, the English took a spell. They had, besides, towatch the prisoners, and be always on deck ready to let go the anchorand make sail. Not until morning did the wind begin to fall, althoughthe sea appeared as heavy as ever. It burst forth again and blew withgreater fury than before. Suddenly the cry arose--

"The cable has parted!"

"Let go the best bower, " cried Lieutenant Leigh. 

In an instant the stoppers were cut, and the cable ran at a rapid rate, setting the hawse hole on fire. The danger had been seen, and men stoodready with buckets of water to heave over it. The cable ran out to itsfull range. 

"Does the anchor hold, Stewart?" asked the lieutenant. 

"Yes, sir, it holds, " answered the master's mate. 

"Thank Heaven!" ejaculated Mr Leigh. 

Before the fresh anchor brought up the ship, she had drifted much nearerthe rocks. Should this cable part her destruction was inevitable. 

The gale seemed to have exhausted itself by its last effort, and thewind now rapidly fell. Still the breakers burst with the same fury asbefore under the stern. More anxiously than ever every one on boardwaited for daylight. 

As soon as it came, the lieutenant ordered all hands to get fresh stayson the jury mast preparatory to making sail, his intention being, shouldthe wind come off the shore, to stand away from the coast, in hopes offalling in with the "Sylvia, " and not finding her, at once to steer acourse for Marrack. 

At length a light wind began to blow off the land, but it was notsufficiently strong to make it prudent to cut the cable. Gradually itincreased. 

"All hands make sail!" shouted Mr Leigh. 

The Frenchmen were as eager as the English crew to hoist away. Thecable was cut and the prize stood off from the dangerous coast. 

CHAPTER NINE. 

The French crew, when all immediate danger was over, again began to showa mutinous disposition, some refusing to take their spell at the pumps, others forming groups and talking eagerly together. Owen ascertained, from what they were saying, that they believed the "Sylvia" to have gonedown, so that if they could retake the frigate they might be able tomake off with her. Some of them, having got hold of a cask of spirits, were becoming every instant more and more unruly. 

"We shall have to clap the whole of them in irons, or lash them intotheir hammocks, " observed Lieutenant Leigh to Mr Stewart. 

Just then Owen, who had been sent to the mizen topmast head by Mr Leighto take a look-out, shouted--

"A sail to the north-west, she is standing this way and close hauled. "

On hearing this Mr Stewart went aloft with his spy-glass. Afterwaiting some time he shouted--

"She is the frigate, sir, coming to look for us--no doubt about that. "

The "Venus, " by this time having got sufficiently far from the coast, was hove to. The Frenchmen, finding that they were out in theircalculations, changed their conduct and became very submissive. 

Before long the "Sylvia" was up to the prize. A boat came off from her, and Mr Leigh in return sent a report, written at his dictation by Owen, of what had occurred, with the request that the more troublesome of theprisoners might be removed. This occupied time, when the "Sylvia"shortening sail to keep company with the prize, the two frigates stoodfor the Bay of Marrack. 

Here the French crew were sent on shore, the officers receivingpermission, on giving their parole, to reside in the neighbouringvillage. Every effort was now made to repair the "Sylvia's" damages, and to fit the prize for going round to Batavia, where, it was hoped, asufficient number of men would be found to man her, as she would prove avaluable addition to the British squadron in those seas. As soon as MrLeigh was able he went on board the "Sylvia, " taking Owen with him. 

"Young Hartley has behaved admirably, sir, " he said to Captain Stanhope. "Through his intelligence we were saved from being set upon by theFrenchmen, who had formed a plot to attempt the recapture of the prize. "

He then gave the particulars with which he was acquainted of Owen'shistory. 

"I believe I am right, am I not?" he continued, turning to Owen. 

"Yes, sir, " was the answer. 

Captain Stanhope then put numerous questions to Owen, which he answeredin an apparently satisfactory way. 

"As my clerk--poor Jones--in our action with the `Venus' was wounded andhas since died, I will give you his berth at once, " said the captain, "as I understand you are fully capable of filling it, and I may perhaps, if you wish it, place you on the quarter-deck as a midshipman, unlessyou would rather take any opportunity which may occur of returning toyour friends. If you stick to the service you may rise in it. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Owen; "I wish to do as you think best. I am verywilling to act as your clerk, and hope that I may give you satisfaction. I had not thought of entering the navy or remaining at sea in themerchant service. "

"At all events, I will at once give you a rating as my clerk; you willthen be on the quarter-deck and mess in the midshipmen's berth. Inregard to your entering the service I will leave it to your furtherconsideration. "

"If poor Jones' things have not yet been sold I shall be happy topurchase them for Mr Hartley, " said Mr Leigh. 

The second lieutenant was a young man of good means. 

"You shall do as you wish, " said the captain. "At all events I willspeak to the purser, and see that Hartley gets a proper outfit. Thetailor will soon put a patch on his jacket should he become amidshipman. "

Owen felt very grateful to the captain and his kind friend the secondlieutenant. He did not hesitate for a moment about acting as thecaptain's clerk while he remained on board, but he asked himself thequestion whether it was not his duty, should he find the opportunity, toreturn to Mr Fluke's counting-house, from which he had not beenformally dismissed. He had come only for a holiday to regain hishealth, and he considered that he was bound to go back again. He found, however, that, having once entered, he could not leave the ship withoutthe captain's leave until she returned home and was paid off. There wasnow no help for it. Captain Stanhope was evidently a kind man, andwould, should a favourable opportunity occur, allow him to go home. Still, Owen saw that the present was no time to talk about that. He atonce set to work on his new duties, and he soon found, from the approvalexpressed by the captain, that he performed them satisfactorily. 

Mr Scoones, who had not left the ship, wishing to go round in her toBatavia, looked very much astonished when he saw Owen in an officer'sdress on the quarter-deck. He had himself, however, so completely lostcredit with the officers from his conduct in the action that few of themspoke to him. He was glad therefore for some one to speak to. Going upto Owen, he addressed him with a patronising air--

"Glad to see that your talents have been discovered, my young friend, "he said; "had I felt justified, I should have recommended you to thecaptain from the first, but as you thought fit to associate with theship's boys and men, I could not do so with any propriety. "

"I do not know with whom else I could have associated, Mr Scoones, "answered Owen, laughing. "You certainly showed no inclination for mysociety, and unhappily all the other officers were lost. Had it notbeen for the ship's boy you speak of, and the only man who remainedsober, we none of us should have escaped. "

"Well, well, " answered Mr Scoones, "let bygones be bygones. If I gethome first I will report your good fortune--that you are as strong andhearty as your friends could wish you to be. You will not, I suppose, send home an account of the shipwreck, for you and I may differ in ourstatements. Mine of course is the one which will be accredited, as noone at home will fancy that you can know anything about the matter. "

"I should not wish to say anything to incriminate you, " answered Owen;"but the lives of a great number of our fellow-creatures are at stakewhen an officer loses his senses, and I therefore hope that you willeither give up drinking or quit the sea. "

"Then you intend to accuse me of casting away the ship throughdrunkenness?" exclaimed Mr Scoones, looking as though he could eat Owenup. 

"Whatever I say or do will be from a sense of duty, " answered Owen. 

A part of this conversation had been overheard by the first lieutenant, who held Mr Scoones in most supreme contempt, fully believing, fromwhat he knew of him, that it was through his drunkenness that the shiphad been lost. 

"Mr Scoones, " he said, addressing that person, "it has been decidedthat you should go on shore at once. If you are in a hurry to reachBatavia, you can, without difficulty, find your way overland. "

A boat was just then about to shove off. The first mate of the hapless"Druid" having no traps to get ready, stepped into her, and was conveyedon shore. 

"Hartley, " said the first lieutenant, turning to Owen, "I wish you todraw up an exact account of the shipwreck, and state, to the best ofyour belief, how it occurred, and if corroborated by your two survivingshipmates, they shall sign it, and it shall be sent home. That fellowought never to get the command of a ship, or sail again even as a mate. "

Owen was sorry to leave Mr Leigh, who remained in command of the prize;at the same time he was glad to escape from Ashurst, who showed, duringa short visit he paid to the frigate to get some of his traps, that heretained the ill-feeling he had all along manifested towards him. 

Mike and Nat managed to come on board the "Sylvia" for a few moments tocongratulate Owen, they having heard of what they called his goodfortune. 

"You are in your proper place now, Mr Hartley, " exclaimed Nat; "onegood thing is, that Mr Ashurst won't venture to hit you with the rope'send. "

"Shure I'm mighty plased to see you made an officer, Mr Hartley, " saidMike; "when you are a commander, as you will be sartain one of thesedays, I'd be proud to be your coxswain. "

"I'm not a midshipman yet, " answered Owen, laughing, "though I trulythank you for your good wishes. "

Owen drew up a faithful report of the loss of the "Druid, " which, meeting with the approbation of Captain Stanhope, was forwarded by thefirst opportunity. The repairs to the frigate and her prize having beenmade, they sailed to Batavia, where several other men-of-war were foundat anchor. 

Not without some, difficulty a crew was collected to man the "Venus, "partly from the seamen of merchant vessels in port, as also from somewho had been shipwrecked, with a few men-of-war's men from the "Sylvia"and other ships. Mr Hawkins, the first lieutenant of the "Sylvia, " whohad just been promoted to the rank of commander, received an actingorder as captain of the "Venus, " and Mr Leigh returned to the "Sylvia"as her first lieutenant. Owen was very glad to have Mr Leigh on board, as he had shown him so much kindness, and equally well pleased thatAshurst remained in the "Venus. "

Ashurst, however, paid two or three visits to the "Sylvia, " during whichhe made disparaging remarks about Owen in the mess. 

Although several of the things were said in his presence, Owen took nonotice of them. He trusted that he might win the regard of his newmessmates by his uniform good conduct and gentlemanly bearing towardsthem. Still, he found that he had much to put up with. Ashurstpossessed considerable influence in the berth, and there is an oldsaying, that "dirt cannot be thrown without some of it sticking. " Owenwas often treated in a contemptuous manner by several of the mates andmidshipmen. He heard himself called a wretched young quill-driver, Cheeseparings, junior--Cheeseparings being the name gived to thepurser--the captain's spy, or licenced talebearer, with many similaruncomplimentary epithets. He made no complaint even when Mr Leigh oncekindly asked him if he was happy in the berth, nor did he reply in a wayto excite the anger of those who were endeavouring to annoy him. 

