He had
a home to go to, though an humble one, with his mother, who resided in a
pretty little cottage in the outskirts of the town. She had seen better
days, for both she and her husband were of ancient lineage; but he had
been engaged in a long-protracted lawsuit, which he ultimately lost, and
died, leaving her very limited means with which to support herself and
their only child Owen. Captain Tracy, an old friend, offered to take
Owen to sea; and the lad was delighted with the thoughts of the life in
prospect. His mother had not only given him the best education the
place afforded, but had sent him to Trinity College, Dublin, to complete
his education. Here his means, however, did not allow him to remain
long; but, being clever and diligent, he was better prepared than most
lads were at that time for his future calling. He knew nothing about
the Royal Navy, or he would certainly have desired to enter it, which he
might easily have done had he possessed any friend able to get him
placed on the deck of a man-of-war. He had, like other youths, read
accounts of the voyages of the old explorers, of the adventures of the
buccaneers, and other works; he was scarcely aware of the difference
which then existed between the officers of the Royal Navy and merchant
service. Captain Tracy, though anxious to promote his interests, did
not think fit to enlighten him, as he fully believed that during the
"piping times of peace" he would be far more likely to succeed in the
latter than in the former service; and belonging to it himself, he
rightly looked upon it as an honourable one.

Mrs Massey was struck by her son's pale face and languid manner. The
voyage over, the effects of his severe wound, and the long-continued
anxiety he had suffered, at once told on him. She immediately sent for
the best surgeon in the place. Dr Roach quickly arrived; he had a
great respect for Widow Massey, and had known Owen, from his boyhood.
On examining his wound he put on a grave face.

"It surprises me, my dear boy, that you could have managed to move about
with so fearful a laceration," he said; "it has been well and carefully
dressed, I will allow, or you would not have been alive at this moment.
Many a poor fellow has died from a less hurt than this. However, you
will do well now, if you follow my directions; but you must lie by and
get your mother to nurse you. Come, turn into bed at once; you are not
fit to be about--you'll get well