ve him a severe rope's ending. Nat knew
that it was owing to the carelessness of one of the men, but dared not
accuse him. Owen at that moment came forward, but he of course could
not interfere. When the mate returned aft he went up to him and
explained that Nat was innocent, and went on to say that he had very
often seen him punished without any just cause.

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

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

"I know my position," answered Owen, "but I cannot stand by and see any
one so cruelly ill-treated as Nat Midge is. I do not wish to appear as
his 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 the
mate, with an oath. "Look out, or I'll treat you as I treat the other
boys; 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. He
determined therefore to mention the matter to the captain, although well
aware that he should thus bring upon himself the vengeance of the mate.

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

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

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

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

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

Several days passed by, and, as far as Owen could judge, Nat was better
treated than formerly; he hoped, therefore, that his remarks to the mate
had produced some effect. The mate's manner, however, was distant and
surly, showing that he had no good fee