He knew that it could not last long. He had written to Mr Fluke, stating the position in which he was on board the "Sylvia, " and askingwhether it was his wish that he should return home and resume his dutiesin the counting-house. He dispatched a much longer letter to hisfriends at Fenside, giving a full account of his adventures. He did notforget either to write to Mrs Aggett, describing her husband's peacefuldeath, feeling that a knowledge of this would be far more consolatory tothe widow, than should she suppose that he had been lost during thehorrors of a shipwreck, which otherwise she would very naturally haveconcluded to have been the case. He was greatly puzzled whenever hethought the matter over, to account for Ashurst's manner. As far asOwen could judge, Ashurst did not treat any of his other young messmatesin the same way, although he might have been somewhat supercilious inhis manner towards them, as if he considered himself a being of asuperior order. Captain Stanhope was anxious, as soon as possible, toget away from Batavia, there being much sickness in the place, as isusually the case in that unhealthy town. He hoped, however, that theships would escape, as he allowed none of the officers or men to visitthe shore oftener than could be helped. Owen, however, on one occasionaccompanied the captain, who had business to transact. They werereturning to the harbour to embark when they met a party of natives, carrying a person on a stretcher, followed by several Dutchmen, and twoor three English sailors. The bearers stopped on seeing the captain, supposing that he was some one in authority, and placed the stretcher onthe ground. 

"Please, sir, " said one of the seamen, "we have just picked up thisEnglishman; can you tell us where we are to take him to?"

"To the public hospital of course, " answered Captain Stanhope, "if theman is alive. But are you sure of that?" he asked, looking down. 

Owen just then recognised the countenance of the first mate of the"Druid, " as did also Captain Stanhope. 

"I suspect that he is a subject for the dead-house rather than thehospital, " observed the captain. 

"Why, so I believe, " cried the seaman, placing his hand on the mate'sheart, and then lifting up his arm, it fell motionless by his side. 

Captain Stanhope ascertained that the man had been seen to fall down, apparently in a drunken fit and had not since uttered a word. 

"Take him to the hospital, and you will soon learn whether he is dead, or if there is any hope of his recovering, " said the captain. 

The bearers taking up the dead body--for dead he was, there could be nodoubt--hurried on to the hospital as directed. Such was the ending ofthe first mate of the "Druid, " and such has been that of countlessnumbers of seamen who have given way to the terrible vice ofdrunkenness. 

Owen returned on board with the captain. It was his last visit to theshore. Indeed, attractive as the country is in appearance, few wouldwish to visit that pestiferous region. The two frigates having beenrefitted, sailed together for a cruise through the Indian seas. 

Captain Stanhope's orders were to visit Amboyna, several of the Moluccaislands, Banda Neira, and other places which had been lately capturedfrom the Dutch. The castle of Belgica, the chief fort of Banda Neira, had been taken in an especially gallant manner the year before byCaptain Cole, of the frigate "Caroline, " and Captain Kenah, of the"Barracouta" sloop. Landing at night, during a violent storm, accompanied by Lieutenant Lyons and several other officers, they madetheir way to the rear of the citadel. Though discovered, scrambling upby means of scaling ladders, they forced their way in, and in a fewminutes became masters of the castle. 

Very naturally the officers and crew of the "Sylvia" regretted that theyhad not been there to share in the honour of the achievement. 

Some months passed away in a satisfactory manner to Owen, as numerousplaces of interest were visited, especially the spice-producing islands, where he had an opportunity of seeing numberless objects of naturalhistory. Birds of rare plumage, shells of magnificent size, tinted withthe most beautiful colours, as well as curious animals, such as were tobe seen in no other region. Owen, who was a fair swimmer, took everyopportunity, when the ships were at anchor and bathing was possible, toimprove himself in the art. Although others bathed with him, very fewtook as much pains as he did. His frequent companion on such occasionswas John Langton, a master's mate, who, being older, was a superiorswimmer, and seemed to take much pleasure in giving him instruction. They did their best to induce others to join them, but very few wouldtake the trouble to learn to swim. 

"We never can tell what may happen, " remarked Langton. "A time may comewhen you may earnestly wish that you had learnt to swim. A person whocan do so may be the means of saving not only his own life but that ofothers. "

It was necessary, however, to be very careful, as many places in theseseas swarmed with sharks and other marine creatures. They had always toselect some lagoon, cut off from the ocean, or to keep a bright look-outwhen swimming along the shore, and never to venture far out. Owen, though still inferior to Langton, soon became an expert swimmer. 

Two mails had come out from England, which, according to Owen'scalculations, might have brought him letters, but none arrived, and hebegan to fear those he had written home had been lost. Not that he wasvery anxious to leave the ship, as he had already succeeded inovercoming the prejudices of his messmates, and even the mostill-natured had to acknowledge that he was not a bad fellow, although hemight be somewhat mean-spirited. John Langton had from the first stoodhis friend in a judicious way. He had not defended him in his presencewhen attacked, seeing how wisely Owen was conducting himself, but he hadtaken good care to speak in his favour when he was not present. 

Langton was a quiet-mannered, somewhat silent young man, but those whoknew him best were very sure that he was capable of daring and doing, should an opportunity occur, as much as any man, and Owen was naturallydrawn towards him. For some time he was the only person in the messwith whom he had much conversation. By degrees Owen's messmates forgotthat he had been a boy before the mast, and treated him as one ofthemselves. He thus found the position as pleasant as he could desire, until one day while the frigates were in harbour Reginald Ashurst madehis appearance on board. 

"I'm come to take up my berth among you again, " he said to Langton. "Ishould be very well pleased if it were not for having that littleupstart Hartley in our mess. I expected that he would have been senthome before this. I wonder why the captain was induced to retain him?"

"I should think because he finds him very well qualified for the dutieshe has to perform, " answered Langton. "If you had seen as much of himas we have, I think that you would have no reason to find fault withhim. "

"Birds of a feather flock together, " muttered Ashurst, as he turnedaway. 

Langton heard the remark, but took no notice of it. Owen had again agood deal to endure from Ashurst, and his temper was sorely tried. Often a retort rose to his lips, though he refrained from uttering it. A month or more went by. The two frigates had come round to thenorthern end of Celebes. 

Captain Stanhope sent the "Venus" on to Batavia, while the "Sylvia"stood in for the port of Gorontello in the Bay of Tomonie, which placehad been taken from the Dutch, and which was governed by a native princewho had declared his attachment to the British Government. CaptainStanhope's object was to communicate with the sultan, and to present himwith some presents in order to retain his friendship. The frigate, however, had got within eight or ten miles from the port when it came ona perfect calm. Bringing the ship to an anchor the captain resolved togo on shore in the pinnace. He took with him Langton, Ashurst, andOwen, as also the purser, who went to purchase fresh provisions. 

A small party of marines accompanied him to act as a guard of honour. The frigate being to the southward of the port, the boat after a longpull reached Gorontello. The visit to the sultan was paid, and passedoff satisfactorily, although the ceremonies occupied a longer time thanthe captain had expected. The purser had purchased his stores, and gotthem on board. Some other delays occurred, so that it was late beforethe boat started to return to the frigate. A light wind was, however, blowing; sometimes it came from the northward and at others from off theland. 

"If this wind holds we shall get down to the frigate in little more thanan hour, " observed Captain Stanhope to Langton. 

Darkness in those latitudes, as is well-known, comes on very rapidly. The sun had set, the boat was carrying all sail, when the wind came offthe land, from which she was then about two miles distant. Whether thecoxswain had indulged in a glass of arrack on shore, or from some othercause, neither he nor any one else was keeping an eye to windward, asshould have been done. Suddenly a squall struck the boat, and beforethe helm could be put down, or a sheet let go, over she heeled, andbeing already heavily laden with the fresh provisions, the water rushedin on the lee side, and she capsized. Providentially most of theprovisions fell out of her, and her ballast consisting of water casks, instead of sinking, she floated keel upwards. The officers hadpreviously taken off their swords, the marines let go their muskets, andnearly all hands, disentangling themselves from the rigging, got hold ofthe boat. 

The captain, setting the example, climbed up on the keel, calling on hismen to follow. All who could, did so. Two unfortunate marines, however, encumbered with their accoutrements, had remained under her. Their cries for help were almost immediately stifled. Owen foundhimself seated next to Langton. 

"Help! help!" cried a voice close astern. "I cannot swim, and amsinking. "

"It is Ashurst, " exclaimed Owen; "come and help him. "

Owen and Langton immediately slipped into the water, and striking outquickly got up to where Ashurst was struggling. 

"Keep quiet, and trust to us, " said Langton, seizing him by one arm. Owen grasped the other, and thus preventing him from clutching them, they towed him back to the boat; then telling him to hold fast whilethey climbed again on the keel, they hauled him up. 

He was too much exhausted to speak, but he certainly made no attempt toexpress his thanks. A boat-hook and a couple of oars had been foundfloating close to the boat, and the men had placed them on the bottom. Langton proposed to Owen to swim round and pick up others. Theysucceeded in finding three more, but the rest by that time had driftedout of sight. They returned with those they had regained, and resumedtheir seats. 

The captain, on calling over the names of the crew, found that, besidesthe two marines who had been drowned under the boat, two of the men weremissing. The position of those on the boat was now perilous in theextreme. The wind was increasing, and was drifting her further andfurther from the shore. Although it was possible that she might be seenin the morning by the frigate, before that time all on her, in allprobability, would be washed off. 

"We might get help from Gorontello, as there are several boats in theharbour, " observed the captain; "but it is not likely that the accidentwas observed there, unless any one by chance has been watching usthrough a spy-glass. "

"I am afraid there is very little hope of that, " answered Langton. 

"We must endeavour to hold on until the morning, when the frigate maydiscover us, " said the captain. "Cheer up, my lads, many men have beenin a worse condition than we are and have escaped. "

The seamen cheered, to show that they were not down-hearted, and wereready as ever to obey their captain. 

"If we had but some food, we might fare better, " observed the purser. "I think I see something floating near us now. "

"I'll get it, " cried Owen, slipping into the water and swimming towardsit. The object proved to be a covered basket of fruit, which he towedback in triumph. It was hauled up and secured. The men cried out forsome at once. 

