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 long have you been there?" asked the captain, who remarked that Owen had a cough, and looked very pale. "Rather more than a year, sir." "Not a very healthy life for a lad accustomed to the country. A sea trip would do you good. Would you like to make one?" "Very much, if Mr Fluke would allow me," answered Owen. "I should not wish to do anything of which he might not approve." "I'll see about it, youngster," said Captain Aggett. Although Owen was sent on several trips of the same description to other vessels, he was still kept too constantly at work in the office to benefit much by them. He naturally told Kezia of his visit to Captain Aggett, and of the invitation he had received.