As Kezia had supposed, Mr Fluke continued talking or listening until it was far later than he was accustomed to retire for the night. She at length came in.
“I have given you an hour’s grace,” she exclaimed. “You will be fit for nothing to-morrow if you don’t go up to bed.”
“She knows best,” said Mr Fluke, looking at Owen, and taking the candle which Kezia handed to him; “every one obeys her in this house.”
After Mr Fluke had gone to his room, Owen gratified Kezia’s curiosity by giving her an outline of his adventures. When he told her of the possibility of his inheriting the Arlingford estates she almost gasped for breath.
“You, Owen, you become a lord!” she exclaimed. “It may be pleasant, and will be pleasant, if you do succeed; but have you thought, my boy, of the disappointment should you fail? I cannot say that I am the happier for what you tell me, except that I shall be glad for you not to have to go back to the office or to follow a sea life; but, Owen, whatever happens, you will not forget Kezia Crump?”
“Indeed I will not,” said Owen, taking her hand; “you have ever been a true friend to me, and the way you received me to-day proves your affection, which I shall never forget.”
The next morning Mr Fluke announced his intention of staying at home that he might have time to discuss matters with his young friend.
Owen’s first task was to write to David Rowe, requesting that he would come up at once to London at Mr Fluke’s desire. Owen also wrote to John, giving him a sketch of his adventures, though he did not mention the object for which he wished to see David. In spite of slow coaches, within three days David Rowe appeared at Mr Fluke’s office, where Owen had gone to meet him.
“You’ll want money to carry out this undertaking,” said Mr Fluke, turning to David; “draw on me for all you require. From the report of your friend here I will trust you, and that’s more than Simon Fluke would say to every man.”
“If our friend Owen has the right, we shall succeed, for right and might in this case go together, as you, Mr Fluke, supply the might,” said David, slapping his pockets.