"Stay, my lads, " said the captain, "none of you can be very hungry orthirsty as yet. By-and-by I will serve out a share to each man. " Thesailors acquiesced without a word. "I fear that we shall drift out tosea, " observed Captain Stanhope, after a silence of some minutes. "Although when we are missed Mr Leigh will certainly send boats insearch of us, they will not know where to look. Could we by any meanscommunicate with the shore, word might be sent along he coast, and thosewho are acquainted with the set of the current would easily know in whatdirection to pull. "

"I might be able to swim to the shore, sir, " said Langton, "but it is along distance to go alone. Are any of you men good swimmers?"

No one answered. There was not a man who felt capable of accomplishingthe feat. 

"If I may go with Langton I will, sir, " exclaimed Owen. "I never haveswum as much as two miles, but I know that I can keep in the water along time, and I think I can do it. "

The captain hesitated. "I accept Langton's offer, but I would ratherthat an older person than you are should go. Since I was wounded I havebeen unable to make any violent exertion, and I am very sure that Ishould be unable to accomplish half the distance. "

"I would gladly have Hartley accompany me, " said Langton. "I have oftenseen him take a long swim, and come in as fresh as he was at starting. Every instant increases our distance from the shore. "

"If you both feel confident that you can swim as far, I will no longerobject, " said the captain. "Before you go, however, take some of thefruit; it will refresh you, although it will not add much to yourstrength. "

"Thank you, sir, " exclaimed Owen, as if an especial favour had beengranted him. 

He and Langton each ate a small portion of the fruit, both offering upin the meantime an earnest prayer for protection. 

"May Heaven preserve you, my lads, " said the captain, as he shook theirhands. 

Having taken off their outer clothes, retaining only their drawers, socks, and shirts, they both together slipped into the water and struckout for the shore, which could still be dimly seen. Their companionscheered as they swam from the boat. 

"We must not over-exert ourselves at first, " said Langton, as Owen, putting forth all his strength, was shooting past him. "We shall bothdo it, please Heaven, but we must not be down-hearted although we appearto make but little way. "

Owen, taking the advice, kept pace with Langton, who maintained a slow, steady stroke. They could hear the voices of their companions, whoevery now and then raised a cheer to encourage them. For some time thecheers sounded almost as distinct as those at first uttered. 

"We can have got but a very short distance, " remarked Owen. 

"The sound travels further than you suppose, " answered Langton. "Wehave made good way already. "

On they went, every now and then speaking a word of encouragement toeach other. 

"I am thankful you came with me, " said Langton; "it would have been farmore trying had I been alone. "

On and on they went, still the dark outline of the shore appeared as faroff as ever. Now and then Langton proposed that they should turn ontheir backs. They could not venture to make way for any length of timein that position for fear of getting out of their proper course. Owenhad somewhat overrated his strength. He began to feel his arms and legsache, but he would not tell Langton of his sensations. At last he wascompelled to propose that they should float for a short time. Langtonguessed the cause, and willingly agreed. 

In a minute Owen felt rested, and once more they proceeded. He wasagain about to propose taking another rest, and was turning on his back, when he saw rising above the water, a few feet from him, a triangularfin. Though certain that it was that of a huge shark, he resolved notto tell his companion. Dreadful were his feelings. At any moment themonster might discover them. As yet it had not apparently done so. Thedark fin glided on, but another and another came into sight. Theremight be many more astern. Not one, however, deviated from its course, and the creatures at length disappeared. Not until then did Owen utteran exclamation. 

"What was it?" asked Langton. 

Owen confessed that he had seen the sharks. 

"A good sign, " said Langton, "it shows that they are not given to attackhuman beings in these waters. Don't let us trouble our heads aboutthem. "

This Owen found it was not so easy to do. It appeared to him that theyhad been hours in the water. The courage of the two swimmers wasgreatly tried, for still the land seemed as far off as ever. 

More than once Owen felt that he could go no further. He prayed thatstrength might be given him, and again struck out bravely. The sight ofthe sharks made him unwilling to rest even for a moment, for he knew aslong as he kept his arms and legs moving there was less danger of beingseized. At last a feeling came over him that he must give in. 

"Push on ahead, Langton, " he said, in a faint voice, "I will followslowly; but I only detain you now. "

"No, no, Hartley, " answered Langton. "I will not desert you; cheer up, cheer up. "

Just at that moment Langton felt his feet strike the ground. For aninstant he feared that it was a shark, or some other monster fish, but, again putting down his foot he felt the hard, soft sand. 

"Thank Heaven, Owen, it's all right, here's the bottom!" he exclaimed. 

Both swimming on a few strokes more, Owen found that his feet also couldtouch the sand, and that he could stand up with his head out of water. 

They waded on; the depth decreased but slowly, but still it diddecrease. Langton's shoulders rose above the surface, he could nowassist Owen. Exerting all their strength they made rapid way, and in afew minutes more found themselves standing on the dry beach. 

Both offered up their thanks to Heaven for their preservation, when, Owen's strength failing, he sank down on the sand. Langton was thefirst to recover. 

"Do not wait for me, " said Owen. "I suppose you'll make the best ofyour way along, the shore until you get abreast of the ship, unless youcan find a native boat before then to take you off to her?"

"That's what I propose doing, " answered Langton; "but I will not leaveyou until you regain your strength. "

In a few minutes Owen declared himself able to walk. 

"Before we start let us try to find out whether any natives are near;they may be able to help us, " said Langton. 

They shouted at the top of their voices, but no reply was heard. Theydid so, believing that all the natives were friendly in that region. 

"We must get help without delay, " said Langton. "That we may have adouble chance, I suggest, Owen, that you try to make your way back toGorontello, which cannot be more than three or four miles off, while Igo down towards the ship. If I fall in with a native boat, I will gooff at once; if not, I will make a signal from the shore with a bigbonfire, and Mr Leigh is pretty sure to send in a boat to learn thecause. You must, in the meantime, endeavour to obtain a boat. You arecertain to find some one to interpret for you; promise a handsome rewardto those who succeed in discovering the captain and the rest. "

The plan was no sooner arranged than acted on. Owen, as fast as hislegs could carry him, started along the shore in one direction, andLangton in the other. Sometimes Owen found the sand smooth enough, butat others he came to rough rocks, over which he had to climb. Now andthen he saw a light on his left twinkling in the distance, but he passedno human habitation. Again and again, however, he shouted, hoping thatsome fisherman's boat might be concealed among the rocks. No one camenear him, and he concluded that the people had retired for the night totheir homes. Often, overcome by fatigue, he felt inclined to stop, butremembering that the lives of his captain and shipmates were at stake, he pushed on, now running at full speed along the sand, and now climbingover the rough ground. 

At length, greatly to his joy, he saw some lights ahead, they showedthat he was approaching the town. "I hope that all the people have notgone to bed. It will be a hard matter to rouse them up, " he thought. "The lights show that some are up at all events. " At length he gotamong the houses, or rather huts, for few of the buildings deserved agrander name. Some of the natives came out and stared at him, but hecould not make them understand what he wanted. They did not, probably, recognise him as one of the smartly dressed officers who had paid avisit to the sultan in the morning. They saw, however, that he was astranger. At last one made signs to him that he would show him where aperson lived who could understand what he said; so Owen fancied was themeaning of the native's gesticulations. "Yes, quick, " answered Owen. 

The native led the way along several rows of huts, until they reachedthe door of a building of superior pretensions with a broad verandahoverlooking the harbour. Owen at once called out--

"Does any one understand English here? If so, I want their assistancewithout delay. I can promise a handsome reward to all who give it. "

"Come in, come in, " said a voice in a foreign accent. A native appearedat the door with a light in his hand. "Mynheer Van Wijk will see you, "said he, as he conducted Owen into a room where a white man wasreclining in a hammock, with a huge pipe in his mouth, whom he supposedto be Mynheer Van Wijk, the owner of the mansion. 

"Vat you want?" exclaimed Mynheer, gazing at Owen, as he stood, shoelessand hatless, in his still damp shirt and trousers. 

Owen, in as few words as possible, explained who he was, and theaccident which had happened. 

"Donder en bliksem, dat is bad, " exclaimed the Dutchman, tumbling out ofhis hammock and putting on his coat and shoes. "Dare is no time tolose; we must go off at once. And you, young gentleman, want food andclothing. You'll be getting fever if we don't look after you. Mineyoung son's clothes will fit you; you must put them on. "

He shouted, when a servant appeared, to whom he gave some orders. In afew minutes the servant returned with a bundle of clothes and a towel. 

Owen thankfully exchanged his wet garments for the young Dutchman'sdress, although he was conscious that he cut a somewhat unusualappearance in it. He had scarcely time to finish his toilet beforeanother servant came in with several dishes of food. 

"Fall to, " said Mynheer Van Wijk; "we have no time to lose I have sentdown to ze harbour to order two boats to be got ready. You and I willgo in one, and my friend Jacob Leefkens will take charge of ze other. He known ze set of ze tides about here as well as any native. "

Owen quickly finished his repast, of which he stood greatly in need. 

"My captain and the men with him have no provisions, and I should bethankful to take a supply if you will enable me to procure them, " saidOwen. 

"Of course we will carry food and water and scheidam for ze poorfellows, " said the Dutchman. 

Owen accompanied Mynheer Van Wijk down to the harbour, where they foundtwo boats, each manned by eight powerful-looking natives. JacobLeefkens was evidently a seafaring man by the way in which he receivedMynheer Van Wijk's directions. Owen was thankful when he found himselfthus far successful in commencing the search for his shipmates. He haddescribed as minutely as he could the position of the boat when she wasupset, and the two Dutchmen arranged their courses accordingly. Theboats pulled on and on. Owen thought that they ought to have got up tothe spot where he had left his shipmates. He shouted several times asloudly as he could, aided by Mynheer Van Wijk. The wind had risenconsiderably, and the further they pulled out the higher the sea wasrunning. Owen began to fear that the people might have been washed offthe boat, or that perhaps righting, she had filled and gone down. Hethought, too, of Langton, and the dangers he might have to encounter. On speaking on the subject to Mynheer Van Wijk the reply was--

"They are not good people down there; they are too fond of cutting offheads, and a white man himself would be looked upon as a prize. "

"I trust such has not been the fate of my friend, " said Owen. 

