e eldest of the young men, by patting its neck and
speaking soothingly, could quiet the animal sufficiently to be again put
into the cab. Owen assisted in buckling up the harness, while the black
tiger, now recovered, came and held the horse.

"Have you got a coin about you of some kind, Arlingford?" asked the
naval 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 happy
to 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?" exclaimed
Reginald, who spoke loud enough for Owen to hear him.

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

Owen had remarked a coronet on the cab. "Can those possibly be young
noblemen who made use of such coarse language, and who appear to be so
utterly devoid of right feeling?" he thought to himself. "I hope that I
shall not meet them again; but I think I should remember them,
especially the youngest, who had on a naval uniform. His being a sailor
will 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 of
fee or reward. I am afraid that the old man does not give you much of
either. What salary are you getting?"

"I have received nothing as yet; nor has Mr Fluke promised me a
salary," answered Owen. "I conclude that he considers it sufficient to
afford me board and lodging, and to teach me the business. I should not
think of asking for more."

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

"Pray do not speak to Mr Fluke," exclaimed Owen, earnestly; "I am
perfectly content, and I am s