ure that I ought not to think of asking for
a 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 I
do."

Mr Fluke, however, grumbled, and looked quite angry at Owen, when he
appeared in his new suit. Mrs Kezia had been insisting, in her usual
style, 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 him
to learn economy?"

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

Had it not been for her, Owen would probably have had to wear his
clothes into rags. Mr Fluke would certainly not have remarked their
tattered 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 in
the open air.

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

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

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

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

Owen, being very hungry, was glad to accept the invitation, and Captain
Aggett himself declared that he could not write an answer until he had
had something to eat. Possibly he said this that Owen might have a
legitimate excuse for his delay. The captain had a good deal of
conversation with Owen, with whom he seemed highly pleased. He took him
over the ship, and showed him his nautical instruments, which Owen said
he 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, I
believe, if I had a book especially explaining the subject," answered
Owen.

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

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

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

"How