"The natives have probably gone to their huts, and his safety willdepend on his not falling in with them, " observed Mynheer Van Wijk. 

From time to time Owen continued to shout, so that they should not passthe boat without being discovered. Jacob Leefkens at last rejoinedthem. 

"I am afraid she's gone to the bottom, " he observed. 

"Do not say that, Jacob, " answered Mynheer Van Wijk. "We will searchfor them until to-morrow night, if we do not find them before. "

This last remark was consolatory to Owen, and thankful he was that hehad fallen in with the honest Dutchman. Now the boats rowed further offshore, now pulled along parallel with it. Owen saw that it would havebeen impossible for Langton to have found the boat, and, having rightedher, to have towed her back to the ship. 

Again Jacob, shouting from his boat, declared that the boat must havegone down, as not a sign of her appeared. 

"Perhaps I mistook her position, " suggested Owen. 

"Well, we will push on further, " said Mynheer Van Wijk. "Let us giveone more hearty shout together. "

All three, joined by the natives, raised their voices. 

Just then a faint sound came from the southward. 

"There they are! there they are!" cried Owen. "They heard us, and areholloaing in return. "

The natives were ordered to give way, and in a few minutes more a louder"holloa" was heard. 

They were evidently nearing the boat. 

Owen, eager to know how they had fared, stood up and hailed them as heapproached. 

"Are all safe?"

"Ay, ay, " was the answer. 

In a short time Mynheer Van Wijk's boat was alongside the pinnace. Oneby one the people were taken off her, Captain Stanhope remaining untilthe last. Several of them were greatly exhausted, especially Ashurst, who could scarcely speak. Captain Stanhope grasped Owen by the hand. His first question was for Langton. He felt satisfied when Owen toldhim that, after landing safely, he had gone in the direction of the shipalong the shore. 

As the captain was unwilling to lose the boat, he accepted JacobLeefken's offer to right her, and to tow her back to the frigate. Hewas specially anxious that this should be done, as they would probablyfall in with Langton on the way, and save him from a vain search. 

Captain Stanhope was also very glad to accept Mynheer Van Wijk'sinvitation to his house, as it was a long pull back to the frigate. 

"Hartley, " said the captain, "you have acted nobly in risking your lifefor the sake of saving those of your shipmates. I shall never forgetit, and I will not fail to make known your conduct to those inauthority, who will still better than I am be able to promote yourinterests. I before told you that I should be ready to rate you as amidshipman, and immediately on our return to the frigate I will do so. You may depend upon rising in the service while I live and possess anyinfluence. "

On hearing Mynheer Van Wijk's report of the natives the captain becamevery anxious about Langton. Owen at once volunteered, if Mynheer VanWijk would provide a boat, to pull along the shore, and ascertainwhether he had succeeded or not in getting off to the frigate. Severalof the boat's crew offered to accompany him. 

The rest, including the captain, were too much exhausted to make theattempt. Ashurst declared that he should not be fit for duty for amonth to come, he felt so thoroughly done up. 

The Dutchman promised the boat at daybreak, observing that it was of nouse to start before then. 

Owen, for the sake of his friend, was eager to be off, and, in spite ofthe fatigue he had gone through, he was up at dawn. He aroused thosewho were to accompany him, and Mynheer Van Wijk leading the way, theyhurried down to the harbour. The latter did not offer to go with them, "as he must, " he observed, "attend to the captain and other guests onshore, " but he sent a competent interpreter, who would enable Owen tocommunicate with the natives. 

As the boat pulled out of the harbour, it was found that the wind hadchanged to the southward. No sooner did the sun rise than his raysstruck the white canvas of the frigate, which was seen under all sailstanding for them. Owen steered towards her, in order to ascertainwhether Langton had got on board. Shortly afterwards he caught sight oftwo men-of-war boats, one under sail, the other pulling. 

"Hurrah! Langton must have escaped then, " he exclaimed. In a fewminutes he was up to the nearest, and Langton himself answered his hail. He had got on board with less difficulty than he had expected in anative boat, and seemed but little the worse for his exertions. 

In a short time they were on board, and having answered the numerousquestions put to them, were both thankful to turn into their hammocksand get the rest they so much required. 

In the evening the captain and the rest of the people returned on board, and a substantial acknowledgment having been made to the worthyDutchman, next day the frigate sailed for Batavia. 

CHAPTER TEN. 

Owen found himself in a very different position to what he had everbefore been on board. He at once received the rating of a midshipman, and donned his new uniform. No one was inclined to snub him, and evenAshurst treated him with respect, though at the same time with markedcoldness. 

"I wonder that you do not show more gratitude to Hartley, who wasundoubtedly the means of saving your life, " remarked Langton to Ashurstone day. 

"He save my life!" answered Ashurst. "You had an equal share in thatimportant act. My heart is not big enough to be grateful to both. I amvery much obliged to you, I can assure you. "

"I consider that Hartley had the largest share, " answered Langton, laughing; "his courage inspired me, and it was he, at all events, whorescued you with the captain when you were on the boat's bottom. "

"Well, some day I may prove that I am grateful, " said Ashurst, turningaway, evidently unwilling to continue the subject. 

The frigate remained some time at Batavia. During that period severalof the men who had formerly belonged to the "Sylvia" were transferredfrom the "Venus" to her, among whom were Mike Coffey and Nat Midge. Owen was very glad to see his old friends again. He had now anopportunity of showing them occasionally little acts of kindness inreturn for the regard which they had always exhibited towards him. 

"Didn't I say, Mr Hartley, that you'd be a captain some day, and so I'mshure you will if you stick to the sarvice, " said Mike. "And shure afine captain you'll be afther making. When you want a crew you'll onlyhave to hold up your hand, and the men will flock on board, I'll stakemy davy. "

Nat, although he had been so intimate with Owen never presumed inconsequence, but ever showed an eagerness to obey him on duty. 

The "Sylvia" again sailed on a cruise in one direction, while the"Venus" went in another. 

Owen rapidly gained a knowledge of his new duties, and became one of thesmartest midshipmen on board. The captain showed him unusual favour, frequently inviting him to dine in the cabin, and treating him as if hewere his son. 

"I am not afraid of spoiling Hartley, " he remarked to Mr Leigh; "heremains as modest as at first, and would evidently not think ofpresuming on the service he has rendered me and his other shipmates. I, of course, do not forget Langton, and will take good care that heobtains his promotion on our return home. In my last report to theadmiral I specially mentioned his gallant conduct. I received a prettystrong hint to favour Ashurst, but he has managed never to do anythingwhich would allow me to say a word to his advantage. "

The frigate was chiefly engaged in capturing Malay and other piraticalcraft, which at that time swarmed in those seas. She had just taken alarge proa, with a villainous crew, and lay at anchor in a channelbetween Mindano and one of the Sooloo islands. The prize was anchored ashort distance astern, most of her crew having been removed, while aguard was placed over the remainder. It was a calm and lovely night. The moon shed a pale light over the smooth surface of the sea, while theland appeared on either hand covered with graceful trees coming down tothe very edge of the water. Here and there fantastic rocks rose abovethe surface. It was the middle watch, which Owen was keeping underLangton, who now did lieutenant's duty. Owen was walking the deck, gazing on the calm sea, now on one side then on the other, now goingforward to ascertain that the ship was not by chance dragging heranchors. 

The first stroke of four bells was just sounding when, having justreached the forecastle, he suddenly saw a bright light astern, followedby a loud roar, which he knew alone could proceed from the Malay proa. She had blown up. He heard Langton's voice ordering a boat to belowered, and was on the point of running aft when he felt the deckbeneath his feet tremble. A roar far greater than that which had justbeen heard sounded in the midnight air. For a moment the ship appearedto be enveloped in flame. He experienced the sensation of being liftedup, when he lost all consciousness. How long he continued senseless hecould not tell. On recovering he found himself in the water, amid amass of spars and rigging and fragments of timber, and he caught aglimpse of the upper works of the frigate descending beneath the waves. Here and there, scattered over the surface, were struggling human forms. Arms held up, and hands clasped together. One by one they speedilydisappeared. Although almost overcome with horror, he struck outtowards a spar of a size which promised to afford him support. As hegot nearer, he saw that two other persons had just reached the spar, andwere in the act of climbing up to place themselves on it. 

"I'll swim on and find another position on the wreck to support me!"Owen cried out. 

"Hurrah! 'shure it's Mr Hartley. No, no, sir; come here. Bedadthere's room enough for you, and half a dozen more of your weight!"cried out Mike Coffey, who was one of the persons, and Nat was theother. "I'd sooner swim off myself, Mr Hartley. "

Owen accordingly complied, and found that the spar would support themall. 

"What has been and happened?" asked Nat, still not recovered from theterror. 

"The frigate has blown up by accident, or through treachery, of thatthere is no doubt, " answered Owen. "It is dreadful, most dreadful, andI fear that the greater number of our shipmates have been lost; still afew may have escaped, and we must try to help them. Hark! I heard someone cry out not far off. If we cut away the rigging from this spar, wemay be able to move it through the water. " They got out their knivesand worked away. Again the voice was heard. "Help! help!"

"I'll swim off and see if I can render any assistance, " said Owen. Heswam towards a mass of wreck. On getting near it he saw that a personwas hanging on with his body in the water, without apparently strengthenough to climb up and secure himself. Owen immediately clambered on tothe wreck, and was then able to drag up the other person. 

"Ashurst, is it you?" he asked, recognising his messmate. 

"Yes, but I am fearfully hurt in the side and leg, and have no strengthleft to help myself. "

Ashurst continued to groan. He had not yet discovered that it was Owenwho had assisted him. 

The first impulse of Owen was to stand up and try and ascertain whetherany other persons were floating near whom he and Mike might help. Helistened. A few faint cries, apparently from a distance, reached hisear, but he could not tell from which direction they proceeded; he couldonly hope that others had succeeded in getting on portions of the wreck. 

In a short time Mike and Nat managed to get up to him. Owen proposedthat they should form a raft with the spars and smaller pieces of timberfloating about, on which they might be able to make their way to theland. The large piece of wreck on to which Mike and Nat had now climbedseemed to be stationary. They were therefore able to move about it, andbegan to form the proposed raft from the spars which they securedalongside. 

