bound for
the 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, must
pass by before Owen could come back. She embraced him with an affection
which made him think of his old nurse, Jane Hayes. "May God, who rules
both sea and land, protect you from the many dangers you have to
encounter. I don't hide them from myself, and I don't want you to shut
your eyes to them, but trust in Him, and be prepared for whatever may
happen. I'll pray for you, Owen, and He will hear the prayers even of
such an obstinate, self-opiniated old woman as I am."

She had insisted that Joseph should go on board with Owen, in order to
bring 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 Wapping
before 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 its
contents as you may find necessary, but do not be swindled out of it. I
am 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 your
friend."

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

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

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

The river pilot was soon on board, the sails were loosened, the anchor
hove 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 much
seamanship and navigation as you can while you are on board," observed
Captain Agge