Owen could scarcely believe his senses when he heard this. How would Ashurst now behave to him? He himself would not of course refer to the treatment he had received from the hands of the midshipman, but would act as if nothing unpleasant had occurred between them. Mr Stewart, the master's mate, who was an amiable young man, had always treated him kindly, and would, he was sure, do so now. It was nearly the dinner hour. "You will come at once into the cabin," said Mr Leigh; "there is no reason for delay." Owen made his way forward, and told Nat what had happened. Nat, who pretended to look very much surprised, said he was very glad to hear of Owen's good fortune. "But it's only your due," he added, "and please for the future remember that you are now in the midshipmen's berth, and a gentleman, that I am only a ship's boy, and treat me accordingly." "I hope, Nat, I shall always treat you as a true friend, for such you have been to me," said Owen. There was no time to lose. Owen managed to wash his hands and brush his hair, so that he might appear as neat as possible. Mr Stewart had the watch, but Ashurst was in the cabin. He looked hard at Owen as he entered, supposing that he had come to receive some orders, or to wait at table. The two French officers were about to take their seats. "I am glad to see you, Hartley," said Mr Leigh, when he came in. Ashurst stared, and the colour rose to his brow. "Messieurs," said Mr Leigh, turning to the French officers, "I beg to introduce this young gentleman to you. Ashurst, I now make him known to you as I intend to employ him as my clerk, and he will soon become your messmate, for I have little doubt, if he wishes it, when we return to the frigate, that Captain Stanhope will place him as a midshipman on the quarter-deck." The first impulse of Ashurst on hearing this was to get up from the table, but he sat down again and fixed his eyes on Owen without saying a word. Owen, who at first felt somewhat strange at being thus suddenly introduced into the society of gentlemen, soon recovered himself, and behaved as might have been expected. He addressed Mr Leigh with freedom but perfect propriety, and spoke to the French officers in their own language. Although the eldest understood a little English, yet he expressed himself with difficulty in it. Whenever Ashurst looked at him it was with a frown on his brow. He did not once speak to him, even though Mr Leigh attempted to make him do so. The dinner was got over rapidly, for it was not a time when the commanding officer could be long absent from the deck. The weather continued as before. So great was the strain on the cable that it appeared every instant ready to part. Hands were stationed at the stoppers of the second, ready to let it go should the first fail. Owen had been sent into the cabin to make out some lists from notes which Mr Leigh gave him, the French lieutenant having supplied him with writing materials for the purpose.