Scarcely had they commenced the work, when a voice was heard at no greatdistance. 

"Who is that?" shouted Owen. "Do you want help?"

"Langton, " was the answer. "I thought I heard voices. Do not move, Iwill be with you presently. "

In a short time Langton swam up. Owen and his two companions greetedhim warmly. Ashurst lay still, occasionally uttering a groan. 

"I am indeed thankful that you have escaped, " said Owen to Langton. "Wewere doing our best for poor Ashurst; he wants assistance, and I shouldhave been much troubled how to act. Do you think any one else hasescaped?"

"I hope a few have, " replied Langton; "but the greater number of ourshipmates are, I fear, lost. "

"Although our lives have been saved for the present, we are stillsurrounded by dangers. We must do our duty and trust to God. I'll nowturn to and help you to build the raft. It is the first thing we haveto do, that is certain. "

Langton's assistance was of great value, as he was experienced, and veryactive. Having lashed all the spars they could find of about the samelength side by side, they crossed them with others of a smaller size, and pieces of plank, placing a sort of platform in the centre, the wholebeing lashed together with ropes which they cut off the spars. It was, of course, roughly formed, but was large enough to support, not onlythemselves, but any other people they were likely to pick up. By thetime it was finished, Ashurst had somewhat recovered, and Langton andOwen carried him and placed him on the platform where he could be out ofthe wet. They had kept two of the lighter spars for a mast and yard, and they picked up a royal unburnt, which would serve as a sail. 

Dawn broke just as they were ready to shove off from the wreck. 

"Where are we going?" asked Ashurst, in a faint voice. 

"To the nearest shore we can reach, " answered Langton; "when there wemust consider what next to do. "

"Can't you give me some water, or some fruit? I am very thirsty, " saidAshurst. 

"I am sorry we have nothing to give you, " answered Langton; "we maypossibly pick up something when we have daylight. "

"I've a chaw of baccy, sir, " said Mike; "it's me last, but it's at yirsarvice. "

Poor Ashurst uttered an expression of disgust. Just then Owenthankfully recollected that he had put a couple of small limes, some ofwhich he had been eating late on the previous evening, into his pocket. He immediately skinned one of the refreshing fruit, and handed it insmall pieces to Ashurst. 

"This from you, Hartley?" he said, as he swallowed it eagerly. 

"I have another which will be at your service when you want it, " saidOwen, not noticing the remark, and feeling intense pleasure at thusbeing able to help his suffering messmate. Every thought of theill-treatment he had received vanished from his mind. Langton and Owennow examined Ashurst's hurts. They found that his left arm had eitherbeen dislocated or broken, and that a splinter had torn his side andseverely wounded him. 

"He is in a bad way, " whispered Langton to Owen; "had one of thesurgeons been with us, he might have been doctored, but as it is, I donot think he will weather out what we shall have to endure. I ought totell him so if he gets worse, but we will do our best for him. "

As daylight increased, they saw other masses of wreck floating about, while a portion of the shattered upper works of the frigate appearedabove the water with several men clinging to them. A current, however, was running from the wreck, slowly drifting the raft away. Who thepeople were it was impossible to say at that distance. 

"Unless a breeze springs up to blow us back we cannot get up to them, "said Langton; "we will rig our sail, however, in case it should come. "

While engaged in setting up the mast, Mike and Nat especially werekeeping an eye on the water around them, in the hopes of picking upsomething that might be floating by. 

Without giving notice of what he was about to do, Mike suddenly sprangoff the raft and swam out towards an object of which he had just caughtsight. 

"This will serve us for mate and drink too, " he exclaimed, as he swamback, pushing before him a couple of melon-like fruit. He handed themup to Nat, and without getting on the raft, swam off to the other side, where he saw a small barrel, which proved to contain biscuits. This wasbut a small supply of food; but the fact that they had found it madethem hope that more might be obtained. The water remained perfectlysmooth, which was an advantage. 

As the sun rose the heat became intense. Poor Ashurst suffered greatly, even though Owen gave him piece by piece the remainder of the lime, andthen supplied him with small bits of the melon. 

At Langton's suggestion they attempted to get up to the wreck, but asthey had only pieces of plank to row with, and the raft was heavy, theymade no progress against the current. They saw, however, that theirshipmates were endeavouring to imitate their example, and were engagedin making another raft; but several, it was too evident from the waythey clung to the wreck, were severely injured and unable to exertthemselves. As far as Owen and his companions could make out, thepeople they saw had on only their shirts and trousers. It wasimpossible to ascertain, therefore, whether any were officers. Langtonfeared not. 

The land appeared on either side of them, and another island stretchedaway to the southward, closing the channel, so that they might hope, inthe course of a few hours at most, should a breeze spring up from theeast or west, to reach the shore. Still hour after hour went by, theraft driving further and farther to the southward, and away from thewreck, until the people moving about on it could no longer bedistinguished. 

In the meantime they had been unsuccessful in obtaining any furtherprovisions. Owen regretted that they had not secured another piece ofcanvas with which to form some sort of shelter above poor Ashurst. Allthey could do was to hoist up the sail, so as to throw a shadow over hishead. Langton, who had had a long swim, felt much fatigued, andcharging Owen to call him should any change take place, he lay down toobtain the rest he so much needed. 

Owen, meanwhile, was seated by Ashurst's side. The latter wascontinually speaking, though Owen thought that he occasionally rambled. 

"Hartley, " he said at last, "do you think that I'm dying?"

"You are evidently very ill; but I hope, if we can get you on shore, that you may yet pull through it. "

"Do you wish me to recover?" asked Ashurst. 

"Of course I do, " answered Owen; "and I have been praying to God thatyou may. "

"You do not know what you have been praying for then, " murmured Ashurst. "I have ill-treated you, and have shown in every way I could the hatredI felt. "

"Pray do not talk of that, " said Owen. "I never hated you. "

"You had infinitely more cause to do so than I had to hate you, "answered Ashurst. 

He was silent for a minute or more; then he exclaimed suddenly--

"Hartley, did it ever occur to you that we are relatives? My familyname was Hartley until we changed it for Ashurst. Do you know why wechanged it? Because it was asserted that the elder branch of the familywas extinct, although my father and my elder brother--who is now LordArlingford--knew that such is not the case. My brother has no children, and when I last heard from home he was very ill. In case of his death Ishould succeed to the title, though as well aware as he is that I haveno just right to it. There seems to me but little prospect that eitheryou or I will escape, but I feel that I must unburden my mind. When Ifirst saw you on board and heard your name, I immediately thought thatyou must belong to our family. Upon making further inquiries I wasconvinced of it. I hated you, not that you had done anything to offendme, but because my family had kept you out of your just rights. Youhave returned only good for evil. But can you now forgive me for thegreat wrong which I have done you?"

"Indeed I can do so most heartily, " answered Owen; "but I confess that Ido not understand all you have been telling me, nor how your family canhave injured mine. I know that we had relations of noble birth, and Ishould think that my father, had he possessed any claim to theArlingford title and estates, would not have failed to assert it. "

"He was not aware, perhaps, that several of the intermediate heirs haddied in rapid succession, and that my father had been temptedsuccessfully to make his claim. "

Ashurst as he spoke was evidently becoming weaker and weaker, andalthough Owen would gladly have obtained more information from him, yethe had not the heart to do so. He had very little hope indeed thatAshurst would recover, but still was unwilling to tell him how ill hewas, lest it should lower his spirits and do harm. 

The raft all this time was floating on the calm sea, drifting slowlydown the channel; but as there was not a breath of wind, with only thepieces of board, it could scarcely be urged through the water. 

Mike and Nat sat watching for anything likely to be of use which mightappear on the surface of the water. Owen devoted all his attention toAshurst, who was constantly complaining of the pain the wound in hisside caused him, and of the thirst he was enduring. 

At last Owen asked him if he thought that he should recover?

"I dare not think about it, " answered Ashurst. "I have lived a carelesslife. I have done much evil, and no good that I can bring to myremembrance. I can only now look forward to a few hours of sufferingbefore I quit the world. I wish that I had perished with the other poorfellows. I do not know why I was saved, except as a punishment for mysins. "

"No, no, that could not have been, " answered Owen. "You were preservedbecause God loves you, and still to the last moment offers yousalvation. Turn to Him through Christ. He has said that although yoursins might be as scarlet, they may become as white as snow. God isfaithful and just to forgive us our sins. Believe in His gloriouspromises. "

"I find it a hard matter to do so, " groaned Ashurst, "but I will try. "

Owen offered to pray with him, and knelt down by his side. Ashurst'slips continued to move, but his voice grew weaker and weaker. At lengthLangton awoke. No sooner did he cast his eyes on Ashurst than he gave alook at Owen and whispered, "He is going. "

He took his messmate's hand, who returned the pressure he gave, butgradually the fingers relaxed. Langton and Owen bent over him; ereanother minute had passed he was dead. 

"Poor fellow!" said Langton. "Although he was no favourite of mine, Iam truly sorry. "

"So am I, " said Owen; "and I heartily forgive him for the way in whichhe used to treat me. He has been making a strange confession to me, andhas been telling me that, I am the rightful heir to the title andproperty his brother at present possesses. I do not think he waswandering, as he seemed so very certain about the matter; but I shouldhave been glad if you had been awake to hear him. "

"He may or may not have spoken the truth, " said Langton; "but before youcan benefit by the information you have received, we must get home. Itseems more than doubtful whether we shall ever reach the shore. "

Langton and Owen were unwilling to throw their messmate overboard, forthey had nothing to sink the body. 

"We must try and carry it to the shore and give it burial, " saidLangton. 

Owen was perfectly ready to do this, though when they should reach theshore was a question. 

Hour after hour the calm continued. Often they could scarcely bear theheat. Langton, who took the command, served out a small piece of melonat a time, which somewhat alleviated their thirst, while the biscuits--though wetted by the water, which had got into the cask--satisfied theirhunger. 

At length, towards evening, a breeze from the northward sprang up. Thesail was hoisted, and by means of a paddle on either side they managedto steer the raft. 

"We are making nearly two knots an hour, " said Owen, as the breezefreshened. "During the night we shall, I hope, reach the island to thesouthward. "

"That depends on what currents me encounter, or whether the windcontinues, " answered Langton; "I would rather get up to the shore atdaylight when we may choose a place for landing. "

The raft required all their attention, for the sail being large it mightin a moment have been upset. Nat was stationed at the halyards, andMike at the sheet, while Langton and Owen steered. Darkness came on, but the breeze continued. They appeared to have made good progress. The fear was that the wind might increase still more. Langton thoughtit prudent to reef the sail. Scarcely had they done so than a squallcame over the water, and sent the raft flying along at a far more rapidrate than it had hitherto moved. The wind, however, soon again dropped, and the raft moved on as slowly as before. The night became unusuallydark, the sky was obscured, and it was impossible to ascertain in whatdirection the raft was drifting. The party on it could only hope thatit was continuing on the same course as before, still it was possiblethat it might be drifting out through either of the channels to theright or left, and that they might miss the island which they had hopedto reach. Mike and Nat kept up their spirits. 

"If it was not for poor Mr Ashurst I'd be afther singing yer a stave toprevent you from getting down-hearted, " exclaimed Mike, "though it wouldnot do just now, lest the poor young gintleman might be thinking we wereafther wakin' him. "

"No, pray do not sing, " said Owen; "it would be more sensible to prayfor assistance, for we must admit it is very little we can do to helpourselves. "

During the night they satisfied their hunger with the biscuits, reserving the fruit for the time when the hot sun would increase theirthirst. Langton persuaded Owen, who had hitherto not slept, to lie downand take some rest. He was glad to do this, indeed at times he couldscarcely keep his eyes open. He was awakened by an exclamation fromMike--

"Arrah! now, how's the land got out there?"

He started up, as did Langton, who had also fallen asleep, and onlooking to the eastward he saw two islands, between which the raft musthave drifted some distance astern, a strong current having carried themthrough the passage at a faster rate than they had supposed possible. It was a bitter disappointment. Unless the wind should come from thewest they could not hope to make either of the islands, as they would, at all events, have the current against them. 

"What do you recommend, Langton?" asked Owen. 

"We must wait and see what will next happen, " answered Langton. "Incase we should be kept out much longer we must economise our provisions. I have no other fear for the present, unless the weather shouldchange. "

"We can put our trust in God; we know that He orders everything for thebest, " said Owen. 

They ate a little more biscuit, which was divided in equal shares. Eachtook a small portion of fruit. Owen and Langton were looking towardsAshurst's body. 

"We shall not get in in time to bury it after all, " observed Langton;"we must give him a sailor's grave. " It was time, indeed, to do so. "Before we launch the poor fellow overboard let us see what things hehas about him, " said Langton. 

He took a ring off Ashurst's finger as he spoke. His watch and severalsmaller articles were found in his pockets. 

"Here, Hartley, you had better take care of these, " he said, "as theymay be of value to you in some way or other, or you can return them tohis nearest kin, whom you are more likely to meet than I am. Come, Coffey, lend a hand here, " continued Langton, and between them, takingup the body of the young officer, they allowed it to slip overboard. Greatly to Owen's satisfaction it sank immediately. 

"Poor fellow, " said Langton again, "I should have been truly thankfulhad he lived. "

Almost immediately after this a breeze sprang up, but it came off theland and drove the raft further and further away. They were all silentfor some minutes, their position was becoming truly critical. Langtonat length got up and looked about him. 

"I see land away to the west. I believe that we shall reach it muchsooner than we can hope to do that to the eastward if we hoist our sailand take advantage of the breeze. "

To this proposal Owen agreed, and the sail being set the raft glidedrapidly over the water. Still, after going some distance, only the dimoutline of the land towards which they were steering could bedistinguished. All that they knew about it was that it must be one ofthe Sooloo Archipelago, and that most of those islands were inhabited bya savage race addicted to piracy. 

These might, however, treat them kindly, though it was more possiblethat they would keep them in slavery. As they were running before thebreeze the wind assisted but little to temper the rays of the sun whichbeat down on their heads. Their thirst increased, it was withdifficulty that they could refrain from consuming the last remnants oftheir fruit. Langton, however, gave out only a very small piece at atime, which helped to moisten their throats and tongues, though it didlittle more. At the rate they were going, even should the breezecontinue, it would take nearly the whole of the day to reach the land. Since the morning they had, however, undoubtedly neared it. 

"We must hope for a bright night, " said Owen, "and we shall then be ableto steer by the stars, although we may not see the land. "

When the sun went down Langton calculated that they were still nearlyfifteen miles off. By this time their thirst became excessive. Theyhad a little biscuit remaining, but the last piece of fruit had beendivided among them. They hoped by next morning, at all events, to havegot in close to the land, should the breeze not fail. They scarcelydared to contemplate their position should they be exposed another dayto the hot sun on the raft without water. 

Owen and Langton agreed to keep watch and watch, the former taking Mikeand the latter Nat. For two or three hours after sunset the breezecontinued to blow steadily, and the cool night air greatly restoredtheir strength. The sky was clear and the stars shone brightly. Theyhad taken the bearings of the land, and had no fear of not keeping totheir proper course. 

It was Owen's watch, the raft had been gliding on briskly, when suddenlythe sail gave a flap against the mast, and then hung down motionless. 

"Let go the halyards!" he sang out. Before this could be done the sailwas taken aback. Owen sprang forward to assist Mike in lowering it. Greatly was he disappointed to find the wind blow directly from theshore, and all hope of further progress, unless it should again change, denied them. He called up Langton, who at a glance perceived what hadhappened. 

"We must get out the paddles and work away during the cool of thenight, " he said. "Perhaps some current may be setting towards the shoreand assist us. "

The proposal was at once adopted. All night they paddled on until theirarms ached. Though sure that they were on their right course the landcould not be seen. Morning again came, when bitter was theirdisappointment to find themselves still a long way from it. 

A sigh escaped Langton. "It cannot be helped; it is God's will, we mustsubmit, " he said. "Perhaps a breeze will again spring up. " There wasnothing to be done; not a particle of fruit, not a biscuit remained. Langton did not express his apprehensions to his younger companions, butthe dreadful thought forced itself upon him that they would all perish. He knew that they could not without water endure another day exposed tothe rays of the sun. Hour after hour passed, the land within five orsix miles of them, and yet without the means of reaching it. 

Evidently a current, instead of setting them towards the land, wassweeping them away from it. In vain they tried to paddle against thecurrent, they had at length to give up the contest. 

Collected around the platform in various attitudes they waited on. Mikeand Nat had thrown themselves down at full length. Owen, unwilling tosuccumb, still sat upright, occasionally getting on his feet to lookabout, but as the fever in his veins increased he felt his strengthdiminish. Langton sat near him with his arms folded, resigned to hisfate; he had done his utmost, he felt he could do no more. The day woreon. Owen cast his eyes around the horizon in the hopes that some helpwould come. Even a Malay proa, manned by pirates, would have beenwelcomed. Savage as they might be they would scarcely allow four humanbeings to perish thus miserably. 

Owen had been sitting for some time without moving. He felt that hescarcely had strength to rise again. 

"I must get another look-out, " he said to Langton. He stood up on theplatform, holding by the mast. He had not been there many seconds whenhe exclaimed--

"A breeze from the eastward!"

A dark line was seen suddenly advancing over the shining ocean, itincreased in width, the whole surface became rippled with tiny wavelets. The sail blew out, the raft glided on more rapidly than it had hithertodone. The comparatively fresh air restored strength to the almostexhausted occupants of the raft. The shore rose before them, and theireyes were gladdened by a bright cascade falling over the rocks, and in abubbling stream making its way to the ocean. How intensely they longedto reach the land! A small bay opened out before them, towards whichLangton steered the raft, until at last it grounded on the smooth sandybeach. 

Langton and Owen, who were the strongest, assisted their companions toland. They could do no more. While Mike and Nat sank down on theground, unable to move further, they crawled rather than walked ontowards the waterfall. In a few minutes, though it seemed a long timeto them, the stream came in sight. Even then, with difficulty, theycould reach it. Stretching themselves out, with their hands in the coolwater, they eagerly drank the refreshing fluid, which seemed to put newlife into them. They rose to their feet. They had not forgotten theircompanions. How was the water to be carried? They had neither hats norshoes. On the beach lay several large shells. They selected two, whichappeared perfectly clean, and filling them with water hurried back towhere they had left Mike and Nat. 

The former was making signals, and pointing to the boy, who appeared tobe unconscious. Owen put the water to his lips, and sprinkled his face. He opened his eyes, and as the water trickled down his throat he beganto revive. In a few minutes he seemed himself again and could sit up. Their thirst satisfied, they were assailed by the pangs of hunger. Asthere was abundance of shell-fish they had no fear of starving, whilethe woods they hoped would afford them fruit of some sort. They soonfound on some rocks on one side of the bay an ample supply ofshell-fish. Mike at once began to eat them raw. 

"Stay!" exclaimed Langton. "Let us refrain until we have cooked them, when they are less likely to do us harm. "

"But how are we to get a fire?" asked Owen. 

"I have a burning glass in my pocket, " said Langton. 

Dry sticks were soon collected, and some moss, which ignited almostimmediately the glass was held over it. A bright fire was kindled. Theshell-fish were cooked, Langton having selected those which appeared tohim most likely to prove wholesome. 

"We are better off here than we were on the sand-bank, " observed Mike. "We escaped from that, and we'll be afther getting away from this beforelong. "

While he was speaking Owen happened to turn his eyes to the southward. 

"A sail! a sail!" he exclaimed. 

Just rounding a point of the island which had hitherto hid her fromsight appeared a large ship, the heads of her courses already risingabove the horizon. 

"We must make a signal or she may pass us, " exclaimed Langton. "Themast and yard of our raft will serve as a flag. "

Mike possessed a coloured handkerchief, which he had hitherto worn roundhis waist. Other handkerchiefs were produced. Nat contributed hisshirt, so that a flag of good size was formed. 

The fire having been first made up so as to emit a large amount ofsmoke, they hastened with their flagstaff to the end of the point, whereit was speedily erected. As no other means of attracting the attentionof those on board could be devised, they sat down, anxiously waiting theresult. With some small line, which they got from the raft, they drewout the flag so as to present a broad surface to the approaching ship. Her hull soon rose above the water. 

"Thank Heaven! She is a British sloop-of-war, and is sure to keep abright look-out, " said Langton. "She will pass within a mile of theisland, and cannot fail to see us. "

The wind had by this time shifted to the southward. The corvette--forsuch she was--came on before it, under easy sail, with the lead going. 

The party watched her with intense eagerness. Every moment they fearedthat she might haul off the shore, but the water was deep, and shecontinued on her course. Already she was abreast of the spot where thesignal was flying. 

"She takes no notice of us; she is standing on as before, " exclaimedOwen. 

"No, no; see, she is heaving to, " cried Langton. 

The courses were hauled up, the ship's head was turned off shore, themain-topsail was backed, and she remained stationary. 

"Hurrah! hurrah!" cried Mike. "We are seen. " The rest echoed thecheer. A boat was lowered, and came pulling towards the point. As sheapproached, the party on shore unshipped the flagstaff and hurried withit to the bay to guide her in; she soon reached the beach. Langtonexplained to the officer in command in a few words what had occurred. They were helped on board, and the boat immediately pulled back to thecorvette. 

She proved to be the "Kestrel, " of 18 guns, Commander Holmes. Directlythe commander heard of the loss of the "Sylvia, " he steered for the spotwhere the ill-fated vessel had gone down, in the hopes of rescuing anymore of her crew who might have escaped. 

Mike and Nat were placed under the doctor's charge, but Langton andOwen, though still feeling very weak, were anxious to remain on deckwhile the corvette was searching for their shipmates. 

Owen learned, with satisfaction, that, after her cruise among theislands, she was at once to return home. He was naturally anxious toascertain the truth of the account given him by Reginald Ashurst. Sometimes he thought the imagination of his dying shipmate might havebeen excited, and that the story he had told was without foundation. Langton, when he talked the matter over, did not give him muchencouragement. 

"He was always fond of romancing. Sometimes I do not think he knewhimself whether he was speaking the truth or falsehood, " he observed. 

"He knew that he was dying, and would scarcely have invented a tale todeceive me, " answered Owen; "but at the same time I am not ambitious, nor shall I be much disappointed if I find you are right. "

A calm at nightfall compelled the corvette to come to an anchor justinside the island, where blue lights were burned and rockets dischargedto attract the attention of any who had escaped, and might have themeans of reaching her; the boats were also manned and sent off, some tovisit the scene of the disaster and others to search for any rafts orfloating pieces of wreck on which the people might have sought refuge. 

The doctor would not allow Langton or Owen to go in the boats, anxiousas they were to ascertain the fate of their shipmates. 

The night passed away; the boats had not returned. It was not untillate the next day that they appeared. 

"Hurrah! they have a number of people on board; some of the poor fellowshave escaped then!" was uttered by those on the look-out. 

On the boat coming alongside, fourteen people were handed up on deck, all in a weak state, some dreadfully burned and otherwise injured by theexplosion. Among them was Mr Leigh, who, though weak, was but slightlyhurt. Owen was for many reasons rejoiced to see him. By his exertionsa raft had been constructed, on which the survivors had reached theshore. They were there seized by a party of natives, who were on thepoint of carrying them off into captivity when the boats had arrived andthey had been rescued. These, with the four already on board thecorvette, had alone escaped of all the frigate's gallant grew, severalmen having died on the wreck. The other incidents of the "Kestrel's"cruise need not be described. A loud cheer was uttered as she badefarewell to the Indian seas, and her course was shaped for the Cape onher way to England. 

CHAPTER ELEVEN. 

Owen did duty as a midshipman on the voyage home. He confided to MrLeigh the strange account which Ashurst had related just before hisdeath. Mr Leigh was more inclined to believe it than Langton had been. 

"At all events, Hartley, " he said, "it is a matter which must be lookedinto immediately on our arrival in England. I am glad you havementioned it to no one else, and as Lord Arlingford is not aware thathis brother had confessed the truth to you, he will be the less preparedto resist your claim. If you can find an honest lawyer I would adviseyou to put the matter into his hands Langton and your other companionson the raft can prove Ashurst's death, and I can give evidence of theextraordinary animosity he always exhibited towards you. "

"I hope that it will not be necessary to mention that subject, " saidOwen. "I would rather not have to refer to the poor fellow'sill-treatment of me. In regard to a lawyer, I know of one in whom Ihave thorough confidence. He will by this time, I hope, have set up forhimself, and I could not place the matter in better hands. "

Owen had frequent conversations with Mr Leigh and Langton, but no oneelse on board had any idea that the apparently friendless youngmidshipman was the claimant to a title and handsome estate. Owenmaintained his usual demeanour, and endeavoured to think as little aboutthe subject as possible. Should he be disappointed he would placehimself under Mr Fluke again and return to the counting-house, orremain in the service, trusting to his own good conduct to make his wayin it, which he hoped to do, although he had lost the promised patronageof Captain Stanhope. 

The "Kestrel" met with much heavy weather. She encountered a gale offthe Cape, and another in the Bay of Biscay, when she was "hove to" forseveral days. The voyage home thus occupied a much longer time thanusual. At last, however, the white cliffs of old England were sighted, to the joy of all on board. As she had been fitted out at Portsmouth, she returned to that port, where she was immediately paid off. 

Mike's mother was living at Gosport, and he took Nat to stay with himuntil they should get another ship, as both had made up their minds toremain in the navy. Owen having obtained from Nat his grandmother'saddress, thoughtfully wrote to tell her of her grandson's safety, promising, as soon as he had the means, to send him down to see her. Mike promised not to go to sea again without communicating with Owen. 

Mr Leigh and Langton accompanied Owen up to town, where they intendedto remain for some time. Leaving them at the lodgings they had taken, he set off to Wapping. He arrived at Messrs. Kelson, Fluke andCompany's office a short time before the usual closing hour. Owen stillwore his midshipman's uniform. During the three years he had beenabsent he had grown into a tall young man, his handsome countenance wellbronzed by tropical suns. He stood at the entrance for some secondswithout advancing. No one seemed to know him. Looking round he sawmany of the old familiar faces still there. 

Mr Tarwig was at his desk. Several of the clerks glanced up at him, but supposing that he was a stranger, went on with their work. Headvanced to where the head clerk was sitting, and putting out his hand--

"I suspect you do not know me, sir?" he said. 

"What is your business?" asked Mr Tarwig, putting the usual question toa stranger. 

"I have come to see Mr Fluke, and to resume my duties in this office ifhe wishes it, " answered Owen. 

Mr Tarwig opened his eyes wider than he had ever opened them before. Then starting up, in his eagerness kicking over his stool, and verynearly toppling down on his nose, which he would have done had not Owencaught him by the hand, he exclaimed--

"Bless my heart! Can you be Owen Hartley? We had given you up for lostlong ago. But are you really yourself? Yes, I see you are, only doubleas big, and a naval officer to boot. Well, it will put new life intothe old man, for he grieved sorely for you. Well, I am glad, that Iam. "

Here Mr Tarwig wrung Owen's hand in a way very unwonted with him whengreeting a fellow-mortal. 

"Mr Fluke will be pleased, " he continued; "but he went home to-day anhour earlier than usual. He did not feel quite well, and he wantedKezia Crump to give him something to do him good. "

"I will follow him at once then, " said Owen. "I can easily get to hishouse before dark, and I should not like to let another day pass withoutseeing him. "

Owen, however, found it difficult to get away before he had answered thenumerous questions which Mr Tarwig put to him. None of his letters hadbeen received, and it was therefore supposed that he had been lost inthe "Druid, " which ship had never been heard of since she had sailed. 

"You may depend upon having your old berth here as soon as you like, "said Mr Tarwig; "but I am afraid, Mr Owen, seeing you have become anofficer in the navy, that you will not be so willing as formerly to takeit, though your hand, I'll warrant, has not lost its cunning. "

"I intend to act as Mr Fluke wishes, and therefore cannot say what Imay do, " answered Owen, feeling, however, that he should be veryunwilling to go back to his old occupation. 

For once in a way all the clerks in the office were idle, as Owen wentround to shake hands with them. He then hurried off, and walked at aquick pace through the well-known streets. As he passed the spot wherehe had first met Reginald Ashurst the whole scene came vividly beforehis mind, he could even picture the countenance of the elder brother, whom he now knew to have been Lord Arlingford. 

On reaching Mr Fluke's house he hesitated for a moment to considerwhether his unexpected appearance might not injuriously agitate his oldfriend. "I must leave it to Kezia to tell him. I can safely do that, "he thought. "She is a strong-minded woman, and glad as she will be tosee me, she, at all events, will not go into hysterics. "

He rapped at the door, hoping that Kezia would answer the summonsherself. He was not mistaken. She opened it and stood gazing at him, looking exactly as she had done when he last saw her. 

"Speak, speak, who are you?" she at length exclaimed. 

Scarcely had Owen opened his lips to pronounce his name, than she threwher arms around his neck. 

"I knew, I knew it!" she cried out, and burst forth into anuncontrollable fit of crying, followed by one of laughter, as she huggedhim again and again to her bosom. Strong-minded as Mrs Kezia was, shepossessed a woman's affectionate heart, and if she had never been inhysterics before, she was undoubtedly on this occasion. She very soongained the mastery over herself, however. 

"What a fool I am; but you will not tell him of it, Owen, " she said, "orhe will be putting his back up at me. "

Looking out into the garden, where Mr Fluke was in earnestconfabulation with Joseph, Owen promised Kezia to say nothing about thedemonstrative way in which she had received him. 

"I should be very ungrateful if I did, " he added. "And how is MrFluke? Shall I go to him, or will you tell him I have arrived?"

"I will go to him, " she answered, "for though he has got a heart of somesort, it may be like his outside, a little withered. He took on sadlywhen he thought you were lost, and as he has been rather shaky lately, it might upset him if he were to see you suddenly. "

"Do, then, my dear Mrs Kezia, tell him that I have come, and am thesame Owen Hartley that was when I went away, although I have got somestrange things to talk to him about, " said Owen. 

"Well, then, go into the parlour, and wait until I fetch him, " said MrsKezia, and she hurried out into the garden, nearly falling down thesteps in her eagerness. 

Owen would have liked to watch her while she communicated the news ofhis arrival. He had some time to wait before he heard her voice callinghim. He at once went out; Mr Fluke was at the further end of thegarden. 

"I got him down there before I told him nat a young gentleman had cometo see him, and that although he was a good deal bigger than Owen, anddressed in a naval uniform, that to my mind he was no one else. Evennow he is not quite certain whether or not he is to see you. "

"You have acted prudently, as you always do, Mrs Kezia, " said Owen. 

Mr Fluke looked at Owen, and then began to walk towards him, increasinghis pace until he broke almost into a run. His limbs refused to obeythe impulse of his feelings. 

"Can it be? No! It is impossible! But yet, I don't know. Yes! It isOwen Hartley. It must be! Owen, my boy, are you really come back?"

These expressions burst from the old man's lips as he hurried forward. He grasped Owen's hands, gazing up into his face. Owen was now upwardsof a head taller. 

"Are you yourself? Don't mock me, Owen. "

"I am indeed myself, " answered Owen, smiling as he spoke. "Mostgrateful I am for the kind way in which you have received me, after Ihad played truant so many long years; but I could not have come backbefore, unless you had sent for me, and I have received no letters sinceI left home. "

For a few minutes they stood talking, when, after Owen had exchangedgreetings with Joseph Crump, he accompanied Mr Fluke into the parlour, where Kezia was busily employed in preparing supper. 

"You need not be afraid of depriving him of his supper by not eating asmuch as you want, " she said, nodding her head to Owen. "I've got plentyfor both of you. " Then turning to Mr Fluke, she added, "You must getoff your boots, here are your slippers, and then Owen will tell you allabout himself, and I'll warrant there will be something worth listeningto. "

Kezia was as good as her word, an ample supper being placed on thetable. Mr Fluke ate but sparingly. Owen saw that he was eager to hearhis adventures. He ran over them as rapidly as he could, dwelling onlyon the more important points. Occasionally Mr Fluke stopped him to aska question, then said, "Go on, go on. "

When Owen got to the account of the confession made by Reginald Ashurstand his death, Mr Fluke paid the greatest attention. 

"Ah!" he exclaimed, "there is something in that. Lord Arlingford; yes, I remember there was some doubt as to who was the rightful heir, andthat the name of the family was originally Hartley. How yourgrandfather or father never came to put in a claim, I don't know. It isjust possible that they never heard about the matter. They were poor, and the other Hartleys had money at command. That makes all thedifference. We shall now see what another generation can do; althoughpossession is nine parts of the law, yet the chances are that thepresent Lord Arlingford has not much at command to dispute your claims, should he not have a right to the title and estates. "

As Kezia had supposed, Mr Fluke continued talking or listening until itwas far later than he was accustomed to retire for the night. She atlength came in. 

"I have given you an hour's grace, " she exclaimed. "You will be fit fornothing to-morrow if you don't go up to bed. "

"She knows best, " said Mr Fluke, looking at Owen, and taking the candlewhich Kezia handed to him; "every one obeys her in this house. "

After Mr Fluke had gone to his room, Owen gratified Kezia's curiosityby giving her an outline of his adventures. When he told her of thepossibility of his inheriting the Arlingford estates she almost gaspedfor breath. 

"You, Owen, you become a lord!" she exclaimed. "It may be pleasant, andwill be pleasant, if you do succeed; but have you thought, my boy, ofthe disappointment should you fail? I cannot say that I am the happierfor what you tell me, except that I shall be glad for you not to have togo back to the office or to follow a sea life; but, Owen, whateverhappens, you will not forget Kezia Crump?"

"Indeed I will not, " said Owen, taking her hand; "you have ever been atrue friend to me, and the way you received me to-day proves youraffection, which I shall never forget. "

The next morning Mr Fluke announced his intention of staying at homethat he might have time to discuss matters with his young friend. 

Owen's first task was to write to David Rowe, requesting that he wouldcome up at once to London at Mr Fluke's desire. Owen also wrote toJohn, giving him a sketch of his adventures, though he did not mentionthe object for which he wished to see David. In spite of slow coaches, within three days David Rowe appeared at Mr Fluke's office, where Owenhad gone to meet him. 

"You'll want money to carry out this undertaking, " said Mr Fluke, turning to David; "draw on me for all you require. From the report ofyour friend here I will trust you, and that's more than Simon Flukewould say to every man. "

"If our friend Owen has the right, we shall succeed, for right and mightin this case go together, as you, Mr Fluke, supply the might, " saidDavid, slapping his pockets. 

David having received his instructions, set about the necessarypreliminaries without a moment's delay. 

Owen begged for leave of absence for one day to fulfil his promise toCaptain Aggett, by visiting his widow, who lived some way from London. 

"I am thankful, most thankful for what you tell me, Mr Hartley, " sheexclaimed, "that he died in peace as a Christian. Though I shall seehim no more on earth, we shall, I know, meet in heaven. " It was asatisfaction to Owen to feel that his visit had brought comfort to theheart of his kind friend's widow, to whom he was afterwards able torender the material assistance her husband had expressed his anxiety toafford her. 

Mr Fluke returned every day at an unusually early hour from the officethat he might have more of Owen's society. 

Owen had mentioned his two naval friends. "Bring them here to dinner, "said Mr Fluke. "Kezia shall prepare a feast, for they deserve it, andI'll show them my tulips. "

Owen found both Lieutenant Leigh and Langton, who had received hispromotion, at their lodgings. They willingly accepted his invitation, when he explained who Mr Fluke was, and how much depended on him. Kezia took care to have a handsome dinner, and a man-servant to wait, and had, moreover, induced her master to put on a new suit and wig, sothat when Owen came in he scarcely knew him. The two officers undertookto remain within call in case their evidence should be required at thetrial. 

They had just taken their places at dinner when David Rowe wasannounced. Having paid his respects to the master of the house, shakinghands with Owen, and made his bow to the other guests, he took his seat. 

"I do not want to spoil anybody's appetite, and I hope good news won'tdo that, " he said, "for good news, and wonderful news, I have tocommunicate. Have I your leave to make it known in the presence ofthese gentlemen, Mr Fluke?"

"Certainly, certainly, if you think fit, Mr Rowe, " was the answer. 

"Then allow me to congratulate Lord Arlingford on his accession to hisfamily title and estates, but I hope, as I do so, that he will notobject to take the name of Ashurst. We have made quick work of it. From information I received, I was induced to go down and see the_ci-devant_ Lord Arlingford. I found him very ill and without aparticle of combativeness, so I told him of all the information Ipossessed, and gave him his choice to contest the point, assuring himthat we had unlimited supplies at command, or to yield at once, and savea family scandal. As he appeared inclined to take my advice, I promisedhim an annuity of a thousand a year, knowing from his circumstances thathe was not likely to enjoy even so much as that should he retain histitle. He immediately accepted my offer, acknowledging that your claimwas valid. Of course I made my offer subject to the approval of thetrue Lord Arlingford. There must be a trial _pro forma_, legally tosettle the point, but it will prove a very short one. "

It was some little time before Owen could recover his equanimitysufficiently to eat his dinner; but fortunately midshipmen are notgiven, under any circumstances, to loss of appetite, and he was verysoon himself again. 

Little more need be said. Mr Fluke bore all the expenses of the trial, which proved without doubt that Owen Hartley was the rightful possessorof the Arlingford title and estates. Indeed, on the death of hiscousin, which occurred while the trial was going forward, no otherclaimant appearing, Owen immediately came into peaceful possession. 

Mr Fluke insisted on paying off all the mortgages, so that Owen mightcommence his new career free of incumbrances. 

"Begin, my dear boy, out of debt, and never get into it, " said the oldman; "you'll never regret following that rule, whatever else you may besorry for. "

Owen's first care was to appoint a good man of business to look afterthe estate, and, as may be supposed, he selected David Rowe, whosebrother John became his head bailiff. His old shipmates, Captain Leighand Lieutenant Langton, were his frequent guests whenever they came onshore. 

On the death of his kind relative, Simon Fluke, Mrs Kezia and JosephCrump came down, the one to become his housekeeper and the other hishead gardener. 

"I hope you will find no tom cat to kill at Arlingford, Mrs Kezia!"said Owen, laughing, as she made her appearance. 

"Please your lordship, I don't think there'll be any need, " sheanswered. 

Indeed Owen had never the slightest cause to complain of presumption, nor had Lady Arlingford--for by this time Owen was possessed of a fairyoung wife, who ruled as mistress of Arlingford Hall. 

He placed his old nurse, Jane Hayes, who had lately married, in a prettycottage, which he had built expressly for her. He did not forget NatMidge. One of his first journeys was to visit Nat's grandmother. Hefound the old lady in great poverty, struggling to maintain hergrand-children. "You will, I hope, see Nat in a couple of days, " saidOwen; "and though he may not have come back with his pockets full ofgold, he has gained a sincere friend, who can afford to support you andhis brothers and sisters till he is able to do so himself. "

Nat arrived, and escorted his family to Arlingford, where Owen hadordered a cottage, which had been vacant, to be got ready for theirreception. 

Nat, who had had enough of the sea, was apprenticed to a carpenteremployed on the estate, whose duties he ultimately was able toundertake. 

Mike Coffey continued in the service until he lost a leg, when heretired on a pension. His mother having died, he came, at Owen'sinvitation, to Arlingford. 

"I'm afther thinkin', my lord, of gettin' a wherry and settin' up as aboatman at Portsmouth, " answered Mike to Owen's question as to the wayhe intended to employ himself. 

"How would you like to become my commodore?" asked Owen, pointing to aminiature frigate which floated on the lake near the house, and to acouple of boats drawn up on the bank. 

"With the greatest delight in the world, your honour--your lordship Imane, " answered Mike. "The frigate wants re-fitting, and the boats willbe better for a coat of paint. I had a look at them as I came alongthis mornin'. Thinks I to meself, shure the young master hasn't hadtime to see afther his fleet, so I was just goin' to offer to do thework, to show me love to your lordship. "

"I have no doubt that I shall find other work for you when that isfinished, so I appoint you to the berth, and you can take up your abodewith Widow Midge until you set up a home of your own. "

Owen, although he still retained his love for the sea, retired from theservice and devoted himself--as is the bounden duty of everyproprietor--to the improvement of his estate and to advancing the moraland spiritual welfare of his tenants. 

THE END.